Beer And Soccer Event - Redhook and Emerald City Supporters Launch of "No Equal" Amber Lager

Redhook Brewing Company and the Seattle Sounders supporters group Emerald City Supporters invite you to a unique night of soccer and beer where the two will launch a new collaborative beer called "No Equal" Amber Lager.

This Friday, March 2 at The Atlantic Crossing starting at 6pm will be the launch of Redhook’s latest Blueline Series beer: No Equal Amber Lager. Brewed in partnership with the Emerald City Supporters (ECS) in honor of the Seattle Sounders, the release party will tap the first kegs while celebrating the rapidly approaching opening of the MLS season.

In addition to great beer and an energized group of ECS fans, Jen Talley, brewing operations manager for Redhook and leaders of the ECS will be available for interview to discuss the brewing process, what ECS asked Redhook to come up with when creating the recipe and how the partnership rolled out from start to finish.

The event is open to the public, so feel free to share the invite.

If you're in the Seattle-area and are looking for something to do Friday night... here ya go! Support soccer in Seattle and support breweries that are supporting soccer, like Redhook!

Get the NEW Free Beer Movement "Pint Glass" shirt! Only from Objectivo.com

The Idea of the Free Beer Movement

U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati speaks to U.S. supporters

(including the American Outlaws) in Chicago. He might have been taking about this....

The idea is simple: invite your friends to a soccer game, buy them a beer. There... you've done it! You're now a participant in the Free Beer Movement.

You watch soccer at home, in bars, at the stadiums, you might even have enough physical stamina to play the sport itself. Now it's time to take what you already do and share that love of this sport with others.

In the United States, for a number of Americans, the verdict is still out on soccer. We have no doubts of our own passion for it, but for millions of others they remain underexposed to the sport. Rather than have Jim Rome's and other old-school soccer-hating media-types define OUR sport to others, we must become the voice for soccer. We are ambassadors of our sport.

There are many ways one could do this, but the Free Beer Movement subscribes to the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) philosophy of life. What's more simple than a free beer?

Use your passion, use your knowledge, above all use free beer and expose the underexposed to soccer. Once they're in the door of the bar, the gate of the stadium, or just the comforts of your hope you've got ninety minutes for soccer to entertain and for you to educate that newbie.

Will every person you bring into your soccer home (be it your actually home or pub or stadium) become an instant fanatic? Probably not. The point isn't to indoctrinate these "soccer newbies", but to introduce them to what you love and help them develop and nurture an appreciation for the sport.

Beer and soccer. Looks pretty good together, huh?

Consider this: if each Free Beer Mover (that's you!) brought ten people to various games throughout the year and bought them free beer, that is most definitely ten people that would not have watched a second of soccer otherwise. If even one of those people became a true-blue soccer fan, that's one more person to be added to the rolls of the soccer faithful that would have NEVER touched the sport before if not for your free beer intervention.

It is a win-win situation for all involved! You're already watching and going to games (and probably drinking beer), so why not have some more company? We've all seen or been to games with either empty seats or them filled with too many of our opponents. Now is our chance to fill them with future fans.

A silly idea leads to serious economic support behind American soccer. More fans in the seats means more cash on hand for clubs to invest in marketing, stadium improvements (or building one!), academy programs, and player signings.... all things that increase the quality and attractiveness of our domestic league.

Being a soccer fan and supporting the game is nothing to be ashamed about. Too often, we soccer fans, are content with being that sporting outsider, supporters of a niche American sport. Outcasts among the ignorant. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THAT WAY! Soccer is the world's game and the fastest growing sport in the United States. We have a viable domestic league, an exciting National Team headed to this year's World Cup, and fans as dedicated and passionate as any other sport in this country.

The Free Beer Movement is not only a philosophy for growing the game, but an organization that wants to empower American soccer fans to take pride in their version of the global game.

Being a soccer fan does not have to be solitary life. Show your colors, define your passion, share it with friends over free beer and grow the sport in this country to where it is on par with the rest of the world.

"Invite your friends to a soccer game, buy them a beer".

It's a simple idea with big implications.

Help build American soccer one beer at a time.

And it starts with you.

Support the Movement. Get the Free Beer Movement T-Shirt. Only from Objectivo.com

Nike and Bumpy Pitch - A Celebration of Los Angeles

Nice to see BP's name in lights.

FBM was lucky enough to get a VIP invite to the Nike Soccer/ Bumpy Pitch "Celebration of Los Angeles" party during MLS Cup 2011 weekend. Us, along with the leadership of The American Outlaws took off to the historic Ricardo Montalbon Theater in Hollywood for drinks, diversions, and, of course, some sweet American soccer swag.

The event featured the new Cristiano Ronaldo "CR7" collection and the CR Mercurial Vapor Superfly III, but we were particularly excited to see the new collaboration between the "the Swoosh" and American soccer brand Bumpy Pitch. A big move for the local boys.

Much thanks to Nike Soccer and Bumpy Pitch for having us out. 

Read more »

What Happens In Vegas.....

Will actually be reported right back here....

Lame, huh? That you'll actually get an insiders look as the Free Beer Movement heads to Las Vegas for our speaking engagement at the American Outlaws Rally this weekend.

Drinks, soccer, more drinks, America, drinks, more soccer.... sounds like the perfect FBM weekend if you ask us (which, of course, you didn't).

Follow us on Twitter and the ol' FaceSpace for all the action (if we're sober enough to do so) of the FBM in LV.

We'll be back to regularly scheduled programing, including the next installment of our "Better Know a Supporters Group" series, on Monday.


Support the Movement. Get the Free Beer Movement T-Shirt. Only from Objectivo.com

Free Beer Feature: Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest

Waaaaaay back (before the great FBM computer outage of 2010) we got a friendly little package in the mail from the folks at Jacob Leinenkugel's Brewing Company out of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

Inside we're two tasty bottles of their Oktoberfest brews. If you get a chance, check out all that Leinenkugel's has to offer (their available nationwide, a part of Miller Brewing Co.'s distribution network). Much like Sam Adams, this macro-micro brew has been at the fore front of starting the craft beer revolution. Despite their much larger status now, you can still respect what "Leinie's" is putting out there.

For more information, check out their website.

Enjoy these mouth-watering pics:

Support the Movement. Get the Free Beer Movement T-Shirt. Only from Objectivo.com

Free Beer in Austin! (This Saturday, September 4th)

In Austin? Like soccer? Like winning soccer? Like beer? Like free beer?

"What's with all these freakin' questions, man!??!?!"

Whoa, whoa... the Free Beer Movement just wanted to hook you up with some free beer this weekend. Chill out.

"OK, I'm cool. What's up?"

This Saturday, September 4th from 4:30pm to game time the FBM, in cooperation with local real estate firm CW Clay, is hosting a FREE BEER tailgate before the Austin Aztex host NSC Minnesota Stars at 7:30pm. The FBM, Aztex fans, and the Aztex supporter's group, Chantico's Army will be hanging out in the Thundercloud Subs parking lot on 12th and Lamar.... by the kegs, of course!

Enjoy LIVE MUSIC from Brazilian band Manga Rosa as well.

And just to sweeten the deal you can snag some discounted tickets to catch the playoff-bound Aztex for ONLY $9 (regularly $15).

All in honor of Brazilian Independence Day!

Come and find FBM Founder "Danny Beerseed" (in the FBM shirt, duh!) and he'll have FBM stickers for ya and may even fill up your cup.

This is the "Free Beer Movement in Action," folks! Bring soccer newbies to soccer through the power of FREE BEER.

Support the Movement. Get the Free Beer Movement T-Shirt. Only from Objectivo.com

Free Beer Movement in Action

Long time followers of this site know that we don't just talk the talk (type the type?), but walk the walk when it comes to using free beer to bring soccer newbies to live games.

Last night proved to be the perfect opportunity as the local USSF Division 2 side Austin Aztex hosted the Haitian National Team to raise money for the Haitian Football Federation as they attempt to rebuild not only their program, but their nation. Admission was free as as over 4,000 fans came to House Park and raised over $11,500 (more than matches against San Antonio and FC Dallas combined) and a truck load of soccer equipment.

Pre-game my newbies and I downed a couple of Newcastle, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, and Dos Equis on the FBM's tap of course.

We took our places standing in the stand behind the visitor's bench with the Aztex Supporters Group, Chantico's Army who are starting to get quite a reputation for disrupting visiting teams (but not last night... for the record).

Despite their trauma that the team and its players have faced and continue to the Haitian side was skilled and quick disrupting the normally fluid Austin attack. Even though the home side nailed the cross bar TWICE (dammit!) in to closing moments the game ended a satisfying 0-0.

I think one of my newbies fell in love with Austin's keeper Miguel Gallardo so that will be a good incentive for her to return. In the end I got commitments from all involved to come back for another Aztex match soon.

What's your story? Send us your exciting tales of free beer, newbies, and soccer to freebeermovement@gmail.com.

Support the Movement. Get the Free Beer Movement T-Shirt. Only from Objectivo.com

Who We're Buying a Beer For...

Editor's Note: Each week the Free Beer Movement "honors" individuals and groups that help push, pull, or drag American soccer forward in this country. What better way to honor them then with a beer on us. Plus, its quite economical. We're cheap!

1) Fox

It's not often that you'll hear us sing the praises of the corporation that birthed Fox News and such TV shows as "When Animals Attack" and "Joe Millionaire", but the company has done itself right by announcing the creation of a second all-soccer channel in the United States, Fox Soccer Plus airing March 1st.

FS+ will carry the recently acquired Setanta USA's programming whose sublicenses with Fox are expiring.This means US viewers will have more (legal) viewing opportunities for the English Premier League, European Champions League, FA Cup and the Italian Serie A.

There are also rumors that the new channel may swallow up the original Setanta which would include access to more European leagues.

This piggybacks on Fox's earlier news that they will begin broadcasting their Fox Soccer Channel matches in high definition starting in February 2010. The same goes for the upcoming launch of FS+.

Any move that brings more soccer into America's homes is the right move and rightly deserving of a frosty brew from us.

2) "Pint for a Pint" program at Cascade Regional Blood Services in Tacoma, Washington

Our weekly lists usually honors those who push (or drag) the American game forward, but we don't think there's anything wrong with honoring a unique way to promote drinking in our great nation as well (although it doesn't really need all that much help).

A blood donation program in Washington state is trading coupons for a free beer. Since we love free beer there's no sense in ignoring this great idea.

Watch the CNN report:

3) Preki and Thomas Dooley

Two great contributors to American soccer learned this week that their names would be enshrined in U.S. soccer history after it was announced the two were elected into the Soccer Hall of Fame.

Current Toronto FC coach Preki and former USMNTer Thomas Dooley topped the ballot list for 2010.

Hey MLSnet.com give us the "dets" on the two HOFers. OK:

Preki was named the Major Indoor Soccer League MVP in 1989, the MVP of the Continental Indoor Soccer League in 1995 and then accomplished that feat not once, but twice, in Major League Ssoccer in 1997 and 2001 while scoring 79 goals and adding 112 assists in 242 matches for the Kansas City Wizards and Miami Fusion. At age 40 he led MLS in scoring and was a member of the 2000 MLS Cup Champion Wizards. He competed in the 1998 World Cup for the U.S..

Dooley, played for the Red, White and Blue at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, performed for the Columbus Crew and MetroStars. He started his journey to soccer stardom in the German 11th division, playing on Saturday and Sunday nights before working his way up to the Bundesliga. He had secured a solid career with the likes of Hamburg SV, Kaiserslautern, Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke. 2010 was the last year Dooley was eligible for the HOF.

Preki and Dooley both distinguish themselves by doing the dirty work of playing American soccer before the sport was really on the general public's radar. These sorts of players, the ones the Hall has been honoring recently former the foundation for the sports' emerging popularity today. Fox Soccer's Jamie Trecker adds:

Dooley's significance may be lost on newbie fans who came to the US game during the 1994 World Cup or later.

The fact of the matter is that Dooley's decision to play for the United States and to give up a successful career in Germany to train full time in California under Bora Milutinovic was a turning point in building a team that was able to carry the American flag beyond the first round of that 1994 tournament.

You have to remember that there were many who believed the United States should not host. The outspoken European media decried the idea of handing FIFA's plum to a country with little or no interest in the game, to say nothing of lacking any type of quality professional players.

Dooley brought soccer smarts and stability to the American defense. We'll never know how much his on-field command of the situation helped settle the nerves of his teammates. And Dooley's reading of the game was special: he could launch major runs that supported the attack without sacrificing space at the back.

The FBM remembers proudly watching Preki and Dooley participate for the Nats in France 98 while sitting in a bar in Hungary and sneaking beers (we were 15). Standing up and singing the National Anthem in front a bunch of bewildered Hungarians before USA-Iran the likes of Preki, Dooley, and others inspired this youngster to double-down on soccer. Where would the FBM be today without that moment?

Just as we mused about the 1950 USMNT, the players that have been capped for the Nats form an admirable history for all American soccer fans to give thanks for their contributions to the growth of our sport.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Welcome to 2010 from the Free Beer Movement!



Things have been a little slow around here and we've been away from FBM HQ in Austin, but when we return to town regular posting will resume.

Until then... enjoy the beginning of what will hopefully be a big year for the Movement!

Photo Essay: The Making of Aztex Amber Ale

Ever since the FBM decided to flee the country of Honduras because of their political problems and move to Austin, Texas we'd meticulously researched the local soccer scene.

We knew that where ever we moved when we returned to the US we were going to fully invest myself in the soccer opportunities that were available to us. Both Major League Soccer franchises, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo were both about three hours away so it fell to the United Soccer League One's Austin Aztex.

This past season was their first in USL-1 and despite the on-going political and logistical difficulties the league and its rivals are facing, the club is looking forward to a positive 2010 season.

The FBM immediately hooked up with the local supporter's group for the Aztex, Chantico's Army and dove head first into recruit friends as fans of American and Austin soccer. Long-time followers of the site know that we've hosted several "Free Beer Match Days" for Aztex games and continue to look for more chances to work with the local soccer scene.

This weekend provided the perfect opening to combine the two loves of the FBM: beer and soccer. Chantico's Army is looking to expand its influence in the city of Austin and decided that brewing a team-centric beer might crack the divide between us as soccer fans and the larger Austin social scene.

Thus the idea of Aztex Amber Ale was conceived (our name suggestion by-the-way). That idea was put into motion this weekend when one of the members of Chantico's Army, Ed, who also happens to be great homebrewer made a preliminary batch of the "Triple A," as its called.

This batch is supposed to be ready about mid-December just in time for some holiday cheer in the void that is non-American soccer winter. We'll have a full run down on its (fingers-crossed) deliciousness).

Who We're Buying a Beer For...

This segement of "Who We're Buying a Beer For..." is slightly on the sympathetic side. We're handing out free beers to those who need it the most right now.

Starting with:

1. Section 8 (Chicago Fire supporter's group) chairman Ben Burton

Last night's loss to Real Salt Lake was a heartbreaker to Fire fans, but take solace in the fact that your supporter group's chairperson is awesome! Seriously, though... over the two home games that the Fire have put on during the 2009 MLS playoffs their fans have proven to be some of the best in the league. Two SOLD OUT matches, banners, flares, the whole nine yards... this franchise is putting on the best face for the American league.

Watching last night's game with a few soccer newbies, they were stunned at the atmosphere that Chicago hosted. They were stunned at a packed American soccer stadium and were blown away when the flares went off during the second half.

Even though it looks like Mr. Burton has a beer right now (ha!), we'd love to buy the next one for him. Section 8 and the Chicago Fire fandom is in good hands.

2. Winning Ugly Radio Host Scott Bornstein

After appearing on Episode 51 of Winning Ugly Radio I think we owe Scott a nice cold one. The host was great as FBM Prez Dan got to share the stage with Sandra Franz and Ginge (of the soccer blog, Ginge Talks the Footy)

Bornstein put up with Dan's antics for quite a bit including a crashing Internet, bad microphone, and offensive lines (which didn't make it on the show... thank goodness!).

We'll either buy him a pint of his favorite beer or maybe a "Coking, Choaking Argentini".

3. New Mexico Women's defender Elizabeth Lambert

By now the soccer world and beyond has heard for Ms. Lambert's outrageous "defending" during a college soccer match against BYU. I mean, even my uncle sent me this clip and he thinks soccer is a lefty, socialist attempt to destroy America.

And while the world lashes out at Lambert we're not going to condone her actions, but certainly try to get her past them. I think a nice cold one will bring everyone's frustration-level down quite a bit.

Lambert is suffering a lot right now, but beyond her actions the fact that this was allowed to go on for so long is a poor reflection of not just her, but her coaches who clearly knew this was how she was playing. This time she just got caught which I'm sure the coaching staff wasn't betting that their little approval of her actions would be broadcast on ESPN.

In the end, its the coaches who deserve the brunt of our criticism and Lambert a beer to settle what I'm sure has not been an easy end to her collegiate career.

4. MidnightRevs

This one is not sympathetic, but celebratory.

Our guest-hosted "Free Beer Match Day" was held by New England Revolution blogger MidnightRevs who cracked open a case of post-Halloween night beers for the Major League Soccer playoff match against the Chicago Fire at Gilette Stadium in Boston, Mass.

MidnightRevs was kind enough to share his story on the blog and was handsomely rewarded for his efforts. And you can be too!

Who We're Buying a Beer For...

This Free Beer Movement thingy is all about spreading the love of soccer through free beer so it would be a damn shame if we didn't shower a bit of it on the people who make the sport (and the world around the sport) so great.

Introducing a new feature on the FBM site, "Who we're buying a beer for". Where, if we (or anyone of our "free beer movers" ever run into them, we required (by FBM by-laws) to offer up some brewskis, on the FBM tab, for their contributions to American soccer.

#1 Brad Guzan

Gave USMNT and Aston Villa fans something to look forward to after, respectively, Tim Howard and Brad Friedal hang up the mits. He had a MONSTER performance this week in the Carling Cup saving 1 PK in regulation and 3 in the shootout. The 25-year old America has a bright future and continues to put USA on the map (just in case you had a hard time finding it) for quality goalkeeping.

Hat Tip to The Shin Guardian (we don't think we promo this site enough!) for the clip.

#2 Hope Solo

Another American goalkeeper, but this one of the female variety. The USWNT defeated Germany 1-0 in a battle between Nos. 1 and 2 in the women's soccer world. How did our intrepid netminder celebrate this win? With a beer of course!

From her Twitter account:

"real heffweizen after a hard earned victory. not sure how much better life could be!"

A good win, another great boost for the USWNT, and a great ending!

#3 Nick Sindt

Our buddy who runs the blog, Snorting the Endline, was inducted into the Jimmy Conrad Wing of the Comment Hall of Fame over at The Shin Guardian (there they are again!) for his hilarious insights into ESPN programming.

"Want even further proof of ESPN’s hatred of the beautiful game. Back in 2006 (I think) Arsenal and AC Milan were squaring off in the Champion’s League Semi-Finals, second leg. ESPN2 had shown the Barcelona match the day before, but on Wednesday what did my Comcast tell me was going to be shown on ESPN2 instead of the match? Jump Roping. That is correct, a competition where people jump over ropes swung by others. So, I set my VCR anyway, praying that Comcast was just not updated and the match would be televised. What did my wondering eyes behold when I rewound the tape? Jump Roping!!! Effing Jump Roping!!!!! I almost went completely mental. Later that day I called and dished out an extra $5 a month for ESPN Deportes."

Keep up the good work, Nick.

#4 Jozy Altidore

The kid needs a beer (he's old enough if its bought in England, right?) after getting shelved by Hull City manager Phil Brown. The 19-year old future-of-American-soccer/man child overslept and missed warm ups for last weekend's English Premier League game.

To add insult to injury he Tweeted about missing it and was fined an undisclosed amount of money for talking about team business.

Have a beer on us, Jozy. Just as long as its not the night before a game.

#5 Bill Archer

Love him or hate him, his diatribes on Big Soccer are interesting and he served up a nice tongue-and-cheek slap to the EPL vs MLS/ promo/releg vs. playoffs battle that goes on in the American soccer discussion word with his latest column.

"Boy, I can't wait until Major League Soccer Soccer News Topics, the United States of Americas' First Division Professional Soccer League, comes to it's senses and dumps this stupid playoff format and finally creates a slavish copy of the vastly superior European (read: English Premier League) single table, winner take all, regular-season-is-all-that-matters setup so that we can have a little excitement at the end of the year.

All these boring, nothing-at-stake, drama-free MLS matches over the last few weeks are really putting us all to sleep. Boooooooore-ing. Wake me when it's over.

Because there's just nothing better than the last month or two of the EPL season when all those middle-of-the-table teams play all those breathlessly exciting games dripping with consequences as the fans are unable to sleep at night wondering whether their local club will finish 11th or 12th.

Meanwhile, the teams who somehow managed to get promoted at the end of the previous season and who haven't won a match since January add to the edge-of-your-seat drama as the punters furiously debate whether Wolves or QPR or EastMiltonFromminghamptonshire will finish 15 points south of the relegation line or only 12.

Because, as we're constantly reminded, that is where the real end-of-season excitement that we're all missing over here in the colonies is located: seeing which really crappy team can manage to somehow gain the right to remain for one more year in a league they cannot possibly hope to be competitive in.

Really grippping stuff."

The point being that the Major League Soccer playoffs are hopelessly American and we're totally fine with that notion. As one commenter said on Archer's post:

"isn't that why the pilgrims came over, to escape the promotion/relegation system? i thought that was what thanksgiving was about...."

While MLS fans (us included) will acknowledge that the playoff system is not perfect, it certainly is apart of American (and many other soccer league around the world) sports. Love it or leave we say.

Grab a beer and put it on our tab.

On The Verge of Greatness... Free Beer Match Day Four: US National Team Edition

Dunno, if this place is ready for us.

The Free Beer Movement is off to our nation's capital (Washington DC if you forgot) to attend the US Men's National Soccer team's final World Cup qualifying game against Costa Rica. While the boys in the red, white, and blue booked their ticket to South Africa last Saturday there's all to play for still tomorrow night at RFK Stadium.

For the US its bragging rights, the Americans want to finish at the top of the CONCACAF standing for the second straight time and continue to prove they are still top dog in the region. Costa Rica is still fighting for their spot in next year's global competition. A win will see them punch their ticket where a loss, combined with a Honduras win will see them make the long trip to face South American opposition for the last spot in the Cup.

As per our mission statement, we're dragging along some soccer newbies to share our love of the sport and the suds. This will be the FBM's first Nats game in a few years so there's no need to get us up for the game, but for a few it will be their first chance to see our boys (and hopefully, Frankie Hejduk!).

We'll be partying it up with soccer fans and newbies alike, along with the Nats supporter group, The American Outlaws. Check out all of there info on their site about where the pre-game, during game, and post-game bashes will take place.

Follow us on Twitter and/or join our Facebook group and follow all the action!

Free Beer Match Day Three: US National Team Edition

We've posted this on Twitter and Facebook, but not yet on the site.. the FBM is going to be hosting their third "Free Beer Match Day" this Saturday at Fado's Irish Pub (214 W. 4th St.) in Austin, TX.

Fado's is one of only 25 (0r so) bars in the ENTIRE United States that is showing the titanic World Cup Qualifier between the Nats and Honduras. The game starts at 9pm, but get their early for seats.

We're asking Free Beer Movers and soccer fans to bring a newbie to the game on Saturday night and introduce them to the sport. Fado's will be rocking for this game so what better way to show off American soccer than with a packed bar full of Nats supporters.

FBM Prez Dan will be there so stop by and get a FREE Free Beer Movement bumper sticker.

News Watch: Germans Continue to Love the Free Beer Movement

First it was Bayern Munich hosting their own "Free Beer Match Day" (What no pics guys? Shesh!).

Now it's Stuttgart's keeper Jens Lehmann (former German National Team and Arsenal #1) getting dropped by the first team because he attended Oktoberfest after a match this past weekend (thanks for Near Post Blog for the heads-up). What is with the Germans and free beer?

Much like Norm MacDonald's oft-quoted Saturday Night Live Weekend Update line "Germans love David Hasselhoff," I think pretty much everyone can agree that the Germans also love the Free Beer Movement (don't pay attention to the fact that we have no current German members).

I think that it's time the Free Beer Movement make Mr. Lehmann an "honorary" member of the Free Beer Movement for his actions this past week.

Today's the Day.... (re-post)

Editor's Note: This is our "get fired up" post for US international matches. We'll re-post it for all our qualifiers.

Today's the day the US National Team takes the field in World Cup Qualification.

Today's the day they face Trinidad and Tobago in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.

Today's the day we will miss Mr. Frankie Hejduk

Today's the day we take three points and move a step closer to booking our tickets to South Africa.

Today's the day that Howard will shine, Landon will lead, goals will be scored, and timely tackles will be made.

Today's the day we sit down with friends and fellow soccer fans and cheer on the home team.

Today's the day we invite someone new to come along and experience the power of a soccer match.

Today's the day they'll get a free cold one to enjoy while watching the sport we so desperately love and the team we'd follow to the ends of the earth (or South Africa!).

Today's the day we ask a non-soccer fan to join our footballing family.

The Free Beer Movement is about spreading the love of American soccer to all corners of the nation and no day is better than today. Today, the pride and joy of our nation's game takes the field in order to continue its push towards the greatest sporting spectacle of all-time, the World Cup.

The past, present, and future of American soccer all take the field today to join in one cause, to win, and to move on to the next level.

It is days like this we, as American soccer fans embrace, as our national team fights for our country's continued respect on the international stage and to stake a claim as the best team in North and Central America.

Games like today are bigger than any game; bigger than any MLS game, and bigger than your son or daughter's kick around in the park.

Our local colors blend. There are no more yellow and black of the Columbus Crew or orange and white of the Houston Dynamo or the black and red of DC United; today there is only RED, WHITE, and BLUE.

These are the days that our nation's best and brightest shine on the field for 90 minutes. For themselves, for soccer, but mostly for you... the American.

These are the days that you have to get up as a soccer fan in America.

So grab you friends, grab those soccer fans, grab those ones you want to become soccer fans, and most importantly grab some really cold beers because today's the day we support our National Team and our national game we love so much.

Free Beer Movement USA Watch Party in St. Paul, MN

I got an e-mail from Nick at Snorting the Endline, a blog we like to follow, and he's offering FREE BEER to anyone that's interested in joining him at the Sweetwater Grill and Bar in St. Paul, Minnesota for the big game tomorrow (Wednesday).

Read all about the invite and his special quiz question to get the free beer with his free beer post.

Any other Free Beer Events out there tomorrow or in the future? Let us know!

The Movement: What YOU Can Do

"Ask not what the Free Beer Movement can do for you, but what you can do for the Free Beer Movement." - President John F. Kennedy, 1960

We're pretty sure the quote went something like that, although we may have mixed up a word or two. Either way the essence of the quote is intact.... yeah.

The Free Beer Movement site exist as a promoter of the idea that free beer can help increase the profile of American soccer. It also exists as a documenter of the culture of American soccer.

What we need from you, faithful supporters and members of the FBM, is to take the idea of the Movement and practice what we preach.

We would love to buy every person who has not been exposed to the beauty of the American game a nice cold beer, but there's not enough money in the FBM coffers to do such a thing.

It it incumbent upon our followers to expose American soccer to the under-exposed. It has to come from your love of the game and it has to come from your pocketbook.

I'm sure you're asking, "What kind of half-ass deal is this?"

The kind where you do exactly what you've already been doing (going to games, talking other peoples' ears off about the sport, and drinking beer), but now doing it all at once.

The Free Beer Movement is not asking you to fund a 50 person party with free beer before the next US international or MLS weekend match, we are asking you to invite at least one more person that usual to the next game (on TV or at the stadium), buy them a beer or two or three or more if the generous mood suits you (tell them sorry, but the ticket is on them), and show off our sport.

Finally, when you've done so... tell us. We want to hear your successes and failures. We want to see your pictures from the games. We want to know which beers you toasted with the new guy (or girl) as another barrier of soccer ignorance is broken down.

Loving soccer is really easy. We've got a million and one reasons why we support the sport. What is more difficult is passing that passion onto another and selling it to them.

That's why we and the idea of free beer is here.

Share your passion. Tell us your stories.

Today's The Day...

Today's the day the US National Team takes the field in World Cup Qualification.

Today's the day they face El Salvador in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Today's the day we will miss Mr. Frankie Hejduk.

Today's the day we take three points and move a step closer to booking our tickets to South Africa.

Today's the day that Howard will shine, Landon will lead, goals will be scored, and timely tackles will be made.

Today's the day we sit down with friends and fellow soccer fans and cheer on the home team.

Today's the day we invite someone new to come along and experience the power of a soccer match.

Today's the day they'll get a free cold one to enjoy while watching the sport we so desperately love and the team we'd follow to the ends of the earth (or South Africa!).

Today's the day we ask a non-soccer fan to join our footballing family.

The Free Beer Movement is about spreading the love of American soccer to all corners of the nation and no day is better than today. Today, the pride and joy of our nation's game takes the field in order to continue its push towards the greatest sporting spectacle of all-time, the World Cup.

The past, present, and future of American soccer all take the field today to join in one cause, to win, and to move on to the next level.

It is days like this we, as American soccer fans embrace, as our national team fights for our country's continued respect on the international stage and to stake a claim as the best team in North and Central America.

Games like today are bigger than any game; bigger than any MLS game, and bigger than your son or daughter's kick around in the park.

Our local colors blend. There are no more yellow and black of the Columbus Crew or orange and white of the Houston Dynamo or the black and red of DC United; today there is only RED, WHITE, and BLUE.

These are the days that our nation's best and brightest shine on the field for 90 minutes. For themselves, for soccer, but mostly for you... the American.

These are the days that you have to get up as a soccer fan in America.

So grab you friends, grab those soccer fans, grab those ones you want to become soccer fans, and most importantly grab some really cold beers because today's the day we support our National Team and our national game we love so much.

Photo Essay: FBM Match Day Two

The Free Beer Movement hosted its second "Free Beer Match Day" this past Saturday and turnout was great. FBM founder Dan brought eight guests to the Nomad Bar in Austin, Texas before the Aztex faced off against fellow United Soccer League-1 bottom-feeders FC Miami.

Guests enjoyed a variety of pre-game brews including: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Bridgeport India Pale Ale, Lone Star, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Dos Equis, and (regretfully) Bud Light.

Thoroughly sudsed-up the FBM moved onto the match at Nelson Field where the home side Aztex proceeded to notch a much needed 1-0 win over the Blues.

Good times were had by all as the FBM snagged James, Spencer, Patty, Page, Analisa, Dawn, Anthony, and Austin as members on the Facebook group

A few pictures from the evening:

FBM guests Patty, Austin, and Paige

FC Miami (blue) and Austin Aztex squads

Estadio Nelson

Sunset over Estadio Nelson

The rest of the FBM's guests