Get on the Barra Brava Bang Bus! D.C. United, in partnership with Major League Soccer and the New York Red Bulls, provided free busses and match tickets to United supporters for the team’s second leg match versus the Red Bulls. Over 500 fans signed up for the mid-week trek north to Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.
“Leaders” from the Screaming Eagles, “Elders” from the Barra Brava, “regular people” from La Norte, and District Ultras helped spread the word and organize the trip.
[Oh yea don't forget the Bang Bus Barra Brava trip! Check out Here which is all about Screwing Don Garber...wtf?]
[Oh yea, again - don't forget "La Barra Brava and D.C. United through the league office and the Red Bulls have arranged for free transportation and tickets." Cause it's all about fucking the Garber and MLS - so get on the Bang Bus]
Bring back a win!
[And don't forget this important rule: If you disrespect the Elders on the bus, the rules or the Bang Bus you will be droped off and not given a ticket to the game. So no disrespect to the bus or get droped, you feel me?]
from a recent road report…
“One of the Barra Brava fellows starting getting into arguments with some of the nearby Timbers fans, as if he wanted to pick fights with them. It was the same guy who had engaged in similar behavior at with Sounders fans in Seattle, almost making me embarrassed to be in the same away supporters section. His energy in supporting United is commendable, but he does not represent our team well when he acts this way.”
Who, portend, could the reporter be talking about?
from an earlier time…
“There it was, damn near foaming at the mouth, a massive hydra-like beast berserking at the railing of the balcony. There were two of them, actually. Two bodies layered in lagerfat. One voice united in hatred.” “… A circle opened up around the brute as it flailed in fury, its meatrolls flinging grease.” “With the right trajectory, the obesity might even be able to hurl itself from the balcony and lash out…”
An excerpt from a recent email diatribe from whichever Barra Brava Elder that sends this stuff . Message is a direct quote with poster comments in [ ]‘s.
“Personally, the Elders of the Barra Brava like smoke bombs and believe they contribute to the atmosphere at games. You know it is with only serious consideration and necessity that we can no longer tacitly or actively allow smoke bombs in our section.” [That is not to say we won't continue to turn a blind eye or offer a match to light the atmosphere]
“Unfortunately, one MLS employee has a stick up his 2@@ about smoke bombs and had made it his personal crusade to harass DC United’s front office and make life miserable for DC United supporter’s clubs, and supporter clubs around the league.” [Especially for us and no one should tell us what to do since we started this sh@t]
“For example, as a result of the actions of a few jack@@@es (non-Barra members [at least not dues paying members]) who lit a flare at the Open Cup match the entire DC United contingent was not allowed flag poles in Philadelphia and was subjected to TSA security pat down and overly aggressive security during the game.” [This is the same damn thing at every Philly game unless you don't go in the same gate as the jack@@@es supporters and which really has nothing to do with BB or smoke bombs but more to do with the TSA getting their jiggy on]
“The Elders of the Barra has spent hours meeting [on their knees] with DC United’s front office and talking to league officials.”
[now the new rules]
“If you throw a smoke bomb on the field (as one idiot did Saturday) you are disrespecting and hurting the entire Barra Brava. [This is unless a senior member gives you a smoke bomb] ”
“If you throw a smoke bomb up in the air (as one idiot did Saturday [lots of idiots in this section]) you are not only endangering the safety of our member, but you are also disrespecting and hurting the entire Barra Brava.”
“If you light a smoke bomb on the concourse (as occured Saturday) or during the drum circle [it adds to the atmosphere but...] you are disrespecting and hurting the entire Barra Brava.”
“If you light smoke bombs you are disrespecting and hurting the entire Barra Brava. [Even you smoke bombs, it's all about you not respecting someone who hasn't earned your respect]”
“If you cover for your friend or another member who lights smoke bombs you are disrespecting and hurting the entire Barra Brava. [Unless your friend or the other member is a smoke bomb weilding elder]”
“Anyone caught lighting a smoke bomb will be ejected [probably should be ejactulated cause that's what really happens] and/or arrested [by the BB Security Apparatchik]. You will also be subject to being suspended or banned entirely from the Barra. [OMG you will be forced to join another group and stop paying dues]”
“The Elders of Barra are working as hard as we can behind the scenes to maintain the status quo, but we need you (sic) support on this matter.”
“If you have any questions or concerns [keep them to yourself cause of the status quo thing].”
Club Echa Panza is conducting 1st Semi Occassional 4×4 Soccer Tourney, prior to the DC United vs. Columbus Crew match August 4th, 2012 in Lot 8. All are invited to participate or observe the shenanigans.
Winner will take home the coveted Club Echa Panza Cup. Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place teams will be announced when it is determined what they will be.
Rules are simple:
Round Robin* brackets will be determined by number of teams that participate
Games would be 2-10 minute halves
On ties, blindfolded penalty kicks
No goalkeeper (though anyone in front of goal can block shots, just not with their hands).
No offside
No throw-ins. When the ball is deemed out of play, someone from the other team kicks it back into play
Teams must consist of the following*:
At least one female,
At least one over 40 player,
At least one over 200lb player…
One player must carry an open container of beer at all times (not a can or a bottle, must be a cup, pitcher or keg).**
* Any player can meet up to 2 categories – eg, 200 pounder who is also over 40! Additionally, each team’s make-up will be enforced by a panel formed by Club Echa Panza’s Rules, Practices and Beverage Enforcement Leadership Committee
**There are no limits on the number of players drinking during play. Drink wisely and effectively
Play will take place on the shores of the mighty Anacostia near the Tree of Giving Shade and Echa Panza’s tailgate. Check in and opening ceremonies start at 3:30, with play to commence by 4:00.
At today’s Montreal Impact Match we will be observing a minute of silence during the 12th minute for the ultimate 12th man – Javier ‘Chico’ Solares.
For those of you who did not have the privilege of meeting Chico, the Black and Red faithful have lost one of the stalwart supporters of DC United who was there from the very beginning.
Chico was beloved by all and his presence both home and away will be sorely missed.
“LIFE might seem unfair and painful, but in seeming despair a lesson is to be learned, and you will learn it and move on. Life is not a test, it is an EXPERIENCE in living each day to its fullest, until your soul has overstood life’s meaning.” Javier Chico Solares
More than a decade after England finally tamed the roving bands of hooligans that long ravaged soccer stadiums in Britain, fan-related violence continues to stain the sport in Argentina.
The unrest in part reflects an increasingly violent Argentine society, where street crime has been on the rise. But much of the violence can be traced to hostilities between rival factions of barra bravas, the Argentine version of hooligan fan groups that use fists, firearms and knives, and operate like mini-mafias.
…The head of the San Lorenzo barra brava, Cristian Evangelista, led the attack on [star player Jonathan] Bottinelli, players testified in court, though they refused to name the other barras involved. Club officials did not respond to requests for comment. After the episode, the Argentine government canceled San Lorenzo’s next match while officials investigated.
The tension was palpable at a second-division match in September between River Plate and Quilmes. Some 600 police officers set up roadblocks around the stadium to separate Quilmes and visiting River fans.
Rafael Di Zeo exemplifies the cult-figure status of some barra bravas leaders and the changing fan culture here.
The former leader of [Boca Juniors'] Boca La 12 barra brava, Di Zeo was released from prison in May 2010 after serving more than three years for aggravated assault for his role in a 1999 fight against fans of the Chacarita Juniors that resulted in 14 injuries.
It took two years of negotiations, but soccer hooligans soccer signed a peace agreement to end the aggression that had occurred in and out of stadiums nationwide for decades. But it was in Honduras!
The deal revolves around two rival fan bases: “Ultrafiel,” staunch supporters of Club Deportivo Olimpia and “Los Revolucionarios,” who back Motagua Club. After years of hostility, the two sides have joined forces to stop violence and crime from destroying the country’s most popular sport.
It’s estimated at least 10,000 between the ages of 12 and 25 are members of barras bravas in the nation’s capital of Tegucigalpa, with 65% of them belonging to Ultrafiel, which supports Club Deportivo Olimpia, the country’s most popular and successful team. The Motagua Club, the country’s second-most popular team and rival of Club Deportivo Olimpia, also has a large fan base, led by the notorious Los Revolucionarios.
Of the close to 100,000 who belong to barras bravas nationwide, 25,000 are youths.
“We’ve always been demonized as the dregs of society, but they never emphasize the work we do,” said Melvin Servellón, an Ultrafiel member who emphasizes the group has created training programs and done social work for its members during the past two years. “All [that society] did is point to us as the worst.”
Servellón added: “We do community work, like cleaning up lots, repairing sports fields in the poorest neighborhoods in the city, and we help at nursing homes. We also hold soccer tournaments to keep the youngest kids away from drugs and crime.”
Many clubs suffer from the excesses of their hard-core fans or barra brava, but perhaps none more so than Argentina’s River Plate.
They have attacked their own stadium, damaged players’ cars and some of their leaders are in prison awaiting trial on charges that they killed a rival gang member.
Yet River still had the chance to save themselves with a two-leg play-off against aspiring but humble Belgrano from the second division.
60,000 fans watched a 1-1 draw in the second leg of a relegation play-off, then rioting by Barra Brava caused mayhem inside Monumental stadium.
Fans throwing metal bars and stones left 89 people – including 35 police officers – injured, with one hit by a car. There were 55 arrests and the stadium is now closed for 30 days for an investigation.
For a club as big and prestigious as this one, relegation to the Argentine second division for the first time in its 110-year history is about as serious and humiliating as it can be.
Psychiatrists have spoken about the impact that firstly the tension of the battle against relegation and then the misery of the drop may have on River fans, not accustomed to failure of this magnitude.
Some say football is just a game. But the television pictures of hundreds of grown men reduced to tears and the scenes of violence and frustration after the game testify that in Argentina, at least to River Plate fans, it’s much more than that.
Christopher Jacome, a 17-year-old Colombian soccer fan, was gunned down while playing the game. He was a fan of the Cucuta Deportivo Colombian soccer team, according to Larry Brown Sports.
Whether or not it was his last wish to be carried into the stadium is unclear, but that’s what happened.
Officials say a crowd of 200 to 300 fans stormed into the stadium with the body creating an uncontrollable situation. The boy was a member of ‘Barra del Indio,’ a particularly aggressive Colombian soccer fan club, according to El Mundo.
After his wake, friends from “Barra del Indio” took the cadaver from the funeral home and paraded it around and then into the stadium in an attempt to pay homage to the slain soccer fan.
The medic for the soccer club, Julio Rivera, told the press, “They don’t let in the ‘barras’ but yes, a cadaver. This is the only part of the world where this has happened.”
I’m sure many of you have seen or heard about the famous barras in Latin American football, but just what is a barra?
A good question, and one without an easy answer. A Barra definitely isn’t a formal supporters club with memberships, committees and AGMs. The best definition I can give of a barra is a group of supporters who congregate in a particular locality within a stadium (barra translates to ‘block’), and differentiate themselves from other barras or supporters on some social or ideological grounds. With this in mind, each club can have a number of barras in various parts of the stadium.
The barras to take all the headlines are the so-called barras bravas (Fierce blocks), as they are often associated with violence and hooliganism, and likened to firms and ultras. This is to some extent true, especially in Argentina, where barras bravas are known for their tendencies towards hooliganism. However, in other parts of Latin America the situation is not quite so straightforward. While it’s true that some barras have tried to copy the Argentinean barras bravas, my experiences in Ecuador have led me believe that the barras here are mainly concerned with the fervent support of their team.
Recently, there has been much discussion around the tailgate about barrabrava bullying: the overly aggressive cult-like behavior that makes coming to the game a dreaded necessity for many long time supporters and one, which now has led to violence.
Barrabrava bullying means any sort of behavior that is persistently directed towards any club supporter in a manner that undermines their support for the team.
Barrabrava bullying has always existed, usually toward the visiting supporter groups, but it has taken a more aggressive and an intense form since the team has been suffering in the Win category.
Barrabrava bullying occurs where one bully, “[t]hrough innuendo, rumors, and public discrediting”…, creates a hostile environment for the targeted person[s] and, “gathers others to willingly, or unwillingly, participate in continuous malevolent actions to force a person out.” When the bullying behavior finally does result in fans or supporter groups stopping their support for the team, the targeted person is portrayed as being at fault and “voluntarily” leaving. Barrabrava bullying in a supporters environment is like cancer in that, “beginning with one malignant cell, it can spread quickly, destroying vital elements of the [club] organization.”
According to Dr Fuukiu Boomhauer, psychologist, there are a variety of reasons why a person may bully another supporter at the tailgate or game. Some of the reasons are:
Power: A person may use his/her position of power or physical dominance over those who may be perceived to be weaker or submissive. A bully is only interested in maintaining his or her power and control. Because bullies are cowards and are driven by deep-seated insecurities and fears of inadequacy, they intentionally wage a covert war against others.
Self-esteem: Bullies put down others to boost their own self-esteem and confidence to help deal with personal feelings of inadequacy.
Perceived Threat: Some people bully others because the other person or group may be seen as a threat to them personally or a threat to their position within the club organization.
Bullies not only stifle support and ticket sales, they most often target a club’s most ardent supporters, because it is precisely those supporters who are the most threatening to bullies. As a result, clubs are robbed of their most important asset in today’s competitive environment – precious season ticket holders.
Since bullies are often skilled at hiding their actions behind a veil of overt friendliness, helpfulness and cooperation, organizations must establish processes and procedures to uncover their actions. An accidental bully, when confronted with his or her behavior, will quickly apologize and the behavior never happens again. An intentional bully denies that the behavior is occurring and continues to repeat it.
Bullies are driven by their own fears and insecurities, therefore they rarely can be cured, but their behavior can be controlled or eradicated. Eradicating bullying behavior from any supporter organization starts at the top because it is the front office that sets the tone for whether barrabrava bullying behavior will be accepted.
La Barra Brava has fired Hoskar Zamboni as its founder and senior Elder and replaced him on an interim basis with assistant Ray “Obesity” Legal .
“I am extremely disappointed,” Zamboni told labarrabrava.com. “It takes a long time to build something, and having had 14 years, it was a limited amount of time, but they need to show respect. I wish nothing but the best for the organization.”
Zamboni took the fall in a rebuilding year that started poorly, seemed to gain traction, and amid numerous defections to splinter groups, took another downturn. It’s the first time in the organization’s 14-year history that a senior Elder has been dismissed.
No one would comment on Zamboni’s contractual situation, but many were under the impression that he could keep his season tickets, albeit in a different section on the other side of the field
Zamboni said he was told of his dismissal by credentialed Elders late Tuesday afternoon.
One source, sympathetic to Zamboni’s situation, said that Hoskar “created a train wreck and now [Barra Brava] is panicking.”
Said Legal, who received his elder credentials two years ago: “It is with mixed emotions that I accept this position. Hoskar is a mediocre friend and Elder from whom I’ve yet to learn anything. Respect.”
“This was a difficult and painful decision,” Legal said. “Hoskar is a person. This has certainly been a trying season, made more so by a number of factors totally under Zamboni’s control. This decision is not about placing blame, but about reducing the number of defections to other supporter groups. Recent declines in membership renewals and ticket sales together with his public outbursts have convinced us that we need to make a change at the top, for infinity and beyond.”
It’s 3:40 p.m. on a game day and I find myself weaving in and out of traffic along I95, heading toward RFK at 90 mph trying to get to to the tailgate on time. My two barramates and I perform this routine on every game day; we know the consequences of being even one minute late. Unfortunately, we pull up to Lot 8 at 5:03 p.m., missing the start by three minutes. For the rest of the night we find ourselves making beer and food runs for the Elders and sweating through the same songs over and over.
No, I wasn’t at boot camp or reform school—I was a member of La Barra Brava, DC United’s Legendary 12th Man. After making paying my membership dues and becoming part of the group, I thought I would instantly be granted ‘hooligan’ status. I imagined myself hanging out with Jaime Moreno and shootin’ the breeze with Tino. Instead, on Day One I had to sign a contract with a long list of rules, like “No fraternizing with other supporter clubs,” and “Membership jersey to be worn at all times.”
Breaking the rules in La Barra Brava can lead to stinging criticism by the senior elder (‘just you and me’), losing your credentials (if you kissed enough barrabutt to get one), paying non-member prices for extra tickets, or even termination from the group (‘you’re not barra brava’). While the penalties may be harsh, members who are lucky enough to get a ticket for section 135 and make it into the stadium have to accept a tough set of standards. This club demands that the members look and act the part. Here are some of the most common violations that can get you ‘benched’ for a game, a month, an entire season, or in some cases, the rest of your life.
Being late to the tailgate or game
While this rule should go without saying, busy members still tend to break it. My two barramates and I were still full-time college students at a school almost an hour from the stadium. However, most Elders insist on punishment for being late, whether it’s tearing down the grill, or worse, having to miss watching the game in or to cajole other members to continue the non-stop cheer. And while my punishment seemed a bit severe, I wasn’t ready to compromise my credentials (free tickets) in La Barra Brava by complaining.
Forgetting songs or not singing them properly
A Barra Brava members job, first and foremost, is cheering. 90 minutes of non-stop singing the same 5 songs over and over. Unfortunately, no matter how well you might know a song or Spanish, there’s still a chance an Elder won’t like it. Many will test members before they ever allow them in the stadium. It’s like auditioning, and if you don’t know the words or pronounce them badly, you don’t get a ticket. This translates into not much fun and lots of extra pressure. Not being in Section 135 on game night is heartbreaking—and you’ll probably be watched more closely the next game, so you’ll have to work extra hard.
Not maintaining your appearance
After years of playing soccer for various amatuer clubs and cheering in the great stadiums of Europe and South America, BilboBarra (all members use screen names from Big Soccer for a member’ protection) was ecstatic when he was allowed to pay the membership fee and get discounted tickets. But at the first game, he found that he wasn’t allowed in the section. “I was told that I wasn’t living up to my job requirements,” he says. While no one said it was because of the Club Echa Panza tshirt he was wearing, hints were dropped.
Fraternizing with splinter support groups
Perhaps the biggest no-no is fraternizing with people who left La Barra Brava, for whatever reason, and joined a supporters group whose members were all Barra members. Talking to, drinking beer with, or hanging out with these people can even get you removed from La Barra altogether.
“When I was around some of those splinter support groups I found myself so wrapped up in the politics,” Noamidiot, another (former) member explains. Wanting friends to think you’re tight with the any supporting fan is reason enough to think the rules can be bent a little. Noamidiot felt invincible and joined two veteran members at a fundraising happy hour with the Screaming Eagles. When the Elders found out, however, the members were kick out of the group and asked to return their Barra jerseys.
“It was a devastating time in my life, but I was able to learn from it and redeem myself by joing the Olsen’s Army this year,” says Noamidiot. “I realized I’m here to do a job.”
The bottom line
While being kicked out of La Barra Brava is humiliating, most members don’t find it enough to make them call it quits. “It all depends on the individual member’s investment, coping abilities and support from the Elders,” says psychologist Betty Ballalinger.
After being out of the section for a handful of games, BilboBarra decided to finish out the season with Club Echa Panza. He then ended up starting his own supporters group and has hired a professional artist to make really cool Tifo. “Now, when I put on my club shirt,” he says, “I look in the mirror and am proud of what I see.”
The Elders of Barra Brava have caused a controversy by upholding a rule against members fraternizing with other supporter (splinter) groups–before, during or after the tailgate.
“As a precaution, people with flulike symptoms should not interact with swine – that is the basis of the No Fraternization rule”, commented Hoskar Zamboni. “As a Barra Brava member, don’t you hate seeing other members high-fiving and hugging and bumping fists and laughing with somebody from another supporter group that claims to be a barra brava?” “They need to show respect,” Zamboni said.
All credentialed members must now sign a no fraternization statement when they pay their membership dues.
Barra Brava will begin to fine members caught talking to members of other supporter groups before games, no matter where it was. An Elder plans to arrive early and stand in the woods and make notes as to who is talking to whom.
“We are outraged that our friends in Barra Brava are not allowed to even talk to us, let alone share a beer,” said Marvin Boomhauer of the group Standing With Arms Folded, “that’s just not in the spirit of support.”
The Elders said it needs the rule for business reasons: “We are losing too many privileges, not to mention money, when our members are friendly with non-members.”
“It is absurd,” remarked the head of Los Trece, Antonio Stinkovich. He called the rule “problematic,” asking, “How do you define what fraternizing is?”
While the rule might appear to infringe on basic human rights, a member of Barra Brava (who refused to give his name for fear of retribution) said other members primarily see it as impingement on their right to have FUN.
Arsenal will take D.C United’s 17-year-old midfielder Andy Najar on trial upon the completion of the MLS season.
Najar is currently regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the MLS and has attracted offers from club’s all over South America. Andy was born in Honduras but moved to the United States at the age of 13, where he quickly rose through the youth system at United and was subsequently promoted to the first-team at the start of this season.
Many see Najar’s development as the only plus point in an otherwise dreadful season for DCU, and he currently finds himself in a difficult situation over his international plans. Both the US and Honduras federations are desperate to recruit the player who scored against the LA Galaxy at the weekend.
Andy’s personal coach in Honduras has confirmed Arsenal have been in touch via American scout Danny Karbassiyoon and plans are afoot for the attacking midfielder to trial with the Gunners.
“Andy will have a three-week trial with Arsenal after the completion of the MLS season.”
Brazilian outfit Santa Cruz have already been in touch in a bid to jump the queue for Najar, but it remains clear that no potential deal will be discussed before he has been looked over by Arsène Wenger.
[UPDATE] from an interview with Kevin Payne on Geoff’s blog at the washingtonpost
“They can talk to him if they would like to get sued. But I don’t think it will come to that because Ivan Gazidis [Arsenal CEO and former MLS deputy commissioner] is a gentleman. We have no intention to have Andy Najar come to Arsenal for a trial. He’s under contract and if anybody tries to talk to him, we are prepared to file a lawsuit. This is America. It’s American contract law that applies here. Local law prevails. We have not been contacted. I am quite confident that if Arsenal wanted to talk to us about Andy Najar, Ivan would call me. This kid is very, very special.”
The Shrieking, AIDS-Joking, Gulati-Taunting Ugly Americans Of The World Cup
“There it was, damn near foaming at the mouth, a massive hydra-like beast berserking at the railing of the balcony. There were two of them, actually. Two bodies layered in lagerfat.”
“The creature thundered profanities at Gulati. Disguised in Team USA apparel, it had concealed itself perfectly in the crowd, perhaps in anticipation of this very assault. But now it had lurched up and was spitting acid. A circle opened up around the brute as it flailed in fury, its meatrolls flinging grease.”
Tifo, originally the Italian word for the phenomenon of supporting a sport team, is mostly used as a name for any spectacular choreography displayed by supporters on the terraces of an arena or stadium in connection with a sport event, mostly an association football match.
Tifos are most commonly seen in important matches, local derbies and rivalries and although the tradition originated at club teams, some national teams also have fans that organize tifos on a regular basis. Tifos are primarily arranged by Ultras or a supporter club to show their love to the club, but are sometimes sponsored or arranged by the club itself.
I received this email message, maybe you did also.
Dear La Barra Brava Member:
As many of you know, Srdan is no longer an Elder or member of the Barra Brava. While the Barra leadership would like to thank him for his past support and efforts, we feel that it is appropriate to address some of the questions, rumors, and incorrect information that has been disseminated about his departure.
At the end of last year, Srdan informed the Barra leadership that he was tired and worn out and wanted to take a step back. Of course, we understood and were willing to accommodate Srdan’s request. However, over the past several months Srdan has taken a position that makes it impossible for him to operate within the structure that has successfully served the Barra for 15 years. The Barra leadership also has significant concerns over some of the accounting related to merchandise and T.I.F.O. [ed. note ACCOUNTING CONCERNS WITH NO TRANSPARENCY?] In addition, the manner in which the issue has been handled, including false statements about finances and the integrity of certain Barra members, have made a continued relationship untenable. Despite our best efforts, the Barra leadership was forced into this decision.
Some of you have seen the facebook group District Ultras created. This group is not affiliated with the Barra Brava. It is not a recognized sub-group. It is not a Barra Brava T.I.F.O. [ed. note NOT AN ACRONYM SILLY AUTHOR] group. It is an independent group (of some sort) that has nothing to do with the Barra Brava and accordingly should be treated as such.
The most important thing for our members to know is that the Barra will continue on stronger than ever before. The Barra will continue creating first class T.I.F.O. displays. New merchandise such as T-Shirts and scarves have been designed and are about to go into production. With 1500 plus members and 15 years of history it is inevitable that some individuals will come and go, but the strength of the Barra lies in the collective will and effort of the leadership and the members. [ed.note WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?]
Should anyone have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk to Oscar Zambrana, Chico Solares, Marshall Conner, Jay Igiel, Tom Faulkner, Robert Gillespie, Paul Planzer, Chris Metzler, Troy Gant or one of the other credentialed members.
La Barra Brava is an independent supporters’ group for Major League Soccer’s D.C. United and the United States. It was founded in 1995 by Latino fans in the Washington, D.C. area, mostly Bolivian immigrants in support of original United players Marco Etcheverry and Jaime Moreno. Since then, the group has expanded and all have been welcomed, while the group has remained closely identified with its South American roots. Members currently stand and sing in RFK Stadium’s sections 135, 136, 137, 138, 233, 234 and 235 and tailgates are held in Lot 8. La Barra was founded by Oscar Zambrana and is led by Oscar and a group of “Elders.” Membership dues and profits on ticket sales goes to benefit only these people.
At today’s Montreal Impact Match we will be observing a minute of silence during the 12th minute for the ultimate 12th man – Javier ‘Chico’ Solares.
