SI Article on DC United's Barra Brava

oh, there is an adversarial relationship with Metrobulls F.O. one huge reason is that with all the soccer fans east of the Hudson River they have done PRACTICALLY NOTHING to connect with all the fans over here.it's one thing if the teams sux, but this franchise has accepted the fact that people either don't care or don't realize they exist. as far as NJSEA goes, ever been to a NFL game at the Meadowlands and seen the sons of SS agents in action? yeish

 

actually last year shortly after that quote came out i showed him both of the tatoos. he laughed and said i was one of a kind.

 

Nice article.

While the fringe will always be the fringe, and the hard core always the hard core, teaching the average American fan how to watch a soccer game live is what will bring the game to the next level in terms of cultural influence. Might not be until kids my son's age are adults, but when it does happen, guys like Barra Brava will be a big part of why.

 

the same story minus a player joining the group for a match could have been written about Chicago, LA or Chivas.

 

We've had players join the group for a match, we've often had the General Manager of the team join in......










..... now we can't seem to go a match without the former GM being all loud and stealing beers. I kid.

 

Yeah, but it wasn't.

 

No kidding - "Embrace the Colors" is beyond lame. I would hazard a guess that more casual fans avoided going to their first MLS game because of that commercial than actually came.

I wish they'd put together a commercial of great goals and lots of supporter's group action with some good tunes and at the end go: "So what are YOU doing this weekend?"

 

Right about now, F.S.B.

 

have you been to my youtube?

they just need to hire me.

 

I apologize if this was mentioned before, but how has the "Free Beer Movement" factored into the fanship in DC? If at all?

 

You said it, but who doesn't like...

The Magpie

 

Where's the link?

 

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=jdna

 

Chicago or Chivas, I agree: Great fans, passionate, organized. They're definitley no's 2 and 3 in the league

LA? I need to be convinced.

 

To try to take a step beyond your immedate questions, I think what you're getting at is, "what were the key factors that helped create this great atmosphere in DC?" I think by extension if you look at other places with passionate and authentic support (Chicago, Chivas) there is a pattern: the group gets built around a core group of folks who are immigrants from (or otherwise have ties to) places where this kind of support is par for the course. Then, (at least in DC and Chicago) you have a relatively open/diverse/international population that digs that scene and gets into it and it spreads.

 

I think you are right on target here, and i think it also extends to support on the boards. I get the impression, for instance, that a number of posters for RSL have a South American connection, such as RSLFM, who is from Brazil and has a lead role on that forum.

The plus in the stadium for those like me, who came to the game later in life, is that the DC supporters groups taught me how to be a soccer fan. That comes from the origins of their key members.

 

Uh it sometimes really screws up the groups ability to hold a tune/tempo.
Other than that not alot considering typical newbie action is to provide the liqour for the day. Hell sometimes newbies bring the best stuff.

I'd say the deep fried turkeys in the fall really bring 'em out.

 

Man, now I'm all horny....scuze me folks...

 

Great article.

I can't think of many or any fan groups
in any of the "big four" that create such an
awesome atmosphere.

Barra Brava and the Screaming Eagles should
be proud of themselves.

 

I would respect them more if some of them weren't crying and saying that the LA players should be fined for "taunting" them. I guess they got their feelings hurt.

They create a great atmosphere. It demands player reaction - both from their own team and from the visitors. Now, that's something to be proud of.

 

"You must spread some reputation around before giving it to CHICO13 again".

I appreciate the history lesson. Thanks!

 

Unintended irony

 

Sure DC fans are great but I think that the best supporting groups title goes to Chivas LA. When Chivas LA plays the visiting G's HDC KICKS ASS! Nobody can match the atmosphere that Chivas LA puts when the play the G's - not even DC.

Did anyone see the highlights when Chivas LA beat CA at HDC early this month? That has got to be the greates atmosphere ever put by any MLS supporter's group. La Legion was absolutely impressive! DC has not even come close to match the fervent atmosphere Chivas LA brings to MLS.

DC fans I'm sure they are proud of their team, but I'm sorry, the best supporting groups goes to Chivas LA.