You can find public online petitions advocating just about anything nowadays, from states seceding from the US to actual construction of a Death Star. And their effectiveness tends to be highly debatable.
One US national team fan in New Jersey has come up with a modest proposal for U.S. Soccer that actually has some merit, however, given the groundswell of approval for the federation's special-edition centennial kits this year.
Tim Hall of West Keansburg, N.J., has created a change.org petition for U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati: “Keep the "Centennial" U.S. Soccer crest as the permanent crest for U.S. Soccer.”
Hall speaks for many fans – as well as our own Alicia Rodriguez – who fell in love with retro look of the historic badge and the clean lines of the uniforms used in World Cup qualifiers by the USMNT and in general competition by the USWNT.
“It is a sight that makes a great deal of sense, not just to fans of U.S. Soccer, but to all Americans: 13 white stars – representing the thirteen original colonies – on a blue field, and 13 red and white stripes representing the same,” reads the petition. “It is evocative of and pays homage to the flag of the United States of America, waved and worn proudly by fans of the US national soccer teams at all levels.”
After explaining the inadequacy of the USSF's incumbent crest with some light mockery of its 1990s-era look and origins, Hall closes with some stirring language that will surely move Gulati's spirit, assuming the federation boss ever lays eyes on the proposal.
“Now, it is time for a timeless crest for our nation to rally around, and to represent our players throughout the future.”
What's your take? Is this the right move for the federation? Are you more likely to buy gear with the centennial crest than the usual one?
