Sounders ‘Til I Die!

In case you’ve ever wondered why we sing the song or why we’re so passionate… One of our supporters wrote as close to a ECS manifesto as we’ve seen thus far. Read more after the jump!

I unexpectedly read a post in the Cambridge United thread that got me to thinking about why I’m here. Tom_CUFC posted a few weeks ago

“Getting through financially is hard enough without having to follow this lot [Cambridge United] around the country, and needless to say, none of my mates understand why I do it still…..they’ll just never get it.”

Instantly I knew what Tom was talking about. I have buddies that will come to the occasional game, some may watch a game or two on TV this season, and some just don’t give a shit about soccer at all. They may be some of my best buds, but we’re different. I’m not a fan who shows up on occasion, or even the guy who buys season tickets and comes to be entertained. No, this has become much more than entertainment.

I’ve been a Seattle supporter with two very distinctive definitions you have to understand to see the difference. The first “me” was the new Sounders fan who made two season ticket deposits on November 13th, 2007, the day Seattle was awarded an MLS franchise. The new Sounders fan that proceeded to buy tickets with the best possible seats I could afford. The new Sounders fan eager to rejuvenate the part of me that is a soccer fan.

The second “me” to understand, is that same Sounders fan I was, but reimaged as an Emerald City Supporter. What changed though didn’t happen because I paid $30 for a cute scarf and a membership card that gets me discounts at establishments I can’t legally enter. It didn’t happen because I moved to sections 121-123 in exchange for more seats and the best atmosphere in Qwest. It didn’t happen because I play on ECS’ Facebook group all day pissing people off with constant event reminders. It was what Tom was talking about, the part of me, him, all of us that non-soccer fans don’t understand.

So what is it?

It’s a loyalty to our organization and our club. There has been so much talk about the future of the Sounders, so much number crunching, guesstimating, comparisons, what have you. Talk about whether or not in our first year we’ll see a championship, playoffs, tournament trophies, a winning season, a single win, or if we may just turn out to disappoint. All of this, and we haven’t even played a game at home with our fans.

But after all the theories are reported across blogs and forums, everything goes into action. Games are won and lost. The seasons will come and go, maybe a few trophies will head our way, and some will eclipse us. Players will become rave green legends or float off elsewhere in the world. Fans, and here’s the important piece, will question whether or not to support Seattle and make a decision to remain or to go.

I am not a casual fan that shows up and leaves at halftime if the game is one sided. I’m not the guy who leaves early so I can get out of the parking lot quicker. I’m not the guy who refuses to renew my season tickets because the Sounders aren’t winning enough games.

What is my point? My point is that some may be like Tom’s buddies that don’t understand. Most everybody on this forum is much more than that. I know some of you here support this club in varying degrees, and all are welcome in our ranks. However, there is a small core of us who will always be dedicated, always loyal, and always an Emerald City Supporter and I’d like to see that core grow. On November 13th 2007, I was just a Sounders fan. Later, I became an Emerald City Supporter, but now I think it’s time to reintroduce myself as the third, and most distinctive definition of the supporter I’ve become, and to see who else will be joining me.

I’m the Ultra that will be there through the entire season, no matter how many games we win. I’m the Ultra that will not stand by to have his loyalty put to question by rival supporters or by other Seattle fans. I’m the Ultra that will be the first to vote a general manager out of office, no matter how many years of service they have given the club, if I deem them no longer worthy of running my club. I’m the Ultra that will do whatever it takes to make the Emerald City Supporters the best fucking supporters group in North America.

So, hi. My name is McKenzie. I’m an Emerald City Ultra. Who the f*ck are you? (edited for public consumption by Keef).

Only 11 sleeps left. See you on the Terraces!