Did anyone realize that hockey still existed? You probably do now. Canada boo’ed our national anthem, our team immediately started throwing punches, won the game, and then more people than have ever viewed a hockey game tuned in for the final. This was an exhibition tournament, otherwise meaningless. The subsequent final sold out and the stands rang with the crowd-sung national anthem before the game. The US lost, but that is beside the point. The US Hockey team inspired our country by standing up for our people and not allowing them to be disrespected in front of the world. How can we generate that kind of collective love and support for our USMNT? Should our players and coaches respond similarly to disrespect, by standing up and pushing back against our detractors, then they will get all kinds of support. Our players need to stand up for our people. They need to represent us with grit and heart, just like our hockey guys did. People won’t remember the final that those guys lost. They’ll remember the fights after the boos, and they’ll buy tickets when they’re in town. Ultimately the team should represent us. It is our NATIONAL team. It should aspire to greatness and inspire us to greatness with them. The USMNT is NOT FOR THE WORLD, IT IS FOR US. If they fight for us, we will love them. We will buy every jersey off the shelf we can get our hands on, no matter how ugly it is. We will fill the stands even if we don’t field the best team with star players. Why? Because that is what America is. We are people who can appreciate the fight; for sticking up for our neighbors, family, and friends. Should US Soccer take the globalist tact and approach this as though our players are a bunch of international mercenaries, we will be embarrassed in the first two games as our stands will be filled with our opponents’ fans. And we will crash out of the first round just like we did in the Copa America when we were visitors on our own terra firma. Support matters. It matters to both the players and the fans. It’s up to US Soccer to set the tone, beginning today, that this time for American greatness. It’s time for the Man in the Mirror, not time to defer to others. The 1994 crew did a great job across the board, and it wasn’t nearly as organized as today’s tournament. It will be difficult for this group to live up to 1994 given the lame ass apathetic approach they have taken to forging a US identity with our national teams. Bring back the Waldos. Crank the butt rock, 90’s rap, and go all-out American. Hell, bring back Spuds McKenzie. Inspire Americans and Americans will show up in droves. We will sell stadiums out and sell out smaller stadiums to watch the games in.
Like always the hockey team over did themselves in the group game against Canada and lost the one that counted despite the home ice. Lesson for the USMNT: composure when it counts over boundless aggression out of the gate. And the stars have to show in the biggest moments. Matthews blew it for the hockey team in overtime. If Pulisic sees a golden chance in a big moment it has to be taken.
I get your point. But this team has shown plenty of fight and pride in representing the US, especially in big games against rival Mexico. Remember in Qatar how they handled themselves in the lead up to and amidst a hostile environment against politically-charged opponent Iran. Or even England. Their 2026 World Cup games will packed with passionate USMNT and general USA fans, regardless of what US Soccer does. The only opponents that might take over the stadium are a small number of very passionate Latin American countries (Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico).
In terms of "home" support, the US is rarely the home team in its own country, Latin opponents or not. The USMNT is also not really respected within its own country, unlike the Women who have won multiple world cups. Soccer in the US has long had a nasty social stigma, especially in MAGA country and other far right strongholds. Soccer to them is "Un-American", "Homosexual" and "COMMUNIST!" I don't understand why they're so proud of being ignorant. Ignorance is not a source of pride, but of shame.
I don’t know man. I usually agree with you on most things, but at this moment in time some of us just are not that gung-ho on the whole “us versus them” dynamic. I want the guys to go out and play hard and leave nothing on the field. I prefer quiet confidence over brashness.
There were those of us around for WC94 and WWC99. Yes, Americans will be "all in" for the World Cup rooting on the USMNT whether they follow soccer on a regular basis or not. Just like they were then. In 94 a bunch of my friends (none of whom cared about soccer) got together on July 4th to watch the US versus Brazil. Yes, it happened. Just like when the Olympics come around all of a sudden Americans care about the 800M breastroke. We're just that way. And yes, we're hearing about all sorts of initiatives that MLS wants to undertake in order to take advantage of the exposure. I don't think the USL's recent announcements are a timing coincidence either. And we're also seeing advertisers and sponsors start signing on Pulisic, McKennie, and other star USMNTers. They're going to be everywhere as WC26 approaches. Hell, they're starting to sign the next generation. Cavan Sullivan's deals are ridiculous for a kid that's never done anything. He has deals with UberEats, Aeropostale, Adidas, Raising Cane's, BlueCross, and LivPur.
Fair enough. My deeper point is brashness without substance doesn’t get the job done. You don’t see the Germans acting very brash, ever. Underling cockiness? Sure.
I just thought it was funny. Hopefully, you were able to see it that way. Only reason I mentioned. I will take it step further and say that I wish US fans would stop putting "moral"/"personality" issues as a reason to exclude players. In any field, the persona of the best varies dramatically... From the quietest/introverts to the loudest/most obnoxious people ever. I wish people could just start focusing on their talent and consistent play. It isnt me, but brashness puts extra pressure on a player. They set a higher standard for themselves. So they either deliver or are discarded quicker than they would be otherwise. Germans are not very brash. Some Americans are. They should be included if they are the most talented.
I wouldn't say overdid it, the US and Canada are pretty much even on talent now. Both games were very close, if anything Canada lost despite playing better in the first game and the reverse was true in the final.
aww poor baby, did my comment pointing out how Pulisic blew an early chance to help us beat Holland in the WC hurt your feelings?
The only thing i remember from that game was Ferreira looking and playing like a twelve year old. Why would I fixate on a players miss? It happens.
Think about the World Cup win over Algeria and the euphoric fan videos that followed. Something similar happened when we beat Spain in 2009. Those famous wins were spirited. They overcame odds with character that was very American. I streamed game in my college gym and by the end there was a crowd there behind me. It is not in American character to go through the motions and lose and to get a participation trophy. It’s in American character to overcome adversity and figure out how to do what it takes to beat the other guy. It would be a good idea for US Soccer to find a marketing firm (Ogilve?) that will create a campaign for the USMNT that doesn’t promote political/divisive BS, but brings us all together with common American aspirations. Remind us of the guys who brought us here and make us excited about what our group can do.
then why are your feelings all hurt and your acting like a pouting 3rd grader trying to call me a name or whatever