Wednesday, October 17, 2012

USA vs. Guatemala World Cup Qualifier

There is something about a World Cup qualifying soccer game; where the winner goes on, and the loser goes home, that brings out the passions of all fans in attendance.  At Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City on Tuesday night the passion of the USA fans was on full display for all of the world to see.
Before the game, USA fans marched to Livestrong ready for the game...
...and grabbing a beer at a tailgate outside their favorite restaurant .
Inside, as the sun went down over an unusually warm October day in Kansas City the USA fans, flags and scarfs in hand, were ready to cheer on their team.
The supporters section, led by American Outlaws fans, got the fans into the game immediately.
 ...but a shock counter attack goal by Guatemala put the USA down early and fear about their World Cup dreams crept into the fans at the game.
But the USA quickly responded and the fans went wild.
The fans urged on the team to score more goals.
And after the USA fans celebrating their third goal...
...behind an amazing first half display by Clint Dempsey, all the USA fans were celebrating and breathing a sigh of relief that their Brazil dreams were alive.
In the second half the fans kept up the cheers...
...and celebrated their victory after the final whistle.
Some fans exchanged hi-fives with the USMNT teammates...
...and then continued their celebration outside the stands.
It was a spirited display by the USA Men's team and in particular its fans who gave the team what it needed most: a loud, pro-USA crowd.

I can't wait for the next round of qualifying for the USA Men's National Team.  I'm sure there will be more ups and downs, but with the USA fans cheering on the team the whole way I know it will be quite an adventure.

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