Soccer….Family Style


It’s Go Time in KC
October 16, 2012, 2:42 pm
Filed under: International Soccer, Supporter Culture, US Soccer | Tags: , , ,

We got to Kansas City last night and are headed to the stadium for what should be one of the best US Soccer atmospheres ever. We went to the Open Cup final in KC, and I was blown away by the atmosphere Sporting has developed for their MLS club. Fireworks, tifo, singing….this is not the supporter culture of their Wizards past. Tonight should be fantastic.

We got to the stadium at 10 AM to hang banners, set up the Midwest Mama stadium flag, and help American Outlaws lay out their stadium wide tifo. The usual security briefing is “don’t do this, don’t do that…” But at Livestrong Park, we were instructed that their goal was no arrests, no ejections, and a stadium so loud, the players wouldn’t be able to hear the final whistle. I’ve never working with stadium front office that’s so supporter friendly.

Combine that with supporters coming in from all over the US, and it’s lining up to be a great night. This is a special game for our family, not just because we get to see some old friends we usually only see at World Cups, but it is our family cap #97, 98, 99, and 100. (37 for Tanya, 31 for Doug, 20 for 10 year old Betsy Ross, and an even dozen for 5 year old Captain America…he outgrew the Uncle Sam outfit). So look for us by the Midwest Mama flag, singing our hearts out to victory and on to the Hex!

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Keep Calm and Qualify
October 12, 2012, 5:09 pm
Filed under: International Soccer, US Soccer | Tags: , , ,

There’s been a whole bunch of panic this week about US Soccer. Players hurt, players sick, questions of who’s been called up and who hasn’t….wrenching of hands and stomachs across the US Soccer family of supporters. I need you all to keep calm out there, because you’re making me feel old.

We’ve been here before. If you’ve watched US Soccer for a few decades, you know, qualifying in CONCACAF is hardly ever fun or easy, but we usually find a way to squeak it out. I know, I know….I had tickets to the Olympic qualifier in KC that never was, but this is not the same thing. We likely need 4 points out of the next 2 games, and that’s achievable. We have good players that are not Donovan or Jozy. I’m excited to see Graham Zusi light it up, Michael Bradley is back in, and I’m fired up to watch Alan Gordon head one past the defensive wall I’m sure Antigua and Barbuda will throw up.

So head out to your nearest American Outlaws, Sam’s Army, or US Soccer bar, grab a beer, and let’s support our boys into the final round of qualifying for Brazil. It takes more than two island nationals to hold us back!

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