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Post by greyloki on Jun 16, 2016 12:38:55 GMT -5
I had heard about DCFC for a few years and always wanted to get to a game, but always seemed to have other things going on that kept me from going. I figured the only way to stop this was to buy season tickets. So I did and two at that. So far I've attended every game and brought a different person with me each week (didn't attend Manchester game, had a graduation to attend out of town.). I have walked in the march to the stadium every time so far and sit in the supports section. I've really enjoyed the games and the fevor of the fans. I do have some questions that I just don't understand and hope to get clarification.
1st - In regard to the American Outlaws. Why is there such disdain for them? From my perspective they seem to be passionate fans of the game (such as DCFC supports are) and in particular the US national teams.
2nd - Why should an MLS Franchise not be supported for Detroit? I know it is not the greatest of soccer, but it is the only (unless I'm wrong) serious professional team in the US (NASL not withstanding). I feel I could support both the DCFC and MLS in Detroit.
Please be gentle as I really haven't delved deeply into these things and thought I'd go to those who would know.
Thanks!
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Post by pirmás697 on Jun 16, 2016 13:07:29 GMT -5
Welcome, welcome! We're glad to have newbies on board!
Now, I am going to preface this with: there is no official NGS answer to these. There is some consensus among certain people within the NGS on these points but for the most part this should be taken as my opinion which may or may not be accepted by the majority of the NGS or even just small slices:
1) Long story. To cut to the chase the AO has a history of creating an atmosphere that is not inclusive, especially for women, foreigners, and to the LGBT community. This was especially true for the AO Detroit chapter. Along with that they have a long history of disrespect for the nation's flag which is offensive to some members, especially some of the older members (including the founders). There is also the fact that the AO has shitty chants, and lacks a certain creativity in that aspect. Other than that many NGS are passionate supporters of the USMNT, though usually outside of the AO (there are alternatives, and we are open to them). Other NGS members have other national teams they are fans of and so AO or not, aren't about to switch loyalties. Personally: national teams are a curiosity to me. I'm happy to get behind one, but in the end, they are summer flings. Never long term.
2) NGS is a supporters group for DCFC, end of story. We aren't soccer supporters. We aren't Detroit soccer supporters. We are DCFC supporters. You'll see the phrase club > league (club over league) a lot from the NGS faithful. What that means is that our one and only concern as a supporters group is the club. Everything else is secondary and that definitely includes what league we play in. The MLS is not fond of supporters groups, especially those like the NGS which operate outside of the control of the clubs (and in the case of the MLS - the league itself). And that's the big difference between the MLS and NASL from a purely administrative perspective. The MLS is an NFL-styled franchise league. Owners don't own teams - they borrow them from the league (NASL has actual owners who own and run their teams independently). And the MLS has a long history of banning supporters for the very scenes they then turn around and stick on their marketing material. Scenes that the NGS is famous for creating.
Now, it is important to note that the Club > League mentality is a two-edged sword. For many people in also means we'll root for DCFC even if they end up in the MLS because it is about our club, not the league. I would root for DCFC regardless of where it ends up because I love the club. And because I love the club and the Guard I am wary of the MLS, but there are worse options.
Another point to note - the MLS, especially this recent rumor (and that's all it is - a rumor), has pretty much spelled out that they are NOT interested in working with DCFC. They want to put a second team here and that would spell the end for DCFC getting much higher than this and likely mean retraction and a loss of talent (as the MLS club would likely set up a feeder team like the Bucks, if not turn the Bucks into that feeder team). Sure we'd have our team still, and I'll still be lighting off smoke, but from a realistic and economic standpoint it'll likely start a count-down to the end of our club - something many of us would never forgive an MLS club for.
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Post by Punch on Jun 17, 2016 10:01:29 GMT -5
Welcome, welcome, welcome. We're really glad you decided to join us!
I think NFK said well most of what I would have said, but let me add a few things that are purely my opinion and understanding of the opinions of some of the others. Having been around and pretty heavily involved for a long time now, maybe I can provide some context.
1) On the AO thing, NFK hit the nail on the head with the inclusivity thing. It is very important to many of us in NGS — including the founders and leadership — to be inclusive and non-discriminatory. It is important to many of us that we create an environment in which no supporter should feel uncomfortable joining us because of their gender, race, religion, sexual preference/identity or disability.
A couple summers ago the leader of AO Detroit made a lot of comments on social media and otherwise that were offensive to supporters who fell into those categories. This all happened at the same time as a lot of stories being circulated in the media of similar behavior in AO chapters nationwide.
Compound this with what a lot of folks in NGS see as disrespectful treatment of the flag by people at USMNT/USWNT games and events, and there is a bad taste in the mouths of a lot of folks when it comes to national team support.
Personally speaking, I love the USMNT/USWNT and watch all the games, but you will never catch me wearing a flag cape or joining an AO chapter.
2) NFK said it best. Club > League. Where DCFC goes, I’ll go.
Part of the opposition to what a lot of folks see as a usurper club coming in is that they don’t believe DCFC can survive, much less thrive, with a pro club with pro club resources in the market. We all love DCFC and don’t want to see it die.
Welcome to the club, we’re super psyched to have you here. Be sure to stop by and introduce yourself and say hello on Sunday.
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Post by pirmás697 on Jun 17, 2016 12:13:49 GMT -5
On a purely "welcome welcome" thread - please hit us up on twitter, it's a lot easier to find us and much more lively!
https://twitter.com/pirmas697
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Post by greyloki on Jun 17, 2016 19:21:51 GMT -5
Thank you for answering my questions. I appreciate the candor. After reading your responses I did a search and read some stories on AO and completely understand your concerns and share them.
I an a huge fan of the USWNT/USMNT myself (not a fan of Klinsmann though).
Thanks again and I look forward to meeting you at the games or before.
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Post by greyloki on Jun 17, 2016 19:40:47 GMT -5
Following you, North Guard, and DCFC now!
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Post by pirmás697 on Jun 20, 2016 5:52:08 GMT -5
Following you, North Guard, and DCFC now! What's your handle; so I can make sure I added you back. |
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Post by greyloki on Jun 22, 2016 21:15:58 GMT -5
Following you, North Guard, and DCFC now! What's your handle; so I can make sure I added you back. It is @greythound11 |
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