American Ultras: A History of US National Team Fans

American Ultras: A History of US National Team Fans

If the history of US soccer is longer than most people realize, so is the history of US soccer fandom. From factory workers cheering from the freezing sidelines on industrial lots in the late 1800s to families in air-conditioned domed stadiums today, wherever the game has been played, fans have watched. And for over a century, US fans have watched their national teams. National team fan support is a window into any country’s soccer culture, so as the US prepares to co-host the World Cup, AN AMERICAN GAME takes a look at the history of US “ultras” through iconic songs and chants. The sounds of--believe it or not--a soccer nation.

Seattle 2.0: We've Heard Great Things

In Season One, Seattle made our Starting XI of US Soccertowns (Portland, we've read your comments, and we are very sorry.) As the Emerald City prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, we're re-airing last fall’s segment on Seattle soccer history—but first we have the latest on how the city feels about FIFA, ferries...and that scheduled Iran game. Washington State Legends of Soccer: https://wasoccerlegends.org/ [https://wasoccerlegends.org/]

Jersey Odyssey: Our Visit to Soccertown, USA

From: Bank of America To: Tom and Kirk Subject: Pre-World Cup screening of SOCCERTOWN, USA And so an adventure began: an invitation to meet up in New Jersey for a screening of our award-winning 2019 documentary, followed by a panel with Tab Ramos, John Harkes, and Tony Meola, whose story we told. Which led to this adventure: our first unscripted episode, where we talk about an incredible night with legends of US soccer, as well as some other highlights from our trip--like catching up with another legend of US soccer, Bob Bradley, right before we got a little buzzed on a new beer with our name on it. Oh, we also tell you what's wrong with the current US Men's National Team. And all in less than 25 minutes! Strap in, because we're going off-road.  EPISODE LINKS: "SOCCERTOWN, USA" MOVIE: https://www.soccertownmedia.com/video [https://www.soccertownmedia.com/video] VARITAGE BREW WORKS: https://www.varitagebeer.com/ [https://www.varitagebeer.com/] SIHANA CAFE: https://sihanacafe.com/ [https://sihanacafe.com/] KEEPERS BAR & RESTAURANT: https://www.keepers-nj.com/ [https://www.keepers-nj.com/] SOCCER POST-KEARNY: https://soccerpostkearny.com/ [https://soccerpostkearny.com/]

Archie Stark and the Scotch Professors

Tartan Army, assemble! Grab your Walker's shortbread and Laphroaig and listen to a tale of your ancestors, who traveled over the ocean to the United States and Canada... as many of you will this summer for the World Cup (if world events and FIFA prices allow.) This is a story of the Scotch Professors, who brought the pass-and-move version of football around the world and helped make it the Global Game. And it's a tribute to the United States' greatest Scotch Professor: Archie Stark, who was once called the Babe Ruth of American soccer. Ye cannae wait, can ye? MUSIC CREDIT:  Song: Nomadic Sunset Composer: Alexander Nakarada Website: https://creatorchords.com/ License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

Atlanta 2.0 -- Back to the Benz

Last fall, Atlanta was one of our Starting XI of US Soccertowns. As it prepares to host games in the World Cup, Tom and Kirk take a look at how preparations are going in the literal home of US Soccer. Then we re-broadcast the Atlanta section from that Starting XI episode, so tourists (and natives) can get a quick hit of the long history of soccer in the Dirty South. It's only ten minutes, so maybe Mauricio Pochettino can find time to learn about the country he has the privilege of representing this summer. Just a friendly suggestion! Special thanks to Atlanta historian Patrick Sullivan. Also credit to Atlanta soccer writer Doug Roberson: https://soccerwithdoug.substack.com/