http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/09/sports/soccer/09vecsey.html "Two years later, the American men are ranked eighth in the world's most competitive sport. Eighth. Ahead of Germany, the Czech Republic and - incredibile! - the Azzurri of Italy. The United States has achieved parity, yet this rather stunning feat is celebrated by a relative handful of goofy characters in red outfits, known as Sam's Army, who follow the American team around the globe. It begins again - the long and dodgy road toward the 2006 World Cup."
Not living in New York any more I all most forgot how good the artical in the times were great pice thanks for the link