Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The South Ward: Home of the Metro (Red Bulls) Supporters

On a trip back east to attend Soccer Camp (I've been working rather seriously on my soccer skills this year to become a half-way decent player) I attended the NY Red Bulls vs. DC United game at Red Bull Arena. Before this most beautiful soccer-specific stadium in America was built, the hardcore supporters of the Red Bulls (previously the Metros) were stuck trying to support their team in cavernous Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands.

Some fans gave a friendly wave to the Port Authority cops that had been called in to support the Harrison cops with security since their forces have been cut. Apparently they didn't appreciate this fan's wave.
Red Bull Arena, with its roofed-in stands is the pefect stadium for a supporters group to make a lot of noise and really influence the players on the pitch.

The supporters groups also had a large TIFO display at the start of the match which was really amazing in its presentation, but lacked a little bit in its effect.But with the start of the game the flags were waving...
These days the Metro (eh, excuse me Red Bull Supporters) are located in the southern lower bowl of the stadium, afffectionally called the "South Ward" by its inhabitants. The ESC has been joined the past few seasons by two other supporter groups, the Viking Army and the Garden State Supporters. Each group is a bit different, but they have really unified to bring a coherent, loud and racous support to the Red Bulls on the field.Of course, when the Metros (ok going to keep using that term) supporters face one of their most hated rivals, DC United, it doesn't take much for the fans to be ready to sing full-throttle the full 90.
But with the start of the game the flags were waving...
The keeper was thanking the fans for the encouragement...
And it was difficult to contain the energy...
The biggest cheer out of the ESC in the first half was when Tim Ream saved a sure goal from Charlie Davies.
Who was reminded of his reputation of being a "diver."
In the second half the fans cheered...
Got down deep and let their voices roar..
And even enjoyed a quick smooch...
Between cheers of..."New York."
But a goal by DC in the second half...
Along with a few missed opportunitied by the Metros sealed their fate.
And even though the Metro fans could celebrate winning the Alantic (make sure) supporters cup after winning the season series with a superior goal differental, it left a bitter taste in the mouth.
Leaving nothing more than putting the banners away for another match...
And enjoying a game of kick-around in the parking lot of El Pastor after the match.