Join the American Outlaws as we support the USMNT in the biggest match in US Soccer history.
That’s right, I said it. USA squaring off against Argentina in the semifinals of the Copa America Centenario is the biggest match in US Soccer history.
Notice I said the biggest, not the most important match. That distinction belongs to USA’s 1989 World Cup Qualifying victory over Trinidad and Tobago in Port-of-Spain courtesy of Paul Caliguri’s wonder goal. That result sent USA to the 1990 World Cup, ensured that we would host the 1994 World Cup, and led to the birth of Major League Soccer in 1996.
Coach Klinsmann’s 23 will arrive at NRG Park in Houston, millions will tune in on television across the land, and the American Outlaws will "Unite & Strengthen" in the stands. At stake is a claim to legitimacy as an emerging soccer power. The stage is set and the moment is now.
Our mission is to support the United States National Soccer Teams through a unified and dedicate group of supporters.
We have been on the doorstep before. USA beat Mexico in the knockout stage of the 2002 World Cup only to be turned away by Germany in the quarterfinals 2-1. The Yanks were the better team that day, but were turned aside by a Torsten Frings handball on the line that was not called. We shocked the world and beat Spain in the semifinals of the 2009 Confederations Cup 2-0. In the tournament final we led Brazil 2-0 at the break before the Selecao roared back with 3 goals in the second half to claim victory. We were close, but no cigar. The ball is round.
We pledge to be loud. To stand, sing, and cheer our Yanks on. To be an organized, unified group of fans at both the local and national level
Lionel Messi is the best player in the history of the sport. He leads a deep and talented Argentina team that is hungry for a trophy. The Argentines have run roughshod through Copa America. They have met little resistance, have rotated a myriad of players onto the pitch, and boast an array of attacking options that are the envy of the football world. Messi is the reigning Ballon D’Or winner and Argentina is currently the ranked #1 by FIFA. They are giants, in the world of football
Be a part of the greatest soccer community in the land, become an American Outlaw and join today.
Today, history doesn’t matter. The two sides will be level when they take the pitch. Support makes a difference. Our passion, our time, abd our commitment to US Soccer, makes a difference.
Last night I conversed with American Outlaws from all across the land. They had traveled from Chicago, Nebraska, Philadelphian, and so forth to take part. To belong to a movement that grows each and every year..
The VP of AO, Justin Brunken, and I spoke briefly earlier tonight. In short, he thanked me for my time and dedication to AOCopa and writing these articles. I have thanked him in the past for his dedication to AO. He asked me if he could do anything for the work I have done and I replied that it wasn’t necessary.
Instead I will ask all of you who read this article today, to believe. I ask all of you who stand with AO in Houston tonight, to be loud and proud. I ask all of you who gather around televisions tomorrow night with family and friends, to be passionate and enjoy the game we all love.
Lastly, I ask each and everyone one of you to join us, become an American Outlaw, Unite & Strengthen.
About The Author
Robert W. Cross is a founding member and former President of American Outlaws Portland, a lifelong football fan, and supporter of both club and country.
Photos by Will Leverett