In a gripping finale at the Concacaf Gold Cup held in Houston, the U.S. men’s national soccer team (USMNT) faced a disappointing 2-1 defeat against their long-time rivals, Mexico. Hosting a sellout crowd largely filled with fans supporting El Tri, the atmosphere highlighted an age-old issue of soccer fandom in the United States, leaving even the team’s Argentine manager, Mauricio Pochettino, momentarily taken aback. Why, despite playing in their home country, did U.S. players feel more like visitors in their own stadiums?
The three-week Gold Cup tournament featured a mix of seasoned and lesser-experienced players, many of whom will be vying for roster spots in the upcoming World Cup. Yet, the events leading up to the final sparked a broader conversation about fan loyalty. The semifinal match at Energizer Park in St. Louis showcased visibly pro-Guatemalan support, as Pochettino noted the invigorating connection that comes from passionate fans rallying behind their team: “That is football,” he remarked, emphasizing the electric energy that such support can inspire.
As the U.S. took to the field for the final at NRG Stadium before 70,925 fans, the boos echoed during warm-ups, contrasting sharply with the cheers that erupted for Mexico’s victory. Pochettino, reflecting on the crowd dynamics, addressed the need for U.S. fans to embrace their role: “We need the fans. It’s time to realize how important they are in soccer,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of physical presence over virtual support through social media. “Football without fans? It’s impossible.”
Pochettino’s observations represent a stark cultural shift for a coach who has managed teams in environments rich with staunch loyalty, such as Argentina and Europe. The U.S. soccer landscape is incredibly diverse, with fans hailing from varied backgrounds and often holding loyalties to nations outside the U.S. As the delicate balance of regional pride plays out, it becomes evident why Pochettino found the experience enlightening and perhaps perplexing.
The influx of different cultural influences results in a fragmented fanbase that can skew allegiances away from the U.S. team. This complexity is compounded by the financial barriers many fans face when attending matches. High ticket prices can deter both die-hard supporters and casual fans from filling stadiums, especially when combined with the reality that fan engagement often hinges on a team’s performance. The U.S. entered the Gold Cup on a four-game losing streak, their longest in 18 years, and notable absences, like that of star player Christian Pulisic, only widened the chasm between the team and its potential supporters.
As the tournament progressed, dwindling attendance during the group stages raised yet another concern. Dan Wiersema, a former leader of the official U.S. supporters group American Outlaws, downplayed alarmist reactions, explaining that American fans are somewhat accustomed to feeling outnumbered even during home games. “That’s nothing new to American fans in general,” he observed, hinting at the complexities of setting expectations for U.S. soccer.
American Outlaws were founded nearly two decades ago to enhance the game-day experience for U.S. supporters. Their mission has always been to foster a diverse community, reflecting the unique tapestry that is U.S. soccer fandom. Justin Brunken, one of the group’s founders, recalls the early days when the desire was to create a welcoming environment for all fans, irrespective of the match’s stakes. The aim was to build a culture that thrives beyond the spectacle of wins and losses.
However, both Wiersema and Brunken have noticed shifts in attendance due to personal commitments and financial constraints, leading to a new reality for many true fans. With the upcoming World Cup looming large, ensuring that the sport remains accessible is paramount for both the sport’s image and its growth in the U.S. “It might be the most inaccessible World Cup out there,” Brunken warned, as ticket prices for matches threaten to become prohibitively expensive.
Wiersema pointed out the importance of performance in driving attendance: “The wallet gets wider when the team is better.” Essentially, success breeds interest; if the U.S. can stage a strong showing next summer, they may well see more fans turning out at matches. The dichotomy between fiscal investment and emotional engagement is clear: many casual fans are likely to weigh their attendance against the team’s likelihood of victory, and this introduces an element of fluctuation in support.
Pochettino’s arrival marks not only a new chapter for USMNT’s coaching staff but also their understanding of the U.S. soccer landscape. His comments have ignited discussions about the crucial need for fan engagement, challenging the prevailing notions of American soccer culture. He clarified, however, that his role is not to dictate change but to foster a competitive spirit that resonates with fans. “I am here to help create a path together,” he stated, emphasizing the collaborative journey ahead.
This vibrant discussion surrounding U.S. soccer fandom will likely linger as the national team approaches upcoming matches and the looming World Cup. Striking a balance between traditional fan culture and the increasing globalization of soccer will be pivotal as U.S. soccer seeks to forge a more unified presence among its supporters.
(Top photo: Jeff Curry/Imagn Images)
