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And finally the long-awaited–cough, very long-awaited, follow-up to our nickname piece. If you haven’t read the first piece, it’s really a great and damn near mandatory starter for this second piece. Read the commentary afterward from TSG readers — it’s pretty hysterical.

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Quite a few nicknames out there to frustrate Her Majesty

First, thanks to all of you that contributed such well thought out and meritorious commentary in Part I of “let’s not root for Steinbrenner’s team.” (Note, I am a Yanks’ baseball fan by the way. Gosh, it’s already confusing.)

Your rooting passion was evident and by the volume and quality of the responses we know we struck a chord on a “need” for the USMNT that does not involve the striker position.

So here’s how we’ll break it down. We’re going to contribute a number of the responses below with as much depth and possible. We will add background on the selections and we will ask TSG readers to contribute to the mix so we can create the most knowledgeable bios to accompany the names for selection.

Then we’ll put up a poll on the right sidebar after we’ve chosen a few “finalists”….like The Bloodsuckers. Kidding.

Finally, we promise to put together a brief and send it to the USSF to see if there is a response of any kind. While this piece is tongue-and-cheek, we’re going to pursue it to its fullest.

Here’s our first tier of nicknames that deserved “a deeper look”:

• The Buffalo (courtesy of Jared)

• The Freedom Fighters (courtesy of Free Beer Movement)

• The Militia (courtesy of Mark from TSG)

• The Outlaws (courtesy of Dylan)

• The Rattlesnakes/Rattlers (courtesy of Matt from TSG)

• The Revolutionaries (courtesy of Jared)

• The Rough Riders (courtesy of “Tuesday”)

• The Sons of Liberty (courtesy of Andrew)

Here’s our second tier of nicknames that we want to keep in the mix, but we weren’t sure demanded a “brief.” If you are so inclined, please email shinguardian@gmail.com with a cover page and footnotes if you want to make a case:

• The Rebel Yanks (courtesy of Jason Davis) — a little too close to tonight’s World Series representative from the American League.

• The Rifleman (courtesy of Jared) — Note, you’re going to probably have to fight the NRA on this one….and they have guns…thank you, thank you……thank you!

• The Minutemen (courtesy of Berg) — Hmm, a little bit of a not nice man innuendo here.

Note, most definitions within the “Summary” sections below come from Wikipedia.

Okay, let’s steel-cage-it:

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The Buffalo (or more appropriately “American Bison”)

Promoter: Jared

Summary: Straight out of the ‘pedia: The American Bison (Bison bison–what does that mean?) is a North American species of bison, also commonly known as the American Buffalo. “Buffalo” is somewhat of a misnomer for this animal, as it is only distantly related to either of the two “true buffaloes”, the Asian Water Buffalo and the African Buffalo. However, “bison” is a Greek word meaning ox-like animal, while “buffalo” originated with the French fur trappers who called these massive beasts boeufs, meaning ox or bullock.

I, too, can counterattack.

Positives:

The American Bison is native only to the United Sta….wait a minute, the ‘pedia says Canada too? Not so positive….

Isn’t that just a face and animal you love?

Negatives:

Buffalo while strong and team-oriented animals do not connote, uh, “counterattack,” or Landon Donovan’s profile.

Since the USMNT plays in the CONCACAF, most games are in warm climates. Try wearing a thick, burly buffalo outfit/costume in Mexico City–not to mention how mangy it will become after beer is spilled all over it. Yeah, it’s a good chance you’re not making it back through customs with that smelly carcass.

Possible confusion that the nickname refers to Toronto Jr. in upstate NY, home of the barrel dropping waterfalls (and to four losing Super Bowl teams during my childhood.)

What the hell is a “Bison Bison?”

TSG 2 Cents: In hindsight, the Buffalo conjures up football, American football. Have opinions otherwise? Share ‘em below.

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The Freedom Fighters

Promoter: Free Beer Movement

Summary: Freedom fighter is another term for those engaged in a struggle to achieve political freedom for themselves or obtain freedom for others. Generally speaking, freedom fighters are seen as people who are using physical force in order to cause a change in the political and or social order. Note, those involved in peaceful means to achieve political freedom are typically called political activists as oppose to freedom fighters.

Positives:

In terms of the definition of obtaining freedom for others, you could argue the message is a big positive from a U.S. political message standpoint.

Negatives:

Conversely (to the positive) you could suggest it means Vietnam?

The old IRA and (tread lightly) Al Qaeda are commonly labeled freedom fighters. YIKES!

The High Times Freedom Fighers are a marijuana legalization group. I’m endearing myself to soccer moms by making this a negative. (Everything was just wrong with that statement. Here, just buy the t-shirt.)

Neutral, I think:

USMNT Superfan

There is the United States Freedom Fighters group that I cannot find any information on with the exception of this guy on the right who is some sort of member. I’m not saying this is positive or negative. I’m just saying….I don’t know what I’m say. It bears considering.

TSG 2 Cents: We like the motorcycle-beard get-up, but we need more.

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The Militia

Promoter: Mark from TSG

Summary: The term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. Well, that sounds exactly like the defense in front of Timmy Howard during the Confederation’s Cup.

Positives:

From Mark, TSG:

“Not only is it representative of our underdog status on the world stage, but you already have a badass anthem by Gang Starr (with one of the sickest Primo beats). We can even try and get Nike to pay Guru enough money to re-do the lyrics.”

Negatives:

Many countries around the globe won’t like the idea that the “United States Militia will be in town to beat the home side on Thursday.” I’m just saying.

TSG 2 Cents: Perhaps a little bit too, hmm, military-oriented and it’s also my brother’s suggestion–my brother is a Jets and Mets fan I mean, c’mon. Nope, not feeling it.

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The Outlaws

Promoter: Dylan

Summary: One who is outside the law. Hmm….I thought the USMNT just stopped getting a red card a game. This is not starting off on the right foot.

Positives:

From Patrick, by way of Part I:

“Outlaws is actually pretty bad ass. Wild Wild West Imagery.

Can we have a new jersey contest next? Our jersey (and the corresponding tradition) sucks even more than our nickname. Seriously sometimes I don’t even recognize the old US jerseys until I can get close enough to read the names or see the crest (our crest also sucks, can we plz stick with the snake?). Argentina jersey’s? I know what those are a mile away.”

Negatives:

You’ve got 8 sports teams of varying ilk in the United States with that moniker.

You’ve got one very major and influential USMNT fan support group that rallied up some serious currency around that name.

TSG 2 Cents: This one goes to the Donahoo brothers, Justin Brunken, Justin Coughlan and company….you’ve earned it.

(AO photo courtesy of Trent at Trenthead.com)

I mean, these guys just say "Outlaws"

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The Rattlesnakes

Promoter: Matthew from TSG

Summary: We’ve already got the emblem and the slogan. Beyond that, the species is indigenous to the United States and the snake was a major symbol of the American Revolution.

Positives:

Unlike the Buffalo–and no disrespect to the Great Plain’s beast–rattlesnakes are capable of quick counterattacks.

We’ve got the whole Don’t Tread on Me thing and the Deuce video. That’s a go.

Negatives:

You have a defunct Arena football team with the name “Rattlers” — in other words, the names been tarnished a bit.

Um, not good according to TSG reader Kaya:

“I think “The Rattlesnakes” sounds like an 8-9 yo boys’ team name. I eventually got used to a team called The Mighty Ducks, so I could get used to The Rattlesnakes, but it took me a while.”

Or TSG reader Andy:

“How has nobody mentioned yet that a “rattler” is a baby’s toy? The stereotypical baby has about three things: 1. A diaper 2. A bonnet and 3. A rattler! Can we please say no to Rattlers”

TSG 2 Cents: A lot of positive; a lot of negative. I must excuse myself from the proceedings on this one (since I suggested the name. Hi, I’m Matthew by the way.)

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The Revolutionaries

Promoter: Jared

Summary: The Revolutionaries obviously refers to the movement for independence of the United States via the Declaration of Independence and then the war against the British.

Positives:

Just think of the cheers when we kick Capello’s troops in the teeth in World Cup 2010. I can see fans chanting: “17….76….”

Negatives:

Perhaps a little bit too close to the MLS team the New England Revolution. In fact, “Revolution” would have been as good or better a nickname. Can’t the national team just commandeer the name? Doesn’t Federal supersede State in this case?

TSG 2 Cents: Look Boston, you’ve got the Patriots (and oddly “the Celtics” and some type of bears) and the Revolution. In the good name of Jay Heaps, can you please relinquish this quality nickname for the good of US soccer fans everywhere?

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I think I can get behind these guys....

The Rough Riders

Promoter: “Tuesday”

Summary: The Rough Riders regiment, consisting of over 1,250 men, from all over the United States was mainly composed of cowboys, Indians, and other Wild West types, and Ivy League athletes and aristocratic sportsmen from the East. Wow!

Also, the name bestowed on the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, one of three such regiments raised in 1898 for the Spanish-American War and the only one of the three to see action

Positives:

“A mixture of ethnic and class diversity,” says “‘Tuesday.”

From TSG reader Andy:

“If people weren’t so sensitive we could be The Rough Riders and just shoot our guns into the air all game. Unfortunately, my dream shall never be realized.”

Negatives:

The Rough Riders did battle in Cuba. Aren’t we trying to improve relations with that country?

It’s the name of a football team. A Canadian football team. Oh boy, that knocks it down like 479 pegs.

TSG 2 Cents: As a good friend of mine says about crab cakes, “what’s not to like?”

References an army of men from a diverse background grouped together to achieve an objective. Can you see Bob Bradley sporting Target sweatpants and a big Stetson? Now we’ve convinced you.

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The Sons of Liberty/The Liberty Boys

Promoter: Andrew

Summary: The Sons of Liberty was a secret organization of American patriots which originated in the 13 colonies during the American Revolution. British authorities and their supporters, known as Loyalists, considered the Sons of Liberty as seditious, referring to them as “Sons of Violence” and “Sons of Iniquity.” Patriots attacked the apparatus and symbols of British authority, including Wayne Rooney and John Terry (just seeing if you are paying attention).

Positives:

Well, it’s got the word, “Sons” in it. So we know we’re not referring to Mia Hamm or Abby Wambach.

References the American Revolution and patriotism — bueno! I mean good.

This flag ain't..."flying"

The Sons of Liberty quote “attacked the symbols of authority and power” — that belongs on a banner in the American Outlaws fan section.

Has a pretty decent sub-nickname of “Liberty Boys” — that’s pretty darn good. When they play at a stadium near you, then you could say you are going to watch the “Liberty Boys in the Hood.” (I’ll just shut up now.)

Played a major part in the Boston Tea Party following the lead of Sam Adams. So let me get this straight, they destroyed tea in favor of beer. Uh, check.

Negatives:

The “Sons of Liberty” flag is a bit of a reach. Ain’t no way we’re being called the Candy Canes, Pinstripers, or Sunderland F.C. Jr.

TSG 2 Cents: Lose the flag and you’ve got a shot. It’s a really good mix of rebellion and patriotism wrapped into one (or even two) nicknames. Yup, we like it.

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So have at it in the commentary. Fill in the blanks on the positive and negatives we’ve missed.

And thank you in advance for your contributions.

Oh, and for my final two cents, I’m fine with a bunch of the names: Rough Riders, Sons of Liberty/Liberty Boys, Rattlesnakes and Revolutionaries.

Any of these are better to me than the Yanks or Stars & Stripes. I want to buy some gear.