Chivas USA: A View From The Stands

Establishing a loyal fan base in L.A. would be a challenge for any soccer team forced to share the spotlight with the more established L.A. Galaxy, especially when the latter boasts names such as Landon Donovan and David Beckham on its roster. Chivas USA, who debuted in Major League Soccer in 2005, has successfully done that very thing, steadily rising through the MLS ranks and continually growing its fan base over the years.

In its debut year, the L.A. chapter of Legion 1908 -- a passionate and boisterous group of Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) supporters -- welcomed Chivas USA with open arms, immediately giving the team a sizeable, dedicated fan base. The connection that allowed this to happen was the simple fact that Chivas USA is co-owned by Jorge Vergara, owner of the storied Mexican side. The initial excitement demonstrated by Legion 1908 helped the club through its rocky first year, but the team leaned heavily on the connection to big brother Chivas in Guadalajara and struggled to establish an identity of its own.

In the years that followed their debut season, Chivas USA reached the playoffs on all three occasions and won a Western Conference title along the way. While remaining respectful of its ties to the Chivas franchise in Mexico, L.A. fans have also helped the club form its Angeleno identity, setting it apart from the Guadalajara squad. Amongst the many fans that have helped shape this new identity is a special group of fans eager to show their support whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Union Ultras is the name under which they gather, and their support for Chivas USA is relentless, loud and passionate. Established a little over a year ago by a group of 8 individuals, it has grown to 40 - 60 regulars, but sometimes exceeds triple digits. A great group of people, they beat on drums and proudly chant in unison to support their team throughout the game. That is their mission, to be the 12th man, motivating Chivas USA to victory and showing the team their unconditional support.

Joe Zacher, one of the group's founding members, explains that the name is intended to be reflective of the group's personality. Union symbolizes bonds and unity, amongst themselves and between themselves and the team. The word was also chosen because it is equally comprehensible in English and Spanish, reflective of the group's inclusive and welcoming nature towards speakers of either language and everyone else for that matter. "Everyone is welcome", says Zacher, and standing with him and the rest of the group at their customary location behind the south end goal at the Home Depot Center makes his point that much more evident. The term Ultras, on the other hand, is reflective of their love for the team. It is a common term amongst supporters groups throughout the World, intended to demonstrate the extremity of their support for it.

Although they have adopted the term Ultras, the group is far from the stereotypical, violent sects such as the hooligans that are normally associated with the term. In a very sincere manner, Zacher points out the group's zero tolerance attitude towards violence. A great attitude that is noticeable amongst the members.

The manner in which the group came to being is rather interesting.

According to Zacher, the group was formed as a result of a desire to give the team an L.A. identity, to embrace it as L.A.'s own. In previous years, some of its members had been part of the larger Legion 1908 supporters group. They eventually left said group to establish Union Ultras because, in reality, Legion 1908 is officially a supporters group for the Guadalajara squad, not Chivas USA. "We respect Legion 1908. They represent our history", states Zacher.

Union Ultras was born to give passionate fans such as Zacher the opportunity to cheer for a team of their own. In many ways, Union Ultras are laying the seeds of the future fan base for Chivas USA and have also earned their share of respect.

When asked about his reasons for supporting Chivas USA, Zacher proudly points out the team's connection to the U.S. Men's National Team. Directly in front, a gentleman wearing a Landon Donovan U.S. National Team jersey joins the group, almost as if someone had cued him to prove the point. Zacher goes on to state, "it is not about what is on the back of the jersey, it is about what is on the front", an obvious reference to the one for all and all for one attitude that seems to radiate from the team. The same point is repeated on multiple occasions and with a greater sense of pride on each occasion. It is a feeling that seems to be shared by others in the group.

Zacher further explains that it is the working class team, not relying on big names, but instead a collective effort. His comment appears to be dead on. Chivas USA has gradually built their team over the years using a model similar to that used by Houston Dynamo and New England Revolution. It is a model that works in MLS and is sure to help Chivas USA win an MLS Cup in the near future.

Chivas USA will begin their playoff run on Saturday night in Salt Lake City. It would be a pretty safe bet to state that Zacher and his Union Ultras brethren are going to be cheering with all their might. Should Chivas USA reach the MLS Cup Final to be played at the Home Depot Center in less than a month, the group's numbers are sure to grow and hopefully that will carry over to next year for this great group of fans.

Best of luck and safe travels to the Unionistas making the trek to Salt Lake!

A viewing party has also been arranged with the Unionistas that are staying behind. If you want to watch a game with some good folks, here is your opportunity!

Viewing Party Details:

Where: Red Vest Pub & Pizza
12639 Glenoaks Boulevard
Sylmar, CA

When: Saturday, November 1, 2008, 2:00 PM

Photo by Atwater Village Newbie via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr