ECS Match Preview + A Message from Leadership

For those ECS members that were unable to make the meeting at Fuel and/or that missed what was said on the capo stand at last Saturday's match, we wanted to clear the air a bit so all ECS members are properly informed.

We've had frustrations building and a few situations arise that we deemed necessary to address in a serious fashion. We asked all our members, through multiple channels, as well as through the sub group leads, to join us at Fuel in advance of our standard march time on Saturday afternoon. We did this because it is the original home of the ECS, and where our pre-funk rituals and our march to the match originally started.

Before getting into some additional detail, we would like to first wholeheartedly thank everyone that came and joined us. We would also like to thank Fuel for letting us use their porch as a soap box. We would especially like to thank our other partners Temple Billiards, and Merchants Caf? who undoubtedly saw a down turn in business due to our activities last weekend. We encourage you to go buy an extra pint from them as well for their sacrifice on our behalf.

Although many members aren't aware, the march to the match has been a contentious issue for years with ECS. Additionally, there have recently been advertising issues, stadium bans, band issues, photography issues, and marketing and rights issues all surrounding the ECS. We feel the march to the match represents us as a group and that was why we chose it as the platform in which we wanted to stage our "airing of grievances."

We kept the details for our gathering vague, because we wanted to show that our members care enough about this group to come out in mass, listen to what ECS leadership had to say, and respond as a cohesive group. We are pleased to say that happened. A portion of the following points were the highlight of a passionate speech delivered to the ECS members about why we decided to do this.

The FO claims that they invented and own the march to the match. They claim on their website that people should culminate and march "while singing and chanting Sounders FC fight songs." These are OUR songs orchestrated by US and it's frustrating that they publicly claim otherwise.
Imagery of ECS members outside of CenturyLink Field is being used by the MLS as an advertisement for LAFC expansion team without our consent despite the fact it's our march and we were not in the stadium.
We were asked by the MLS (via our FO) if we would allow MLS commercial camera crews on our Vancouver away travel buses so they could document us and use us for advertising the Cascadia rivalry (and who knows what else). We refused to be used as a profit building machine for the MLS. Still, three camera crews infiltrated our section to gain footage. These cameras were way too close to us and became a hindrance and a nuisance to our traveling support affecting our ability and right to support our boys on the pitch properly.

When many ECS members flipped off these cameras one of them ended up on live TV. This member was not disciplined within the stadium. Our FO later sent pictures of our member to ECS leadership and asked us to identify him for disciplinary purposes. We refused. They found him through other methods and handed him a ban from CenturyLink Field until he paid for and went through the 'fan code of conduct' online class.

Many of these things have been distracting us from our ultimate goals/mission of supporting our boys on the pitch and more importantly many of these things have eroded the passion and level of dedication that we have come to know from a large number of new and old school ECS members.

We as ECS are not of the mentality that we are above laws or stadium policies but we do insist on being treated fairly, consistently, and without bias.

During the speech at Fuel, our capo mentioned they would be putting a middle finger in every camera lens they saw. This was symbolic insofar that if you ban one of us without speaking to us, you better plan to ban all of us. We then began to march down the route of our choosing. As usual, our march was bombarded by multiple photographers. Most all got at least 1 finger.

With all of this rolling passion we are aware of a few issues of people getting too aggressive with photographers and onlookers. The ECS does not nor have we ever condoned violence or physical confrontations in any way, shape, or form. The culmination of the above stated issues in no way justifies physically abusing any innocent bystanders. ECS security has been alerted to a couple of instances and we are diligently looking into them. Let us be clear, we are NOT hooligans. Read that again. WE ARE NOT HOOLIGANS. We would like to personally apologize to anyone that felt that was representative of ECS. We're with you. Such actions are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated within this group.

We stepped into our normal march route and picked up those regular dedicated marchers at Occidental Park and what followed was one of the most passionate marches we've experienced in years.

Inside the stadium, the message was a bit more upbeat. We did not want to affect the players but we did want to make our points abundantly clear about how we felt about issues addressed at the very beginning of the march. During pre-match a speech was given talking about unity within our group. About supporting each other. We asked everyone to raise their hands if they were ECS. (Paid or not.) A significant amount of the ECS section raised their hands. They were then asked to look around and be proud of the organization they were a part of. They were asked to introduce themselves to the people next to them, in front of them, and behind them. This message may have been lost in the powerful march to the match but this was the second part of what we want to address.

Along with showing solidarity with a member, we also emphasized solidarity with each other. Fighting amongst ourselves publicly can create feelings of distrust, disconnection, and disloyalty that effect all members and our support on match day. A house divided cannot stand.

So, let's hash out any and all issues but let's do it on the forums that our memberships pay for. We all have our favorite social mediums, but your leadership team has made the commitment to check these forums at least once a day. So, this is the best place to reach out, to connect, and to be heard.

The last action the ECS made on Saturday was during the first 2 minutes of "Bluest Skies" (otherwise known as "Seattle"). Normally, we do scarves up and the boom camera that is always located in front of us pans across our colors. Instead, we led with middle fingers raised high. The final statement in which we spelled out: BAN ONE OF US, BAN ALL OF US.

So what does this mean? Are we at War with our FO? No. Does the ECS hate the Sounders? No. Do the Sounders hate the ECS? No. This was just a reminder that we are not employees of the front office. We are not their puppets, nor their marketing tool. We are the Emerald City Supporters, the independent supporters group of the Seattle Sounders Football Club and our culture is not for sale.

Wednesday we will return to our old school spot. We will march from Fuel, through Occidental Park, to the stadium. We will march together, business as usual, in a passionate and peaceful manner, continuing to condemn anyone that thinks physicality towards others is ok. We will return to our section in the Brougham End. And we will continue to support our boys on the pitch as passionately as ever.

Please keep your eyes peeled for the location of our upcoming town hall discussion starting at 11 AM this Sunday. All members are encouraged to come and talk to leadership, to express ideas, concerns and questions of any nature related to ECS business. If you can't make this one, this won't be the only one. We have every reason to be roud of first decade supporting the Sounders. We'll share more on our social media channels, so watch the forums, Facebook and Twitter for more.

Let's work together to make this next decade even better.

Up the Sounders
Up the ECS

Sounders FC vs Colorado Rapids

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Kickoff: 7PM PDT

Royal Brougham Park (CenturyLink Field)

Seattle, Washington

Sounders FC vs. New York Red Bulls

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Kickoff: 2PM PDT

Royal Brougham Park (CenturyLink Field)

Seattle, Washington

By Jacob Cristobal

The Boys came back on Saturday after spending nearly a month on the road: a trip that resulted in two good wins and one embarrassing loss. Saturday's match against The Club Formerly Known As The Wizards left you wishing for another Seattle winner somewhere in, say, the 93rd minute. That wasn't the case. SKC opted to do their best Real Salt Lake impersonation, leaving us flustered and frustrated. A scoreless draw that maybe shouldn't have been one, given we controlled possession like nobody's business and tried to make the most out of attempts on the opposition goal. Alas it wasn't meant to be, and sometimes that's just how the game goes.

So while nice we're back to hosting matches, the turnaround for Saturday's match is very short because here we are: it's Wednesday and we're hosting the Rapids. The last time we faced them, it was on the road and Obafemi Martins did some dirty magic with the right thumbstick in what would become the runaway Goal of the Week winner. Well guess what, boys and girls? Reports are Oba will be back for this clash - so good night and good luck Rapids defense! The return of Oba for us (and reuniting with Deuce) could be just the ticket to stop Colorado's momentum after claiming a big win over Vancouver on Saturday. A good chunk of people reading this DAMN WELL BETTER be spending Wednesday pulling off a double-header of soccer between Sounders FC 2 playing in a US Open Cup match against Scum Minor, AKA Portland Timbers 2, and the first team at Royal Brougham Park. So spread out your beverage consumption accordingly and keep hydrated! We've been having kick-ass weather for a while now, and all forecasts say Wednesday is going to be bright, sunny, and hot. Stay cool and hydrated so you can remain loud and strong for the nightcap against the Rapids. Oh, and before I forget: because we are playing the Rapids, I will always feel this is appropriate to play to help get into the mood come match day. Sorry not sorry, John Denver fans!

So while we'll be doing our part in the stands; singing, chanting, waving all those beautiful flags for a win - the turnaround from Wednesday will be a short one again. The MLS schedule makers are some very s-m-r-t people, and they decided to have Seattle host three league matches in eight days, closing this absurd stretch with the New York Red Bulls. It seems like a long time ago, but I remember that weekend where they hosted New York City FC for the BIGGEST RIVALRY in the history of EVER, and for that game at least they showed up and took it to their in-city rivals. Since that match, they've drawn against FC Dallas and were humiliated by Philadelphia. It's still all about getting the ball to Bradley Wright-Phillips, as he is their danger man - that in and of itself still amuses me! I mean, who would've thought we'd be saying Bradley is more valuable to his club than his brother Shaun is to his? Then again, equally amusing is Roy Miller still being a thing for New York, despite a 'valiant petition' to make him stop being a thing. Like I said before: that's just how the game goes.

It's easy for us to say that by the end of this 3-matches-in-9-days stretch we'll be tired mentally, physically - hell, probably financially. You know what though? Imagine how the guys putting on the shirt with our crest are going to feel once the stretch is over. If they can do it out there on the pitch, surely we can do it from the stands. The Boys feed off our energy every match, and they'll definitely call upon us for this stretch, so let's show them the love! Midweek matches don't come often. Let's make this one memorable, and then close out the stretch & the month of May with another win against New York! Two matches, six points!

S2: Back to the USL

Today, you have a chance for a Sounders doubleheader. S2 will welcome T2 to Starfire at 1pm for the 3rd Round of the U.S. Open Cup. Plenty of time to make it down to the match and then to the Clink to see the First Team play. If you can't make it to Starfire Wednesday afternoon, the Sounders will be providing a stream so we all can keep up with the action while at our desk. (Thanks, Sounders!)

Upcoming Home Match Tickets:

Friday, June 5th vs Tulsa Roughnecks

And don't forget the Fuel Bus to Starfire will be available for Friday, June 5th. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Fuel for a Special $12 price that includes a shot or a beer. They are also available in the ECS Store as well as day of for $7. Each ticket includes one raffle ticket and prizes will be drawn on the way to Starfire and back.

Mentality: Round 2

Didn't get to order that rain jacket in the last round of Mentality? Didn't want to buy the tank if you couldn't wear it until July? Well, here's your chance to grab those items you missed out on before!

The 2015 gear, with its silent nod to the 'Decade of Dominance' and Section 113 helps you represent, right along with your fellow supporters at RBP, at work, or even an away match. ECS is offering even more high-quality options and styles for both men and women. You asked, we listened and can happily say that there's truly something for everyone to show their support!

Our second sale is on now and you don't want to miss this wave of ordering so you can wear your gear for the upcoming summer months. You'll be able to pre-order online or at the ECS Merchandise Table outside of section 122, where items will be available to see as well. We'll have one more opportunity to get all of your must have items, but don't wait til then!

Why envy all your fellow supporters' gear?

Sounders Til I Die

We'll see you on the terraces.

Emerald City Supporters