We are in process of forming an American Outlaws Portland chapter. Began loosely organizing during the Gold Cup. The Thirsty Lion is our home bar for those of you that are familiar with PDX. Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/American-Outlaws-Portland/203154356390080. Interested in joining? Sign up on American Outlaws national website and indicate the Portland chapter: http://www.theamericanoutlaws.com/headline/join-the-movement.
How would you guys feel about hosting all future mexico versus USA games? I am on the east coast but I would be willing to sacrifice attending the games for a pro US crowd in the US. I have seen the fans sing the national athem (during Timber games) and would love to see that at a US v mex game.
I would imagine that Columbus, Ohio might have something to say about that. They have been a tremendous host for a number of Mexico-USA matches. One of the main reasons we started AOPDX is to get national team matches here. I think the atmosphere would be great.
I was at the last Columbus qualifier against lil mex. They (lil mex fans) nearly outnumbered US fans. I think it was close. I was sitting in a clearly 50/50 section. I'm not positive that it gave the US any kind of advantage although it did eliminate their ridiculous usual edge. I just don't feel that the Columbus fans did anything to swing the advantage to the US (as they should have). From what I've seen of Portland they might have the answer. If there is passionate US fans in Portland then I think we should give them a chance. As far as the field goes, you suit it to however the home team plays.
Jeld-Wen Field is 70 yards wide and 110 yards long and is FIFA certified. It is also artificial turf. Interestingly, Stoke City of the EPL has the exact same dimensions.
I believe we would represent well and there is a strong want to make this happen. If anyone can help direct me as to how to best facilitate this effort it would be most appreciated.
What are the dynamics between AO and the Timbers Army? I've been a casual observer...I've noticed a fair bit of hostility between the two and I've failed to understand why. There are plenty of AO chapters in other MLS markets with robust supporters groups.
Oh it's artificial turf? Yeah, you'll never get a qualifier. The Fed will never play a qualifier on fake grass. Never. In the last three World Cup qualification cycles we've played on artificial turf once, in 2005 against Guatemala in Alabama I believe. Don't mean to burst your bubble but... Foxborough got tons of qualifiers but they won't going forward because of Bob Kraft's field turf. Most SSS are grass anyway.
Yes, I am aware of the turf issue. I believe that some stadiums cart in grass however and I think that would work here too. I believe they have done that in Giants Stadium prior (I'm originally from NJ).
Loaded question. The AO chapter we are in process of forming has only been in "existence" since right prior to the Gold Cup. There has been some animus to our proceedings from a vocal minority of Timbers Army/107ist members. The "founders" of AOPDX are also TA/107ist members. I think there are several reasons for the situation: 1) Portland is a different city than most cities. 2) Club, in most peoples' eyes, is greater than country here. 3) Some people have questioned the need for an AO chapter. 4) Some people don't like how we went about "starting" the AO chapter (I would counter that resistance would be found no matter how the chapter were started). 5) Some people don't like the host bar we have selected. 6) Some people think the sky is blue. I think that tells the "story".
Quite a few people have mentioned that to me here locally. Pretty much everyone wants to see it happen again and soon.
I'll take COUNTRY over CLUB any day of the week. Seriously, everyone is like OMG TIMBERS ARMY OMG, support the USMNT, we could have used your support against Mexico at the Rose Bowl, seriously.
There are a lot of TA members who support the USMNT. My "statement" was more of an informal guess than a scientific poll. The TA is a one of a kind, incredible experience. I have played, followed, watched many sports and nothing compares IMO.
I think it would be worth looking at the relationship between AODC and Screaming Eagles. The two groups work together, but considering that SE is a veteran supporters group, they do much of the heavy lifting (organizing travel, tailgates, etc) From my visit to RFK last month, I gathered that the cooperation between the two groups was almost seamless. I'd imagine that a successful model in Portland would mirror this arrangement. The Timbers Army would lend its expertise and energy to the group, and "AOPDX" would more or less be an extension of the TA.
Good idea in theory but challenging in application. Portland is a different beast than DC. The Timbers Army is focused on the Timbers (as it should be). First year in MLS, growing in size and numbers, and so forth. IMO, it is the greatest supporters group in professional sports in our country. American Outlaws Portland is a fledgling effort that is going to take some time to figure out. It will become what it will become in due time.
DC had a reputation of being very club over country but I think they've turned that around in the last five years. Now when people think of club over country people think Seattle and Portland. It will change, just give it time.