Better Know A Supporters Group: Angel City Brigade

We continue our comprehensive 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.

Coming off their SuperClasico win against Chivas USA Saturday night, it's the "Angel City Brigade", supporters of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

As told to the Free Beer Movement by former ACB council member "Pox" and one of their current "capos".

The Basics

SG Name:  Angel City Brigade (ACB)

MLS Club:  Los Angeles Galaxy

Stadium:  The Home Depot Center

Year SG Founded: 2007

Section Name (if other than SG name): Section 121 / The North End

Any other SGs apart of your section?  The Galaxians occupy the front of section 122.

Location of SG in Stadium (section #, side, direction):  The North End of the HDC, section 121.

The Meaty Questions

What are the origins of your groups’ name? 

Angel City refers to our group’s homage to Los Angeles.  We’ve felt from the beginning that it was important to add Los Angeles in some way to our group’s name.  Brigade just refers to the camaraderie between our group’s members.  Hence, Angel City Brigade.

Favorite chants/songs?  

“This is LA” is our anthem.  It’s sung before every match and usually in the dying minutes of a match.  It’s unique to the league, and at a time when groups recycle a lot of songs it’s nice to have one that completely stands on it’s own.  Other songs that seem to be favorites are “Aleo” and “LA LA LA Let’s Go.”  We’re VERY big on moving en masse in unison.  These last two songs get everyone jumping and moving together and add to the atmosphere of the North End.

Chants can be found here.  http://angelcitybrigade.net/acb-chants/

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

Soccer Supporter’s in America are becoming a huge selling point for marketing soccer in America.  There’s a fervor and passion that comes with being a soccer fan and up until recently this aspect of the game was lost on the American public aside from a very small minority.  I believe that the Angel City Brigade and other SG’s across America and Canada are playing a huge part in not just providing an example of the passion but educating America’s sporting public.  If you come into our section you WILL lose your voice and you will leave knowing that you gave your all in support of the LA Galaxy.  This type of dedication makes you feel a part of the team.  That, and the numbers don’t lie.  We went from 20 members in 2008 to 600-800 per game in the 2011 season.  The passion, organization and knowledge we have is clearly contagious.

  

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

Angel City Brigade has grown and thrived in one of the most creative environments in the world.  We exemplify Los Angeles both inside and outside the stadium.

Inside the stadium we chant and sing non stop in support of our team.  If we are losing we only get louder. Angel City Brigade sing in Spanish and English and carry the best traditions from each supporting culture around the world, effectively creating a hybrid supporter’s culture.

Outside of the stadium ACB have bands dedicated to their section who play benefit shows to raise money for travel costs and tifo.  Angel City Brigade organize and compete in a friendly soccer game with Chivas USA supporters to promote the passion and emotion of a Clasico game without the violence.  Angel City Brigade are true representatives for what supporters in America should be, a conglomeration of different aspects of support from around the world who carry all the emotion and passion without the violence.

Section 121 Band found here.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmEJAZ7mU2o

Greatest game(s) in team history? 2002 and 2005 MLS Cup Finals.

Predictions for this season?  

With our hectic schedule I doubt we’ll take the supporter’s shield again.  We’ll easily qualify for the playoffs and once we do we’re easily one of the favorites, especially now that we’re hosting the MLS Cup.

Why Major League Soccer? Why American soccer?  

It’s sad that this even has to be asked.  Unfortunately a lot of Americans tend to lean towards the European or South American leagues.  Since that’s the reality it’s up to average MLS fans as well as supporter’s groups to draw attention to our league through our support in both dollars and passion.  You will NEVER have the same connection with a club 6,000 miles away as you do to the one in your own backyard.  Be proud of our young league and clubs.

One message.  GET YOUR HEAD STRAIGHT!!!  SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CLUB!!!! 

For more information and/or to join the "Angel City Brigade" check out their website. 

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