 According to the Sam's Army website, Sam's Army was inspired by the Scottish football team's supporter group, the Tartan Army, which they felt was an ideal to aim for as a supporter group.Sam's Army's first organized debut was at a United States vs. Nigeria U.S. Cup match on June 11, 1995 at Foxboro Stadium; after winning that year's U.S. Cup, the United States' coach Steve Sampson called the group "the best fans in the country right now for the game of soccer", and Alexi Lalas threw the group his jersey in celebration of their U.S. Cup victory and to show his thanks for their support.The group originated due to a lack of an organized soccer supporters' club in the United States.