This post is not really something solid, more a conglomeration of my thoughts on the state of the US fan both from being at home in San Francisco and in Africa, watching US games both in and out of stadiums. This is something to build on, something to go forward with, something that I hope others will modify, run with, make their own and help the game continue to grow in the US.

We as Americans have arrived on the world stage as fans. Walking around South Africa in cities where the US was not playing on non game days and seeing people with USMNT gear on was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life, both in terms of making me feel like my brethren was out there and I was not alone and in the fact that we have the pride to rock our team’s gear. Sure, we weren’t the most populated fans in Africa (in terms of number of tickets bought by our nation yes) but that is okay. It gives us goals, things to strive for. Possibilities. When I say arrived, I don’t mean that we are it, but we are there. Our presence is felt. It’s a starting point to work from. It’s amazing for our boys to know that we support them wherever they go. As a fan it instills tons of pride in our existence, that we, the American soccer fan are a force to be reckoned with. We will continue to grow but we can accelerate this growth and encourage it a couple different ways.

We must unite. The American Outlaws are a great example of this. Sorry if I gush about them at times, but as the frustrated young USMNT fan who both knows and loves the game and likes to have a good time, I did not have an outlet on the national team scene. Insert the American Outlaws, who I can say I am a proud member of. They are legit. We met them before the US-Ghana game at a bar in South Africa and it was awesome. I don’t even think Chamo can see he didn’t have fun. We met Brunken and Donahoo, two of the nicest guys in the world who are super friendly and legit. They also happen to be the VP and Prez of the American Outlaws. They were there for the exact same reason we were, to cheer on the US and have a great time. Neither were too cool to say what up and chat for a sec. I remember sharing some of our vodka with some dudes on our bus from DC. An hour after the party was rolling at the bar, one of them came up with some wine and repaid the kindness. Dude went out of his way to make sure I got a drink in return. Outlaws are just good people. As an organization they have grown.. “JusticeAO: From 1 to 33 chapters in 3 years; from 0 to 3000 members in 3 years; United and Strengthen!” This is incredible. But it isn’t enough. We need more fans who stand with the Outlaws behind the USMNT. I’m thinking 100 thousand members by World Cup 2014. Yeah, I said it. 100k. That will show how strong our support is. So join now if you haven’t already it is less then twenty bucks for a tshirt, a bandanna, membership which comes with tons of discounts and the knowledge that you are in on the ground floor of what promises to be the most important organization in US soccer for fans going forward. And shipping. For those of us who are already AO members, we need to get our friends involved. Our family. Anyone who we know supports US soccer. We need to be at games in force. If we aren’t there, we need to have the best watch parties around. Link up and get involved in the community. Be known. Be positive. Show your love for US soccer and spread it. Help people understand how awesome US games are even when the World Cup isn’t going on. I’ve found that taking people to friendlies is one of the best ways to get them to understand, because that environment is there even when all the first teamers may not be there. They get to watch a game in person and feel the passion of the other fans and it’s addictive. We need to spread the love, get to games, bring friends, and let them start the cycle with their friends. THERE IS NO REASON THE US SHOULD EVER PLAY ANOTHER GAME IN THE US WHERE US FANS ARE OUTNUMBERED. NONE. It’s time for us to step our game up as fans.

We also need to get more creative in stadiums. From going to a number of different games, it’s clear that everyone likes to bring their flags to the game and hang them from the railings etc. which is cool I guess. One of the great things about the US is that we are a compilation of states. States with flags. Sick flags. So I propose we start bringing our state flags to the game. Show the world that while they have a flag, we have many flags. Flags that all combine Captain Planet style to form the awesome American flag. Just a thought because I think it would be way cooler then the flags other people bring and then write on. I’m not a big fan of the write on your flag game yadig? Anyway, let’s get the ball rolling on how we as the American fan can make the US a better environment for our team and how we can spread the game. Our team stood up at the World Cup, now it’s time to stand behind them at home. Tell us how you think the American fan can be better so you are heard and your fellow fan can learn from your input.