Ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, some Riders shared their unique experiences relating to the world’s biggest sporting event.
With an organizational presence spanning more than three decades, our members have been front and center for memorial moments in North American and international soccer history throughout that time and have taken some time to share them.
Meet the members:
- Sean Doonan – current C7 treasurer
- Monty Rodrigues – former president
- Michael Smith – former At-Large Board member
- Jon Strauss – current C3 chairperson
Responses are slightly edited for clarity and condensed for length.
1. State of Residence
Doonan: New Hampshire
Rodrigues: New Hampshire
Smith: Massachusetts
Strauss: Massachusetts
2. Member since…
Doonan: 2013
Rodrigues: 1997
Smith: 2006
Strauss: 1997
3. Favorite reason(s) to be a Rider?
Doonan: I love the camaraderie and friendship that comes with tailgating in the lot and
chanting from the Fort.
Rodrigues: The family feel
Smith: Friendships
Strauss: The camaraderie
4. Which World Cup(s) have you attended?
Doonan: 2015 Women’s World Cup
Rodrigues: 1994, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018
Smith: This will be my first
Strauss: 1999, 2006, 2014, 2022
5. Favorite World Cup memory/memories?
Doonan: Watching the 2015 WWC Final in Vancouver
Rodrigues: Beating Portugal and Mexico in Korea. England in 2010. Algeria in 2010.
Smith: 2002 World Cup Run
Strauss: Drawing with Italy in Kaiserslautern in 2006 being down a man.
6. Are you going to the 2026 Men’s World Cup?
Doonan: Yes
Rodrigues: Yes
Smith: Yes
Strauss: Yes
7. If going to the 2026 Men’s World Cup, which match(es)?
Doonan: I’m going to all the Gillette matches (5 group stage, 1 Round of 32, and 1 quarterfinal)
Rodrigues: All USMNT matches.
Smith: All the USA matches
Strauss: All USMNT matches, as far as they go
8. If going to the 2026 Men’s World Cup, what are you most excited about?
Doonan: Seeing top-level soccer without having to fly elsewhere. One of the matches here [at Boston Stadium] is France-Norway; Kylian Mbappé v Erling Haaland.
Rodrigues: The friends that are going along
Smith: Being with my best friends and going to games
Strauss: Seeing friends from all over the country and rooting for the US
Thanks to Sean, Monty, Michael, and Jon for sharing their perspectives. Stay tuned for any additional updates from our Riders on the road during this exciting tournament!
If you, too, want to get in on the action, whether MLS or international matches, it’s never too late to become a member.