Nice Guys Have a Place in the Soccer World

I would like to thank Bill Plaschke for his article, “U.S. Fans Must Learn to Act More Like Fanatics,” on Dec. 16. He accurately points out that, for the most part, American fans are a bit too docile. As I stated to him on that day, that is why Sam’s Army is in existence--to show the public how to support a team with song and to create a fun atmosphere as well as a home-field advantage for the U.S. teams. Mr. Plaschke went on to say that Sam’s Army was way too nice and for this I thank him. Now all of those soccer fans who were hesitant about joining us at matches can rest easy.

However, Mr. Plaschke takes the “too nice” slant a bit too far, almost suggesting that American fans should have treated the Costa Rican players and fans the same way the Americans were treated in San Jose, Costa Rica. For those who hold this impression after reading Mr. Plaschke’s piece, I say take his article as a nice form of entertainment. We will not let these words incite violence and undo everything we have worked for the last year and a half.

MARK SPACONE

Amherst, N.Y.

Editor’s note: Plaschke was recommending more animation among U.S. fans, not inciting violence. Early in the column he wrote, “This is not to say we should behave like the animals that roamed the stands in . . . Costa Rica. . . .”