Revamping Soccer Culture: The Rise of the Portland Cherry Bombs

Miller’s inaugural soccer venture, the Portland Bangers, was founded on a tongue-in-cheek premise embracing a playful and irreverent ‘sports-bro’ culture. The name ‘banger’ cleverly alluded to both striking a soccer ball into a goal and a deliberately juvenile humor. The mascot, crafted to provoke, reflected this ethos, which Miller aimed to transform into a community asset rather than a mere object of ridicule.

“We all say, ‘banger.’ It makes sense on multiple levels. While it seems straightforward, it wasn’t an easy concept to develop,” Miller remarked.

Today, Miller has pivoted towards a new initiative centered on empowerment: the Cherry Bombs. This team embodies a spirit of girl power, merging punk and 90s glam aesthetics. Their vibrant branding is unapologetically feminine, aligning perfectly with Miller’s background in music and creativity, even though he considers himself a recent convert to the world of soccer.

Miller perceives American professional soccer as overly corporate and predictable, with franchises focused on appeasing an established fan base while aiming for profitability. He argues that Portland, once a beacon of hipster culture, has faced a decline and deserves a comedic revival. His trio of teams, including minor league baseball franchises, seeks to reclaim the city’s quirky image and challenge the negative perceptions that have emerged nationally.

“Portland has received unjust national scrutiny, and we wanted to establish a platform that boldly confronts that narrative. A space where we can unite people to counter falsehoods and injustices,” Miller stated.

Despite Portland being home to successful soccer franchises like the NWSL’s Thorns and the MLS’s Timbers, Miller chose to engage directly with fans. However, his lack of a soccer background posed challenges, a fact he openly acknowledges. His expertise lies in music, apparel, and campaign management, having collaborated with brands such as Coca-Cola and Netflix. Frustrated by delays in merchandise development, he launched the clothing brand Official League.

“I want impressive designs delivered quickly and affordably, without needing to order in bulk. I want to create styles I’ve always envisioned,” Miller expressed.

Official League has since gained international recognition, partnering with artists like Green Day and teams including the Portland Trail Blazers and various NWSL clubs, ultimately producing kits for the Bangers this year. Controlling his brand allows Miller to innovate without corporate constraints, enabling him to openly critique traditional sports culture.

Miller seeks to elevate soccer while ensuring it remains enjoyable. “This is an opportunity to build a compelling brand that can do good for our city and community,” he remarked.

Thus, the Portland Cherry Bombs emerged, a natural progression from the Bangers that underscored community enthusiasm.

“The reception in Portland was overwhelmingly positive, which reassured us that the women’s team would thrive,” said GM Courtney Schmidt.

Miller’s minor league baseball team, the Pickles, openly embraced their mascot’s overt masculinity, a sentiment mirrored by the Bangers.

“We’ve always embraced themes that lean male-heavy, but the Cherry Bombs are all about girl power; that’s their core identity,” Schmidt asserted.

The Cherry Bombs intentionally tackle crude humor to empower women in the same way men have traditionally been free to joke, aiming to dismantle long-standing double standards.

“I fully support challenging that double standard,” Schmidt added.

The branding is infused with elements of female rock rebellion, drawing inspiration from the 1976 anthem by The Runaways, pioneers of female punk music. The crest, resembling a slightly cracked vinyl record, reflects the team’s musical roots. Their launch, a vibrant 70s punk disco, showcased Portland’s spirit, merging soccer with a cultural movement.

“This embodies the essence of Portland: that DIY, defiant energy,” Miller noted.

While the focus is on soccer, Miller harbors ambitions for success across all franchises. The Bangers garnered attention online and demonstrated competitive prowess in the USL League Two, finishing fourth in their division and securing notable victories.

“We care about our performance. It’s important to be realistic; dominance in your first year isn’t feasible. It’s about establishing competitiveness and identifying areas for improvement,” Miller said.

The Cherry Bombs aspire to achieve similar success but within a distinct framework. The USL W-League serves as a developing ground for players transitioning to the professional USL Super League, providing an essential platform for collegiate athletes looking to elevate their game.

“Winning is a priority, and we aim to fill the stadium, but our primary goal is to offer a nurturing environment for local players aspiring to join the NWSL or play internationally,” Schmidt explained.

With just six months to assemble a team, Schmidt is determined not to simply fill roster spots. Her extensive background in college soccer positions her well to craft a competitive squad.

The Bangers enjoyed sold-out games in their inaugural season, creating a lively atmosphere at Hilken Community Stadium with music, dancing, and engaging entertainment. The hope is that the Cherry Bombs replicate this vibrant experience when they launch their inaugural season in May.

Miller continues to drive forward. Just a week before speaking with GOAL, he visited Germany to experience Bundesliga matches firsthand, finding inspiration in their community engagement.

“This is what we should emulate—building community and fostering organization, which are key components,” Miller concluded.

He’s even exploring franchise opportunities for additional teams and remains open to transitioning leadership if more qualified individuals arise, all while focusing on nurturing his brands and filling his office walls with creative posters.