If you’re lucky, a rivalry is born of organic moments in important battles, rather than manufactured promotions from a parent organization hungry for money. In 2019, we were blessed by so many moments that fueled the fires between the Sounders and the rebirth of Chivas.
While we went down to the Banc and came home with hardware that October, there’s no denying that one of the more iconic moments from that match is Nouhou sparing a member of the Sounders’ digital team from a rogue beer can that came flying from the stands. An epic moment caught on camera, made more epic by it being Nouhou.
For this match, we wanted a display that was direct and something we could do in the small production window between playoff rounds. This display was created from idea to completion in less than a week, thanks to our tifo volunteers. A design quickly came to life, fabric was sewn, and the design was painted in approximately 150 volunteer hours during that week from about 20 total volunteers.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a tifo volunteer, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or look for a 2024 volunteer signup link to go live in January via email and discord.
Photo Credit: @mrs_seam on Instagram
Sports seasons tell stories and, while 2023 had its rough patches, we knew at the beginning of the year, that our history wasn't a fluke. 2023 was going to be another story of the mighty Sounders and their path to the playoffs.
To that point, we kicked off the 2023 playoff campaign much like we kicked off the regular season - with a reminder from LL Cool J and his grandma that we came here to win - and party.
This display came together in a two-week window with help from approximately 25 volunteers, including sewing 1,200 feet of fabric seams, creating and drawing the design, painting, putting on the finishing touches, and setup and deployment on match day. Our small but mighty squad of tifo volunteers has worked hard this season, but we're not done yet.
Photo Credit: @PNWmf on twitter
This mantra is our commitment to fighting for our colors and our club in good times and in bad, no matter the challenges we face, the run of form, or what the future holds. Our team holds the same commitment as we do, they’ve fought this season through ups and downs, through injuries and absences. They’ve picked themselves up after last year’s disappointment and proven they deserve a position in the postseason. Few players represent this better than Nicolas Lodeiro, who has lived the mantra since the day he joined in 2016, and with his leadership and contributions on the field has brought glory to the club.
Photo Credit: @PNWmf on twitter
Photo Credit: @PNWmf on twitter
The “Pride In Each Other” artwork collection was co-created by eight supporter groups across five North American soccer leagues and Louisiana-based artist Thomas Wimberly. ECS and the seven other supporter groups are taking part in Common Goalʼs Play Proud program, which unites professional clubs, supporter groups, and community organizations in the effort to make soccer a safe and welcoming space for everyone, with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ community. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack across North America, this artwork aims to amplify the message of inclusion.
For this display, we took the original artwork, and two variations of the "Pride in Each Other" sentiment from the original creation - "Pride In The Game" and "Pride In Our Club" and turned them into Sounders-colored 8' x 8' displays held up on PVC. We added the "Pride is 24/7/365" text banner as we deployed this display at the July 1 match, a day when companies who have historically rainbow-washed their logos and social media for Pride Month in June often remove such appearances of support.
Additionally, the original artwork was printed on a 4x6 card that was distributed in cup holders across the Brougham End to provide additional context for fans.
The second half of the 2023 Play Proud program will be hosted by New Mexico United in September.
You can find the Sounders' press release about the Play Proud program here.
Photo Credit: @PNWmf on twitter
A simple yet important sentiment in the current landscape: offering support or love for our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, neighbors, etc., is not enough. Between attempts across the country (and the globe) to take away rights or access via political means, to targeted violence against community events and even businesses who host events or support the community, we must do what we can to protect LGBTQIA+ folks.
With these text banners, we included approximately 60 various Pride flags and identity flags scattered in the section.
If you want to donate to a local organization with on-the-ground impact, please consider donating to Gender Justice League WA or Lambert House.