- May 8, 2024
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For those who traveled to the beach or sat in their backyards, grilling hot dogs and burgers, wrapped in the American flag, wearing American memorabilia or sporting the nation’s red, white and blue to take in the fireworks on Independence Day, they didn’t have to wait long for another chance to flaunt their patriotism. The following day, the United States Women’s National Team avenged its 2011 World Cup loss by beating Japan in blowout fashion.
In the midst of a great national win, however, appeared the fan police, who, at one time, wanted the nation to watch more soccer, but, when it did, attempted to thwart the country’s joy of seeing its new favorite ladies win the most coveted soccer trophy for the first time since 1999. The fan police started issuing tickets, calling everyone else “bandwagon fans.”
I don’t understand bandwagon patrollers. Where were they, when nearly the entire nation cheered for the Chicago Bulls in the late ’80s and early ’90s, but, when Jordan retired, they, just like the people they criticize, hopped off the Bulls’ bandwagon.
Also, why are there so many Dallas Cowboys fans? Does it not have anything to do with their glory days in the ’70s and ’90s, when they racked up five Super Bowl rings? Why do the Jacksonville Jaguars struggle with attendance and ratings? Yep. Credit their mediocre-to-sub-par game performances.
Having said all of that, there is nothing wrong with having a favorite team or being a loyal fan. I can only imagine the joy Boston fans felt after the Red Sox embarrassed the Yankees on the way to the pennant in 2004, ending an 86-year drought. A lot of those fans endured years of failure to experience that moment. All sports fans want to experience moments like that, especially when they’re cheering for a team that’s playing for the country.
It shouldn’t matter that a lot of their supporters probably couldn’t name 90% of the team, or if the World Cup final was the fans’ introduction to the sport. What should matter the most is that, when the U.S. Women’s National Team crosses the Northern border, they will be welcomed by thousands of their fellow citizens showing them the most support they’ve ever experienced. Go USA!
Email Jeff Dawsey at [email protected].
