| 07 December 2011
A measly 4 plus years ago a group of US soccer fans from Lincoln, Nebraska attended a friendly between international powerhouse Brazil and the United States. That crew would eventually expand and morph into the hardcore group of American soccer supporters who proudly rock the American flag bandanna at all US Men's National Team games, known as the American Outlaws.
The American Outlaws have filled the void that the United States has lacked over the years, a righteous 12th man that pours its heart and soul into every match. Nobody could have known how quickly this organization would grow, as they already have over 70 local chapters and counting. The American Outlaws have revolutionized the way this nation cheers for its soccer team, and US Futblog had the honor of interviewing its founding fathers, Korey Donahoo and Justin Brunken. Enjoy...
How did the American Outlaws start? Were you former players or primarily die-hard fans?
We were a group of friends who went to a lot of US games and felt like there was a need for some fan organization and consistency. None of us ever played for the US national team, although we were good enough. Just ask us.
In its current form, is the organization exactly how you envisioned it or is it slowly morphing into something bigger that you didn't anticipate? What's your ultimate goal for the American Outlaws (i.e. where do you want it to be in 10 years)?
It has personally surpassed my expectations. I never thought we would have 70+ chapters; especially not this quickly. It is, however, pretty much how we envisioned it in the beginning, although at that time we wore blue, not red. We eventually decided to switch to red to collaborate with Sam's Army. Our guiding light is to Unite and Strengthen our country's soccer fans. I guess you could say that is our ultimate goal, though a more tangible goal that we are striving for is to have the whole stadium standing for the whole game. This has happened before, but we would like it to be the norm.
What is your favorite AO moment? Did it occur at a specific US game?
My favorite AO moment is probably the march from the Weathermark Tavern to Soldier Field in Chicago for the Honduras game. We had an amazing turnout, and Sunil Gulati surprised us with an impromptu speech. Another moment that stands out was the march to the Algeria game in South Africa, when the team bus happened to drive through our march. Bob Bradley mentioned it (almost through tears) in his postgame press conference.
Who is your favorite player past or present?
Brian McBride. A great player, a stand up guy. You can't say enough about the guy.
What's your favorite AO chant? Are there any cool chants that you guys are working on?
My favorite right now is a simple one; the "Ole, ole ole ole, USA! USA!", although my favorite changes a lot. We are working on a chant competition right now to come up with some new chants. Hoping our members can come through!
What's your opinion of Sam's Army? Do you view them as a competitor?
I have a lot of respect for Sam's Army. I don't think AO would be what it is today without SA. I think American Outlaws have proved through our consistency and our organization that we are the real deal. We are all in it for the same reason, which is to further support for the USMNT, so it is all good between us, and we do not view them as a competitor. 
Thoughts on the current state of the National Team...
How do you think Jurgen Klinsmann has performed thus far? Are you a supporter of his 4-3-3 formation and his push to expand the player pool (i.e. Danny Williams, Alfredo Morales, etc)? Or are you hesitant of how long it may take to translate this style into results?
I don't think he's been too great, but I'm not ready to panic. I'm looking forward to an extended camp, so he can have some real impact with the players. As I've said on our podcast, I'm not a huge fan of looking all over the world for new American players. I know that is very popular in soccer now to look outside your borders for a player who may qualify, but I am a little old school in thinking that players shouldn't represent a country they have only visited once or twice. That said, if a player can come here and embrace the team and play with pride, the way Jermaine Jones has, then I am all about it. It's something that I go back and forth on.
Outside of the Donovan's and Dempsey's of the world, who are two sleepers that will make an impact in Brazil?
I'm hoping Stu Holden can summon up some of the oceans of good karma that he has earned being the nicest guy in the world and come back and have an impact. My stomach still turns when I think of what he has gone through...particularly when I see Evans or De Jong out on the field. Stu has always been so positive through all this crap that he deserves to make an impact in the World Cup.
I also have big hopes for Agudelo, now that the hype has simmered down. He hasn't been playing much for the Red Bulls, and I think once he gets into camp and has to prove himself again, he can do big things for us.
Are you a big MLS fan? Do you think Commissioner Garber is doing a good job building up the league? What's one thing you would change about the MLS tomorrow?
Last year was a big year for me as MLS finally surpassed the Premier League and Champions League in what I care most about on TV. You can call it euro-snobbery if you want, but deep down I now get more excited for big MLS clashes than European ones. The skill is still better in the top leagues overseas, but you can't reach out and touch it the way you can with MLS.
I'm really excited for Major League Soccer's future. Garber has overseen some great expansions that have made the league much better. I wish they could find a way to make the regular season games mean more. I know they have struggled and are looking for a solution. If it were me, I would cut the number of games in half, play each team once (either home OR away, and switch the following season). It would hurt revenue for awhile, but would make every game matter infinitely more, and I think would be a great long-term move.
Lastly, but definitely not least, who is the hottest women's player in your opinion?
I'm a big Ali Krieger fan.
