Patriotism and World Cup fever were on display Monday evening as fans gathered in downtown Auburn to support the United States Men's National Team in their 2-1 victory over Ghana.
"In Auburn I knew there was a good population of soccer fans, but to see the level of support that has showed up today is really exciting, " American Outlaw member Josh Brunner said. "The sport is growing in the South even though we don't really embrace the sport like we do college football, but this is really exciting."
Auburn's unofficial branch of the American Outlaws held its first watch party at Halftime.
The branch was founded just last Thursday but already has close to forty prospective members, according to one of its founders Robert Litton.
"Last week there were only three members and now we have close to forty of us who are ready to go," Litton said.
Litton said the idea for the group had been in the works for a long time, but was formed just in time for the 2014 World Cup.
"I think there are a lot of people in this town that support soccer, and a lot of my friends said that they wished there was an American Outlaws chapter in the area, so about a year ago I told my wife about starting the chapter up," Litton said. "That got put on hold with the birth of my child, but through some interesting circumstances it really came together a week ago."
Though the group does not yet have the 25 enrolled members that are necessary to become an official branch, Litton said the group plans to keep up the support with viewing parties at Halftime throughout the World Cup.
"We're going to be here singing and celebrating our wins," Litton said. "Even if we don't win we're going to be here supporting."
The patriotism wasn't limited to the Outlaws at Halftime.
Fans gathered in the parking lot behind the Gay Street Municipal Lot to support the team on five widescreen televisions. Many attendees said they were surprised that the City of Auburn supported the event, but were pleased nonetheless.
"There are a lot of kids that play soccer in Auburn and there's been a lot of television coverage about the World Cup this year," Auburn resident Chris Correia said. "I think it says a lot about how soccer is being seen as a legit sport in our country."
Students in attendance shared in the excitement of the event, even if they were keeping their expectations in check.
"The South is pretty big on football, and not this kind of football, so I was pretty surprised," New Zealand native and Auburn student Mary Mitchell said. "I really think we will lose, but I hope we win. Who knows?"
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