Soccer is a team sport. However, when it comes to legends, it’s usually one player or a manager who stands out. When it comes to the Seattle Sounders, though, a different candidate comes to the fore. It’s the 12th player, and no, we’re not talking about a super sub from the bench. It’s the fans.
What is it that makes the Emerald City Supporters so special? Twenty years on from the founding of the supporters group is the perfect time to answer that question. Let’s explore the fan devotion, how they support their club, and what makes the Sounders so loyal.
A Bit About the Seattle Sounders
The Sounders were founded in 1974. The team played their early games at the Kingdome. Now, they share the famous Lumen Field with another big Seattle team, the Seahawks. The venue has a capacity of 68,740, which gives the fans room to make their impact. The club has multiple owners, including some famous faces, like Drew Carey.
They compete in the Western Conference. The club has plenty of silverware in its cabinet. In 2022, they won the CONCACAF Champions League. The team has been MLS Cup Winners twice, and are proud Supporters’ Shield, US Open Cup, and Leagues Cup Winners.
It’s no surprise, then, that supporters like to back their team by wagering on them. The Sounders, along with the Seahawks and the Mariners, are great options for online sports betting. You can check out the top 5 sportsbooks at https://www.thesportsgeek.com/sportsbooks/mlb/. It’s not just for MLB, as there are MLS and NFL markets, too.
Homegrown Rules
The homegrown talents certainly dominate the rankings at the club. It’s clear from the number of US players in the squad that it has made the most of the homegrown rules. This states that clubs can recruit homegrown players directly from the academy without needing to get them in the SuperDraft.
There are currently six homegrown players on the roster:
- Obed Vargas
- Reed Baker-Whiting
- Jacob Castro
- Cody Baker
- Stuart Hawkins
- Danny Leyva
Twenty Years of Emerald City Supporters
The club’s fans are known as the Emerald City Supporters. The official supporter group has been running since 2005. Over 20 years, that loyal following has grown and cemented. While the heritage isn’t quite an institution like the New York Yankees, it has the makings of one, with a solid foundation.
In fact, what matters most is the passion of the fans and how they come together. The way they do that and support their team is what makes them legendary.
Fan Unity
Two things make the Emerald City Supporters stand out, and one is their unity. A great example is the banners at a recent match. The theme was Somos Sounders. The banners included text such as Somos Indigenas, Somos Migrantes, and Somos Sounders. It was a way for them all to stand together with Latinx and Hispanic communities.
The fanbase also selects one match from the calendar each year to serve as the Pride match. With messages like We Will Not Be Erased, it’s clear to see that they’re one of the most welcoming supporter groups out there.
Tifo Legends
The other element that makes the ECS legendary and memorable is how they share their messages. The stands are known for their incredible banners. Known as tifo, which first became popular in Italy and southern Europe, the fans regularly put on spectacular displays. Not only do they intimidate opponents, but they also boost the Sounders' morale.
The tifo typically includes the colors of the club: green and blue. The emblem with the Space Needle also forms part of some displays. They also include empowering messages. One recent spectacular display showed a hand holding the world, with the words: The Entire World Will Tremble at Your Might.
The Fans Make the Difference
The importance of the 12th player can’t be overstated. When the match starts, they build excitement and anticipation. If things aren’t going the players’ way, the loyalty and encouragement of the fans help them rally. When the Sounders are winning, it’s an extra special feeling because the joy is shared with so many others.
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