I'm US Soccer fan and FIFA Presidential candidate Teddy Goalsevelt, AMA!

Would you have accepted 10 million dollars to vote for South Africa 2010?

Can I quote myself? "Not corrupt... mustache."

Seriously, though, FIFA officials need to stop looking at themselves like business people and realize they're public servants. They serve the football/soccer world and need to behave that way. Obviously, that's a bit of an optimistic and borderline naive way of looking at things, but it's the truth. We demand the same of our politicians (as much as is possible), we should expect it of FIFA.

Edit: For clarity, the "not corrupt" part means no. No bribes.

Women’s World Cup is going to be pretty awesome event?

Absolutely! I'm stoked.

For anyone on the fence about whether or not the WWC is as interesting or exciting as the Men's, I beg you to watch. The beautiful game is the beautiful game, not to mention our Women are some of the best in the world!

Do you agree with the decision of making them play on synthetic fields ?

I hope it’s the last time any World Cup of any kind is played on turf. It would never fly in a men’s tournament. And it shouldn't fly here.

Why did you choose Teddy Roosevelt as your "historic persona"?

Thanks for the question! It's kind of a combination of things, and I'll try to give you the cliff notes version. I've been traveling for US Soccer for awhile, and one of my favorite parts was seeing what everyone brings to the table. Costumes, musical instruments, etc. So, when I found out I was going to Brazil, I decided I needed to step my game up.

At the time I also had a huge beard down to my chest. So I knew I should try to use that for something. I started brainstorming… should I shave it into a chin-beard and be chubby Abe Lincoln? Mutton chops and be a 60’s greaser? Then I thought mustache. Soon after, Teddy Roosevelt came to mind, and once it did it was kinda perfect.

He had an extensive history with the Amazon, he’s one of the toughest MF-ers to ever hold the office, he’s an overall badass. The man is almost a caricature of Americana. Like, his life almost sounds made up. So, once I saw all the pieces fit (including my face), I started assembling some pieces on Amazon.com and the rest is history!

During the World Cup, ESPN cuts to you out of a crowd of celebrating US Fans, the shot captured the moment of the game perfectly... how long did it take before you to realized you were becoming internet famous?

Yeah, this is probably a great time to make the point that I really am just one guy in a huge crowd of celebrating US fans. In fact, there's kind of a funny story about how that ESPN shot came to be.

I really was losing my mind after that goal. There had been so much buildup, the supporter section was like a powder keg once JJ smoked that ball into the net. So, I'm jumping around, high fiving people, getting beers spilled on me... people are tumbling over seats, hugging, crying... suddenly this other guy from across the aisle (I was right next to the stairs) comes over and puts his arm around me, and turns me around. He squares us up and I realize he wants to mug for the camera with the weirdo in the Roosevelt costume. So, I just keep going nuts, but facing a camera now. But they cropped him out of the shot! You can just kinda see his arm and shoulder a little if you look for it. But the guy responsible for putting my dumb face in front of the camera in the first place never got the screen time he so desperately desired. Alas...

To answer your actual question, I didn’t find out until the end of the match. I had a cell phone there, but had it turned off during the game, and had generally spotty service at matches anyway. But at the very end of the game, a cameraman, sound guy, and reporter came down to where I was sitting to ask if I minded doing an interview after the match. I’m thinking, “OK, they just want to talk to one of the crazier US fans about this amazing match we just watched.” But the guy says back to me, “OH THANK GOD. My boss just called me from the US and told me if I don’t find and interview that Roosevelt guy, I’m in deep doo-doo.” That’s when I found out.

How do you feel about Bud Light Lime?

These days, it tastes like champagne.

What colour is North London?

Lily white.

I sat across the aisle from you at the U.S. Portugal game. My face was used on ESPN to show the disappointment of the stoppage goal. If you remember me and are ever in NY, want to grab coffee? The pictures don't show my USA speedo if that helps jog your memory.

http://imgur.com/tnqLN4o

Yes! Absolutely! How amazing is reddit?

How do you feel calling football.. soccer?

I'm ok with it. This might not be the answer you were looking for, but part of recruiting friends to give the game a try has been accepting the differences in terminology. A stigma that soccer fans sometimes have here is a bit insulated and condescending. I don't agree with it, but new fans are afraid of being corrected on things like soccer v football, tie v draw, zero v nil... so, I do my best to stay away from that and be as welcoming as possible.

What are the odds that Qatar will lose the 2022 World Cup bid and the U.S. will get it? Also what celebrations would you have in store?

If we're being realistic... not good. It's highly unlikely that the process will allow for that, it would obviously be unprecedented and would negate all the work Qatar has already done. Plus, we're not going to actually get a new President (barring something being forced) for 6-9 more months. Which would put us almost into 2016. Not a lot of time.

That said, it's not completely out of the question. Certainly more possible than 2018 in Russia. Fingers crossed?

How are you feeling about yesterdays result against the Netherlands? (I woke the kids up from their naps while celebrating.)

Kinda like this!

http://38.media.tumblr.com/1bb4717ccc682447dd253408b9fe846c/tumblr_n7liob34Vb1ry6fnao1_400.gif

What team do you support? P.S Take care of Stevie G for us over in the states!

Beside USMNT, obviously...

Ok. Assuming based on your Stevie G reference you're talking Premier League. Sooo, guess we're gonna get this out in the open early.

Ok, I'm actually a big supporter of Tottenham. Made my first pilgrimage over to White Hart Lane just a couple months ago, actually. We'll probably get more into this later, but I love that club.

But, Steve Gerrard is a legend. Hate playing against him, and respect the expletive out of his game. He's a huge get for MLS and is only going to help the game over here.

So I'll be the one who asks... What made you stay in Brazil longer than you'd planned?

First of all, I would have stayed for the entire thing if I could have. It was such an amazing experience (not even talking about the Teddy part), I may not have ever left if I hadn’t had to.

But beside the US escaping the group of death (!!!), some friends at my work at the time started a GoFundMe site to keep me down there. I guess they felt that I was a good luck charm or mascot or something.

And after I waked out of the Germany match and turned on my phone, it blew up with texts about how the internet (thank you, guys!) and McDonald’s had donated thousands to put the GoFundMe over the top.

I never was totally comfortable with the idea, and luckily my employer at the time and I worked out a deal where they would actually let me expense the trip so all the GoFundMe money could go to charity. It went to a cool Brazilian charity called Gol De Letra, you can check them out here: http://www.goldeletra.org.br/default.aspx?lang=en

If you could have a posse of other US Presidents to cheer on the USMNT, who would you want by your side?

To name just a few…

Abraham Lincwin

My cuz, Franklin Delano Goalsevelt

Midfield Fillmore

NoHands-drew Jackson

Chested-it A. Arthur

Richard Bicycle Kixon

Ronald Redcard Reagan

Compendium of Presidental Soccer Legends.

Data is incomplete. I am currently flipping through history books and cross-referencing with unidentified soccer legends to put the pieces together

Fellow researchers - /u/teddygoalsevelt /u/churningbutter /u/mrspuff202

This is amaze.

No Barack Goalbama?

Yes he can be in the posse, along with Dwight Winger Eisenhower.

And Calvin Cornerkickin' Coolidge.

Who will win today's CL final, and why are you picking FCB?

Ha! I'm actually picking Juve! Mostly with my heart, not my head.

I'm half Italian, so like a typical American, I pretend I have some sort of actual connection to that country. Plus, I just really, really like Pirlo and Buffon. What an amazing last chapter to both of their careers (not saying they're done, but all rumors point to Pirlo coming to MLS and Buffon certainly can't have too many more years left at the top) to win the Champions League again.

Forza Juve!

Goalsevelt? have an upvote.

Back atcha, kind sir!

When selecting potential countries for World Cup hosts, would you take into consideration the working conditions for the builders?

How do you feel about the modern day slavery that exists in Qatar?

I think it’s shameful if working conditions aren’t considered in the bids. It’s essentially an industrial lease for the use of facilities. No other such contracts would allow for what workers have and continue to endure this era of host nations. It’s shameful from a moral perspective and downright nefarious from a business one.

And when it comes to slavery, regardless of era, it’s abhorrent, unacceptable, and disgusting.

How often are you recognized on the streets?

Honestly, never. After returning to the US, my beard soon followed. Which basically put an end to getting recognized. Any power I have is derived from my mustache.

What would make you a better candidate for the FIFA presidency than someone like Joe Pious?

Also, as a quintessential Englishman I have to ask you how you celebrated your historic 1-1 win against England in 2010?

Rev

The FIFA President thing is really just about getting someone in there with some integrity. Whoever that is doesn't really matter to me, but we need someone leading our sport we can trust and be proud of.

And the 1-1 win (love that you called it that, haha) was celebrated with friends watching it projected on a bed sheet we'd strung up in the middle of someone's apartment. That summer, and match in particular, are special to me because that was the summer of introducing soccer to my friends. And it was that match that really clinched it for a lot of people.

If you become president, where would you stand on more technology in the game? How much power would you have to implement it? I believe that there should be a video ref who is looking at instant replays of incidents while the game continues - I believe you could have much more accurate decisions alongside the normal ref within five seconds.

I wouldn’t be on this AMA today if it weren’t for the Internet, so I kinda have to be pro-technology, right? And I’ve always spoken softly and carried a big stick. I believe this is how I’d make it all happen.

On a serious note, though, I feel like anything to make sure all the calls are correct without slowing down the game is a good thing. Obviously, with a sport that’s been mostly unchanged for so long and has so much tradition, it’s going to be difficult to implement a system that makes everyone happy. But the least we could do is start taking steps in the right direction. Even baseball has replay these days.

Hey, Teddy! Thanks for doing this AMA. I have a really important question for you:

When's the last time you've #TailgatedIt?

Every time I’m in an elevator.

Huge fan, teddy. Are you planning on seeing united passions and can we expect a teddy goalsevelt film review?

I mean... ya kinda have to see it, right? Has there ever been a more prominent, expensive display of hubris?

Aaaand the review isn't a bad idea. I guess, stay tuned?

What do you think about some reports linking American players (such a prominent GK) being annoyed up with the American Outlaws? Have you ever got the feeling that they don't like the chants?

I'm not familiar with the reports of American players being annoyed with AO, but there's definitely been some press lately that we'd rather not have. The founders and leaders of AO work diligently and constantly (on their own time, no less… they make no money, it's all volunteer) to try to make it an organization the entire country can take pride and want to participate in. And part of that is the chants and songs we use in the stadium.

There are no official songs that have swearing in them, they’ve mostly eradicated the goal kick chant, they’re working on it. But because of how big the organization has gotten, it’s going to come down to all of us in the sections working together to make sure we’re bringing it in a way that the players and US fans around the world can be proud of.

Whats the best stream youve ever watched?

http://giphy.com/gifs/cinemagraphs-stream-G0hyBij2nT236

Just kidding. It's whatever match I'm actually watching at the time. I just watched both of the Champions League semifinals

If you were Jurgen Klinsmann, what are three things you would change about the USMNT (roster, tactics, training)?

I'm one of the guys that thinks Jurgen is actually doing a pretty solid job. I like his focus on youth, his modernization of the training system, and his focus on more a more attacking style. I'm very excited for the future.

But, to not completely cop out of this question... I'd have him bring back his long hair, grow a mustache, and consider wearing red.

Tim Howards beard or Kyle Beckermans dreads?

As a facial hair aficionado, I gotta go with the beard.

Who are some of the U-21 players for the US that you're excited about?

Well, as a Spurs and USMNT supporter, I am ECSTATIC about Cameron Carter-Vickers. It's so hard when guys are this young, but he really seems like the real deal.

And on the opposite side of that same coin, I'm looking forward to seeing what Gedion Zelalem can do. I haven't seen nearly as much of him as I have of Carter-Vickers, but from everything I've heard he really has the makings of a star.

The internet can be a fickle mistress, have you run into any Teddy haters?

As someone who spends a lot of time on the internet, I have to admit, as all of this happened I kind of braced myself for just that.

But, I can say I've been so lucky and thankful to have experienced mostly support, camaraderie and good amount of indifference.

I'm quite aware that all of this is very silly, and based on luck, but as it's given me opportunities to enjoy and promote soccer more than I could have otherwise, I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can.

What country would you like to see host the World Cup sometime in the next few decades?

This one's tough. There's still a lot of debate about whether bringing a tournament like the World Cup to a "developing" nation helps or hurts it. A lot of signs point to hurting. That said, we can't just limit host nations to those who already have all of the infrastructure in place to host, as that makes the rich, richer and alienates most of the world.

I guess my answer is a mix of deserving, developed nations with some nations where it will actually help improve things. </politicalcorrectness>

GOALLLL?

GOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

what's your advice to someone who can't grow a half decent beard to save their life?

Go with a full decent mustache.

How has your experience changed when going to a match? Are the fans still excited to see you out there?

Well, for the most part it hasn’t changed. Not the least of which because all the matches I’ve attended have been club. I actually haven’t been back to a US match since last summer (to be remedied at the Gold Cup in Kansas City).

Also, I try to keep a low profile (for the most part). But when I do get recognized, people still seem to be excited. I take any photos anyone wants and try to represent US Soccer as well as possible.

And I’m sure I’ll be leading songs and chants soon, but that’s what I was doing before!

Hey, Teddy! Thanks for this AMA. As a fellow Yank and Yiddo, I'm stoked that you're one of us.

I'm just curious ... Whom do you want and think Spurs should sign and sell this Summer?

Thank YOU, man!

As for summer dealings for Spurs, we could do a whole other thread about this (in fact, I'm quite sure there are many of them), so I'll just keep it general. I think our main positions of need are CB and CM, with some reinforcements up top being a nice-to-have. I obviously like Verts, and I think Dier has a great future, but after that it's murky. And while I enjoyed seeing Mason/Bentaleb come through most of the season well, I feel like there's a lack of offensive threat from that pairing. It leaves a lot on Harry and Christian to make something happen. So, some ins and outs at midfield would be nice (including some backup for Eriksen).

I'm looking at Pritchard as our "new signing" reinforcement on the front line.

How did you become a football fan in the US?

I was born and raised a football fan, I became a soccer fan more recently.

Sorry, that was one was a tee, I had to haha. Football/soccer debate aside, I really became a major fan after the 2010 World Cup. As I mentioned, I'd been raised as an American football fanatic my whole life. I even played through college. And with that, you’re kinda taught to hate soccer because it’s the same season and you compete for athletes. So, as recently as a decade ago, I was the guy saying, “Oooooooh, soccer… what was it, another nil-nil draw?!” But after enjoying the crap out of the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, I realized maybe it wasn’t soccer… maybe it was me.

So I decided to give myself a “soccer bootcamp.” I realized that the reason I wasn’t a soccer fan wasn’t because soccer wasn’t as good as the other sports, it’s because I didn’t understand it. Being raised in the US, you pick up the history, the teams, the rivalries, etc. of our “major” sports through osmosis. You don’t have to try, you just know. With soccer, I had to try. But I did. So for one month, all I allowed myself to watch, listen to, or read had to be soccer-related. I went in as a casual World Cup fan, and came out a fan of the game.

Been a love affair ever since.

How come you haven't been to Toyota Park lately?

I'll be there tonight, actually. Come say hello.

What do you do for a living?

When I'm not being the 26th president and soccer diehard, I work in advertising as a writer.

Who really wins a football match?

The fans? Unless this is a reference I'm not getting, in which case: [insert correct answer].

If I gave you about $3.50 could I host a game in my back yard?

I'm not takin' bribes, but if you start a game, look for me in the cheering section.

"Teddy", How does it feel to get beat by me in fantasy this year? Since I won, would that make me president over you? I think I earned the right to be president of everybody. #COYS

It stings. I'm as competitive as they come, so I want to win everything. But, I'm also kinda ok with how I ended up. This is my best season by a mile, so I'm not too bummed.

As for being President of everybody based on fantasy, first show me a mustache, then we'll talk. I may have an open position on my cabinet.

So the game against the Netherlands was exciting. Bobby, Gyasi, and Danny got their first international goals and Jordan Morris managed a great assist, but our defense looked a bit shaky with Johnny misreading crosses against Huntelaar, and Alvarado and Orozco mismarking.

This all being said, what is your outlook on our match against Germany, and also on how our squad can be rotated to insure our first World Cup victory?

I know, what a match! I was watching at work and the last couple goals came so fast I barely caught them.

My outlook for the Germany match is just to continue to see growth. There's a lot of youth in the squad right now, and they're still getting used to playing, and playing with one another. I'm trying to stay open-minded with everything so early in the cycle.

Why didn't you run for president before it got trendy?

My first presidential campaign was in 1901.

Which came first, your love of the beautiful game or your surname?

The love.