USA Men's National Team Pep Rally in Denver

I was interested when US Soccer sent out notice a week ago that the USA Men's Soccer team would be holding a "Pep Rally" the night before the World Cup Qualifier match against Costa Rica in Denver, CO.  With news articles this week about tensions with many of the players and coach Klinsmann's tactics, it added an interesting subtext to the rally.   I had to check it out.

Before the rally the USA fans waited outside the Paramount theater.

VIP fans were allowed in earlier and had a Q/A with Sunil Guilati, the president of US Soccer.  When asked if the USA loses their qualifier against Costa Rica and Mexico next week would Klinsmann fired, Guilati responded "We are not going to lose."

After the VIP talk, the rest of the USA supporters came into the theater and enjoyed the tunes of Brad Corrigan.

Next, two-time World Cup veteran and Colorado Rapids great Marcelo Balboa was interviewed by Allen Hopkins.
And then the big guns came out, USMNT players (From left to right) Herculez Gomez, Jozy Altidore, Terrence Boyd, Brad Guzan, and U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

Klinsmann didn't say much but did thank the Colorado fans for selling out the game in an hour.

Jozy and Terrence enjoyed the questioning....

...as did Herculez Gomez from the pro-USA crowd.  Have to say it ended up being a good event which did excite the hundreds of fans in attendance.  I had been looking forward more to next week's Mexico game but after the rally, I can't wait for the game tonight.  In the snow!