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Don't Call them Bandwagon-er's!

It's hard to believe that only a few years ago the game of soccer seemed nothing short of a call into the wind for majority of American sports fans. But judging by the fact that nearly every bar in downtown Iowa City was over capacity, bursting at the seams with people standing on tables and chairs just to watch the World Cup, I think the tide has turned when it comes to American soccer fans (finally).

Some may think this plethora of new found fandom is nothing but a stint of bandwagon-ers. But I don't think that's the case, especially when it comes to a team that's essentially dripping red, white, and blue. When I think of jumping on the bandwagon, I envision a closet full of NBA jerseys, stacked chronologically from most recent championship winner…or any team that LeBron plays for. See, Bandwagon-er's usually identify with a single player, or a team that 'might be good' this year. But for the World Cup, American's don't identify with a single player, they identify with the fact that a single team is representing our great country (One Nation One Team). We, as a country, rally behind our representations, and those who represent us on a national level. Whether it's at the olympics in unheard of sports, or around a team of incredibly talented and humbled men as they kick a ball around in hopes of becoming the next American heroes, we support those who wear the Red, White, and Blue. 

We look for things to believe in, something to bring a splash of color to our black and white news cycle, we look for things we can put our hope into. The United States Mens National Team gave us something bigger to believe in, they gave us hope for a next round, another day off work, and more importantly, these men gave us a reason to be excited. With tragedy, controversy, and unrest constantly flooding the headlines, the USMNT took over, as they shocked the world by escaping the 'group of death' and advancing to elimination play. Even after a heartbreaking loss against Belgium, the USMNT stood tall, and stayed humble through the loss; something not every team can claim. 

Working at Donnelly's, which was recently voted the #1 place in Iowa to watch World Cup action, I can personally tell you that the crowds of people that filled our tiny bar knew what they were talking about when it came to the game, the players, and the history of US soccer. What was even more profound, was that these knowledgable fans didn't hesitate to explain the game to newcomers. In fact, they were thrilled to give a detailed explanation of the twisted idea of 'offsides', or 'extra time', because they genuinely wanted people to enjoy what they were watching. 

The USMNT may not have brought home the World Cup, but they didn't leave their fans empty handed. These men brought people together from all walks- of- life. In a matter of a few weeks, this team unified a nation behind a sport that few previously cared about. They ignited FIFA-fever through American society, hopefully lighting a fuse that will burn until the 2018 World Cup (do I smell a USA comeback?)

So, call them bandwagon-er's all you want, but to me, supporting the USA won't ever be anything but patriotic. 
b e l I e ve

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