By Robert R. Bernstein
The New York Giants may own the Meadowlands, but when DC United fans invaded their stadium for a recent match against the Red Bulls, the occasion turns to a spirited and colorful display of team loyalty.
Two bus loads and a stream of private cars carried United faithful from the Beltway to watch their team put down New York in a 3-2 victory. In the stands, numbering several hundred strong, many are members of unique tribes: La Barra Brava, originally formed by Latino fans in 1996, the group has become a melting pot for fans or all nationalities. There’s the Screaming Eagles, largely known for the songs and chants they perform during home and away games, and La Norte, named for fans that prefer the north side of RFK Stadium, United’s home field.
DC United's Barra Brava fans wave huge flag that reads "Death or Glory."
They are clad in a tapestry of paraphernalia: official team jerseys, tee-shirts, and caps. Some are dressed in homemade red and black outfits, others sport red shorts, white shirts with a formal black top hat, a common sighting at most games. Some fans post double duty as color guards hoisting large flags emblazoned with the team logo, the flag of DC, or unique designs that feature team colors in striped patterns.
These aren’t casual fans. And the trip to New Jersey by so many is no fluke. The distance fans will travel seems limitless as the faithful share stories of visits to California, Utah and Illinois to represent their team.
They come armed with horns and drums to make their own soundtrack, setting the musical tone for players on the pitch. In a large stadium like RFK, the fan associations are essential to creating an atmosphere for on-field success. The enthusiasm reminds Carlo Carlini of Baltimore of the sports culture he experienced growing up in Italy. “It’s a longing for the way it was at home,” he said, referring to probably one of the most soccer crazed countries in the world.
Earlier this year, fans were encouraged by moves to bring the team to Prince George’s with a soccer-specific arena, but those plans were shot down after the County Council panned efforts to study the impact of a new stadium. Other sites in Virginia and Maryland were also nixed in the face of vociferous opposition due to the current economic crisis.
DC United's Barra Brava fans in regalia with their flags. Click gallery to view more images
So far, there’s been no official word on whether the team would leave the area if a new stadium isn’t built, but fan groups believe that might be the outcome. And, as one might expect, they’re not going to take it lying down. A major demonstration and march from Lincoln Park to RFK Stadium is slated for May 9, just ahead of the team’s home game against Toronto.
“We are doing a lot better than expected,” said Troy Gant of College Park in a nod to the team’s first place start in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. “United is the flagship of the league and it would be bad for the league if DC United left.”
The plight that United fans find themselves in is striking when you consider that the Nationals play in a brand new, state of the art venue, and can’t field a winning team. The United, play in an old, tired stadium, but is able to cultivate Redskins-like passion and loyalty. The Nationals have ranked near the bottom of attendance levels with an average of 29,000 visits last year, while United ranked third in MLS with just over 19,000 in attendance during 2008. One can only imagine how an intimate soccer stadium would look and feel with that type of following.
It’s unfortunate that such a devoted fan base feels it’s been put in limbo over the fate of the team it so clearly loves.
Photos courtesy Michele Miller / Barra Brava
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