So how does four U.S. Open Cups, being first in the league, attempting a Treble, and a new Sounders signing feel?...Um, pretty freaking awesome!

 

That's exactly where the sounders find themselves following Tuesday's U.S. Open Cup Final victory. The match itself was fantastic, and had every emotion a Seattle Supporter could ask for. It had its frustrations and near misses, but it also had a comeback and perhaps one of the greatest runs ever by DeAndre Yedlin when he sprinted over 40 yards to clear a one-on-one Philadelphia goal opportunity. Ultimately, though, the match was a success and was the first box checked on the way to the Sounders winning all three domestic soccer trophies in one year; the U.S. Open Cup, the Supporters Shield, and MLS Cup...Otherwise known as "The Treble."

 

But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves just yet. There's still a lot of work to be done, and that work starts this Saturday in New York. 

 

Historically, the Red Bulls have always been an under-whelming team. However, contrary to recent Seattle v. New York matches, Thierry Henry should be active in this match.  That's right folks, no artificial turf excuses this time. Despite this, and not to discredit the accomplishments of Henry, the fact remains that one player cannot compare to the depth and talent occupying the Sounders' roster.  nd that depth undeniable is a huge contributing factor to this year's sustained success. 

 

To think at any time Sigi can sub in players like Marco Papa, Chad Barrett, or Kenny Cooper off the bench seems almost unfair when comparing this team to other MLS rosters. Not to mention this doesn't even take into consideration the acquisition of Nigerian international defender Onyekachi Apam. Apam will likedly not only be strengthening our back line, but also provide another set of legs (aka depth) as we head into season's end and the playoffs.

 

Without a doubt, this has to be one of the best times to be a Seattle Sounders Supporter. There's still a lot of work to be done, but with the team's recent form and a noticeable sense of self belief, I'd say our chances look not only good but great.  But let me leave you with this: make your arrangements now because in the weeks to come Seattle has the chance to raise the Cascadia Cup, Supporters Shield, and MLS Cup all at home. The Sounders have the chance to make history, and with the ECS at full volume, the world better take notice because our time for glory is now!

Tickets:

If you purchased your NEW YORK AWAY tickets for Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Red Bull Arena from ECS, they were sent to you via email. Print your ticket and bring it with you.

 

Pre-function:

Carlow East! Our partner bar in Manhattan is hosting us for our pre-function. They open at 10AM, but most of us will be arriving in the early afternoon. 

 

Carlow East

1254 Lexington Avenue (85th & Lex)

New York, NY 10028

 

At 4:30PM, we will pay our tabs and head to the subway. Be prepared with a metro card for the subway. We will also be transferring to the PATH in order to reach Harrison.

 

Parking:

Visiting Supporters (that's us) are encouraged to park in any public lot around the arena.  Parking is between $15-$25.

 

Entering the Stadium:

We will all check in at Gate C1 at 6:30PM. Tifo crew will go first, as each item will be checked by security. Once we are all in, we will be briefed by stadium security and then escorted to our section. We are in Section 220, rows 12-18, and the section is treated as General Admission.

 

FRIENDS OR FAMILY IN OTHER MLS TEAM GEAR OR COLORS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STAND WITH US.  The upper half of Section 220 at Red Bull Arena is designated for fans and supporters of Seattle Sounders FC.  This match has big implications for The Sounders' Supporter Shield run, and it is very, very important to those who have traveled to be here. Passions will be running high. If you or someone in your group is wearing colors of another MLS team, they will be asked to remove those items. If they refuse, we will try to have your group reseated, but this is highly unlikely as the match is sold-out.  If stadium staff cannot accommodate a reseating, then your group will be asked to leave.

 

AGAIN, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN OUR SECTION, AND WE DON'T CARE HOW IT WORKS IN OTHER AMERICAN SPORTS. WE NEGOTIATED THIS GROUP RATE, WE ORGANIZED THIS TRIP, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE FOR ANY REASON. - yes, we're pretty serious about this.

 

Gametime (Important Information):

Emerald City Supporters is a supporters group. That's important to remember. Our reason for being at the match is to spur our boys to victory; everything else is secondary.

 

• Our section will be treated as General Admission, we do not enforce seat assignments. Tifo, capos, the drum, and security will be in the front few rows. Everyone else is invited to stand where they feel most comfortable.
• Participation is encouraged. We'll have song cards so you can sing, chant, and go mental right along with us. Don't worry if you don't know all the words, just follow along the best you can and your support will be felt! And, pack your 2-pole with your toothbrush; we'll provide the pvc poles.
• There may be times where you can't see as well as you might like due to flags and tifo. We like to wave flags, even during the run of play sometimes. We feel like it's an important part of showing the boys our support, and they are going to need every ounce of strength. If a flag is in your way, and you don't like it - please feel free to change seats. That's part of why we do GA, so you're not stuck in an uncomfortable spot.
• Do not engage in any way with home fans. Security will keep them at bay; there's no need to engage in any wordplay, taunting, threats, etc. If you have an issue, notify ECS security or stadium staff.

 

Postgame:

Standard procedure for all MLS matches is to hold the visiting supporters in the section for approximately 20 minutes in order to give the home fans time to clear the concourse.  We will then be escorted by stadium security and local police out of our section and all the way to the PATH station.

 

This is a big one, folks. Travel safe. We will see you Saturday.

 

ECS Travel Monkeys

 

P.S. For up to the moment happenings, follow us on Twitter @ecstravelmonkey.