Within the frontlines of support: Setting up by John Santos

Within the frontlines of support: Setting up

• By John Santos, Chivas USA Examiner

 The last time the Goats were victorious was June 4th vs. Portland.  That also happened to be the last time this examiner attended a match in person.  So is it any coincidence that the Goats were victories last night upon this examiner's retune to the HDC?  Most if not all would "yes, it's just a coincidence.  With the match being a midweek fixture, many of the Black Army's usual suspects were unable to attend.  But the group was not deterred as it willed the team to its first victory in over a month.    

Arriving from a previous engagement in which the Sweden beat the United States to close out the 1st round of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, lot 6 appeared to be a ghost town.  Fortunately a dedicated supporter from Las Vegas had arrived earlier.  And within a couple of minutes, flags and banners had arrived.  No sooner than they had arrived, it was off to the stadium to set up.  A first, this examiner was eager to help.  

As the rolls of painters tape used to hold up the banners slowly turned into cardboard rings, the southeast corner of the Home Depot Center turned into the Black Army's home away from home.  Banners go a long way in supporters culture.  They are the first impression of the group that the casuals at the stadium get when entering.  Make it a good one, and they will remember it far after the match is over.  The smaller individual banners spread about the corner can also tell the casuals a little bit about the members.  From KISS to Bob Marley, and from Hope Solo, to the State of California, it's obvious that within this group there is an intense, yet relaxing outlook on life and soccer, as well as a high amount of civic and state pride. 

Advertisement No supporters section is complete until the flags are in place though.  When it comes to flags, the Black Army carries quite the variety.  From black/white and red/white pattern flags (some reminiscent of the Polish flag), California state flags, and flags from the American Revolution, there is a flag for nearly every occasion.   None more so poignant than the US flag with Rainbow stripes that this examiner found himself waiving for most of the second half.    

Upon finishing, it was back out to lot 6 and await further arrivals.  Little by little more and more of the Black Army arrived.  By kickoff everyone who would be there, was there.  The match itself could have had a better 1st half, but considering the goals by Ben Zemanski and Nick LaBrocca in the 2nd half to end the match, it can be looked over.  

Up next for the Goats, a trip to brand new Livestrong Sporting Park and a match against Sporting KC this Saturday at 4:30pm.  That match can be seen on Galavision.  Last time the teams met was on Opening Day, with Sporting taking a 3-2 win courtesy of 2 Omar Bravo goals.


Continue reading on Examiner.com Within the frontlines of support: Setting up - Los Angeles Chivas USA | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/chivas-usa-in-los-angeles/within-the-frontlines-of-support-setting-up#ixzz1Ro6I0nSv