Better Know a Supporters Group Double Feature - The Rebellion

We continue to expand our coverage of American soccer culture with our series "Better Know a Supporters Group," just like Steven Colbert's "Better Know a District" from "The Colbert Report". 

Our goal: to feature each of the MLS teams' supporters groups. We've sent e-mails to each and every SG in Major League Soccer and soon you'll be able to check all what each is all about and what awesomeness they have to contribute to our growing American soccer world.

When we devised this idea a while back it was cool to be able to see what each supporter group is about, but in light of the terrible, one-sided, anti-American, condescending profile of Philadelphia's Sons of Ben SG by the British GQ (not even going to link to it to give them the site hits) we think its all the more important to give supporters groups in Major League Soccer the proper exposure and voice they deserve.

This week's edition of the series is a special one as we're featuring TWO supporters group of one MLS club. It's always a treat to go to the movies and get a double feature and we're hoping that you'll feel the same way about getting double the info on New England's supporters groups.

Second up, the Rebellion as told to the Free Beer Movement by Bill Lewandowski, Rebellion Propaganda Minister.

You can read all about the Midnight Riders, the Revolution's other major SG as well.

The Basics

SG Name: The Rebellion


MLS Club: New England Revolution

Stadium: Gillette Stadium


Year SG Founded: 2009

Section Name (if other than SG name): The Fort

Any other SGs apart of your section? Midnight Riders, Rev Army, La Barra Latina

Location of SG in Stadium (section #, side, direction): North End, Sec . 141, 142, 143

The Meaty Questions


What are the origins of your groups’ name?

Origins of the group name are derived from the American Revolution theme. The New England colonies had become the most dissident of the 13 and pushed the line from simple defiance of the crown to outright Rebellion. Early Rebels formed a tight network to combat the British, organizing the common defense and coordinating throughout New England to collectively rise up for a common cause.

To quote Sam Adams, leader of the Sons of Liberty, a band of ruffians usually out causing a ruckus, “it does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fire in people’s minds.”

This couldn't reign more true with our goals in the saturated sports market of Boston.

Favorite chants/songs?

Mama, Mama
Glory Glory Revolution

Why is being in the supporters section the “best seat in the house”

You can just sit back in your seats and wait for something to happen or you can stand up, shoulder to shoulder with your friends and create the atmosphere, the passion, and inspire your team and will them to victory or go hoarse trying. Whether we're displaying tifo, singing our hearts out, waving flags, or drinking confetti filled beers you're a part of a constant build up to a possible explosion of emotion. It's addicting.

Brag. What makes your SG one of the best supporters groups in MLS?

We're new, and we may not be the "best" but I do know what sets us apart. Inclusion. We made it our mission the show the casual soccer fan the benefits of seeing the game from our angle; and how much fun living the supporters lifestyle can be. There is a tight knit family created by this that extends far beyond Revs games. A culturally diverse area like New England brings together passionate fans with multiple backgrounds with a high soccer IQ and a deep appreciate for the game. Together we collectively share a goal; to spread and elevate the game in this country. That all starts in the Fort on game day.

In addition the majority of our members make up some of the best American Outlaw chapters in the country. @AO_Providence , @AOBoston and AO Hartford. AO Boston known for making the legendary trip to Honduras, and AO Providence having one of the best Donovan goal celebrations out there.

Greatest game(s) in team history?

2008 Superliga Finals. After a hotly contested Semi Final win over Atlante featuring a total of six red cards, the Revs faced Houston Dynamo at Gillette. Houston had ousted us in the previous two MLS Cups. Bad blood galore. After falling to 1-0, a Steve Ralston goal tied it at 1-1 and the game eventually went into extra time. Revs fell quickly 2-1 in the OT period until Shalrie Joseph's header knotted it back up 2-2 to send the game to PKs to which the Revs won 6-5. Epic. Amazing. Awesome.

Recap
From the Fort

Predictions for this season?

Undefeated, winning MLS Cup, dominating US Open Cup, embarrassing any European club who makes the trip and being overly jingoistic about supporting our Boys.

Why Major League Soccer? Why American soccer?

This is our league in our country. The argument is made that it's not the among the top leagues in the world and our best Americans play abroad. It's no excuse not to support your local club. For example, the best Argentineans play abroad, and have you seen a River Plate v Boca Juniors game? Bananas. Our players that move on are forever MLS players. Clint Dempsey will always be a Rev. It's awesome to be able to look back and say you saw a future superstar develop in front of you.

Why soccer in America? Frankly can anyone stomach the amount of commercials during an American Football game? Can you really suffer through four hour baseball games 162 times? An MLS fan has more in common with an MLS player in terms of compensation and living conditions than other sport in America. These guys play for the love of the game.

For more information and/or to join the Rebellion check out their website.

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