Check out the ECS songs here.
A recent experience of mine: the Seattle Sounders have taken this city by storm! Thousands of people gather in pioneer square hours before the game even begins in order to rally the troops and cheer on their team. It’s amazing how so many people can come together with a common purpose. People who have never met before, people who probably wouldn’t even get along with one another if they were there for any other purpose. But the fact that you’re wearing green and I’m wearing green practically makes us family. Chants of “SEATTLE!!!” is followed as the rest of the crowd replies “SOUNDERS!!!”.
Team owner and funnyman Drew Carey says a few words, silencing the crowd, and as he finishes people erupt in applause, the marching band begins to play and the march to the match begins!
But behind the mass of green clad fans, a new crowd gathers. They’re known as the ECS (Emerald City Supporters) and they are the reason the Seattle Sounders have such a large fan base. The best way i can describe them is an orderly mob. They sing in unison songs that could strike fear into the heart of any opponent. As they march down the street you can hear their battle songs. Each of them covered in green paint and sounders gear, these are the die hard fans. The people who make games 100 times more exciting.
At the game they set up speakers so everyone sitting in the ECS section can hear them. They coordinate their chants and their voices fill Qwest Field. Some appropriate, some… let’s just say not appropriate. But either way, they rally the entire stadium. Their excitement is infectous, the entire crowd feeds off of the energy they emit.
As a soccer player myself I can imagine how good the Sounders must feel, hearing thousands upon thousands of people cheering solely for them. It must be nerve racking, but at the same time just hearing that many voices yelling for them must give them the upper hand.
The Seahawks are known for their “12th man” campaign. But I have a feeling the Sounders may take that campaign over pretty soon. Either way, it suffices to say that Seattle has the best fans in the US.
