The Landmark Theater hosted a World Cup watch party, with the American Outlaws.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – As the United States battled Iran to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup, fans gathered at the Landmark Theater to support their team.
However, Syracuse did not always have this much soccer support. Groups like the American Outlaws helped establish a soccer fan base in the community.
“They’re the largest unofficial supporters group in the U.S,” said Steve Haller, President of the Syracuse Chapter of the American Outlaws. “We’ve got over 200 chapters, multiple thousands of members that are all, you know, geared towards supporting the soccer system.”
The Syracuse Chapter of the American Outlaws began in 2013 and struggled to find the necessary 25 members to create a chapter. Now, there are hundreds of supporters.
“I’m a big soccer fan, I have a son whos a big soccer fan,” Member Mark Dunseath said. “You’re a member no matter where you are, whether you got the scarf or not.”
The American Outlaws plans to continue their watch parties as the United States continues in the 2022 World Cup.