USA - Cuba: RFK Stadium, Washington DC

The first ever New Jersey Brigade sponsored bus trip took place in October 2008 as the crew from New Jersey and New York invaded the nation's capitol to support the United States in its World Cup Qualifying match against Cuba.

We took off from New Jersey around noon for the 730 match, a packed bus it was. Lots of beer and other fun beverages in tow. As with any bus trip, there is lots of chanting, movie watching, and drunken folks. The usual contenders were on top form.



We arrived at RFK Stadium around 3-4 PM. Our favorite Virginia native met us in the lot with an entire car filled with beer. Most excellent way to continue the day.

During the tailgate, we were greeted by a surprise guest. None other than Nashville host... Ben aka Maaaaaan 2.0. Ben (pictured in the red jersey below) drove all the way up from Tennessee for the match. Another dedicated US fan down for the cause of supporting his country to the fullest.





A Chef Leon sponsored tailgate followed and about an hour from game time we entered RFK. A solid atmosphere. Smoke bombs even made an appearance that night, much to the chagrin of the local security team.


The United States played a terrific game highlighted by a goal from Jozy "King of New York and Jersey" Altidore and the international debut of Jose Torres. NKB Leader and all around USA Fanatico, Kirwan, approves of this performance.

The United States 6-1 victory marked their sixth consecutive victory in World Cup Qualifying and clinched their spot into the final round of qualification.

Crowd was lively and properly cheered on the boys. After the game, Freddy Adu came around signing autographs for all in attendance.

A long day of partying, singing, and seeing the US dismantle Cuba, it was that time to take the bus back home. The boys were tired as evidenced below.

Nashville Trip In Doubt

After the United States' disappointing 1-1 tie with Cuba on Tuesday night, a trip to Nashville is no certainty.

The Americans need to finish top two in their group of four to make it to to Nashville. Honduras is currently the group leader with three points after a victory in the final minutes over Panama. Cuba and the US are tied for second with Panama in last place.

The Americans face what has become the most vital game in the draw in a Thursday tilt with Panama. A win would nearly clinch the Americans into the second round. The US wants to finish top of their group in order to avoid Mexico in the all important winner take all spot in the Olympics in the semifinals.

To keep it brief, three thoughts on Tuesday's 1-1 match:

1. Peter Nowak's lineup did not work. A lot of speed, but not enough technical ability on the flanks.

2. Dax McCarty played a very effective game. The tools he brings to the table are not as appreciated as they should be by fans. He's not a flashy player, but he holds the ball well, has good instincts, and turns the field quite effectively.

3. Freddy Adu is a clear class above the rest of the midfielders in this pool. It won't be long before he starts for the US full national team on a regular basis.

In addition, check out my boy SF's post about Cuban players missing from the team hotel. As he said, no surprise.

What is Primetown?

Montreal, Canada - July 3, 2007.

It was the day I truly decided that I would travel and sing for the USA. Anytime, anyplace. If I can get there, I will be there, chant, and sing till my voice goes numb.

The game was at Olympic Stadium. The opponent: Poland. The competition: Under 20 World Cup.

After falling behind 1-0, the boys put on the most impressive performance I had ever seen a group of men ever put on in a US uniform. It was a performance that could only be categorized by one word: "Primetown." It is a word created by just to describe the US' performance in this game. The quality of play from the trilogy of Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore, and Michael Bradley will be witnessed on the senior national team for years and years to come, but it all came to fruition that day in Montreal.

Six unanswered goals by the young Americans saw them beat the Poles 6-1. It was a performance that saw a heavily biased crowd against the Americans become an applauding, complimentary crowd as the boys in white put a clinical display of brilliance yet to be matched by an American squad in a major competition.

Later that week, the boys did the unthinkable knocking off Brazil 2-1 in Ottawa which will be regarded as the match of the tournament, however is the sublime victory in Montreal over Poland which will forever be remembered as the birth of Primetown.

Will Primetown occur again? I hope so as the US begins Olympic qualifying in a week's time. With Adu and Altidore called into squad, fireworks should be on the horizon.