Screaming Eagles (MLS supporters association)

Screaming Eagles

Motto Standing up for D.C.
All Welcome, All United
Team D.C. United
Location Washington, D.C.
Established 1995
Membership 1200+
Leaders David Goodwin
Jeff Howdeshell
Nicole Gara
Derek Fuzzell
Paul Sotoudeh
Website screaming-eagles.com

The Screaming Eagles, are a supporters group of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team D.C. United and of the United States men's national soccer team. The group was founded in 1995 by Matt Mathai[1] and are commonly known for the songs and chants that they perform during D.C. United and US national team games. The group is one of the most widely known MLS supporters clubs.[2] It is organized as a registered 501(c) (4) non profit organization.[3]

The Screaming Eagles have organized over their history roadtrips to every MLS city for D.C. United road matches. Additionally, the group runs a roadtrip every four years to Mexico City for the fiercely contested CONCACAF World Cup qualifying match between the U.S. national team and the Mexico national team in Estadio Azteca.[4][5]

Screaming Eagles celebrating a goal with a jersey tifo in 2011

The Screaming Eagles have more than 1,200 active members. It is a diverse group reflecting the Washington DC metropolitan area, representing a wide variety of ages, nationalities, and professions. Prior to most home games, the Screaming Eagles congregate in RFK's Lot 8 area for a tailgate, this tailgate offers time for members to organize and talk before a game.

The most ardent supporters gather in "The Nest" in Sections 132, 133 and 134, and "The Perch" in Sections 230, 231, and 232 at RFK Stadium. Recognizable from numerous TV images, "The Nest" and "The Perch" roll with the cheers of excited Screaming Eagles members, keeping the spirits of the team and other soccer fans high regardless of the score. The Screaming Eagles have supported United at home and on the road and have become one of the most recognizable supporters clubs in MLS.[6]

Off the field, the Screaming Eagles can be found performing Community Outreach work for several charitable causes including Mike Petke's Kick the Violence Foundation, The Eddie Pope Foundation, Kuykenstrong, and DC Scores, among others. They also provide members with soccer related activities, including viewing parties, the SE Football Club, roadtrips to D.C. United road games, and special events with D.C. United players.

On June 12, 2010, as part of its commitment to supporting the United States men's national soccer team, the club provided financial support and assisted in organizing an outdoor World Cup viewing - known as "Soccer in the Circle" - in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC.[7] This event culminated with several thousand attendees viewing the United States' match against England in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and received extensive local,[8] national,[9] and international [10] media coverage.

Membership is open to anyone who wants to support D.C. United and promote soccer. Violence or racism is not tolerated in the group.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.mlssoccer.com/soccer-almanac/news/article/2011/08/22/dc-uniteds-first-fan-and-founder-screaming-eagles
  2. ↑ Real Salt Lake blog article citing Screaming Eagles as "impressive" example of MLS fan culture 4/20/10.
  3. ↑ Screaming Eagles website
  4. ↑ Club announcement of 2009 Mexico City trip.
  5. ↑ Club announcement of 2005 Mexico City trip, referencing 2001 trip.
  6. ↑ Washington Times article on DC United supporters groups 5/1/06.
  7. ↑ NBCWashington.com article quoting club president on organizing plans.
  8. ↑ Washington Post article on Soccer in the Circle 6/13/10.
  9. ↑ Transcript and audio from NPR story on Soccer in the Circle.
  10. ↑ CNN transcript of live shot from Soccer in the Circle 6/12/10.
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