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I would
like to say first that the order of the events that transpired below are
from my personal perspective. Of late there has been discussion of
how long the SouthSiders have actually been attending matches, and to
which matches our hardcore members first appeared. The below
transcript of events chronologically states how I had seen the formation
of what we call the SouthSiders today, and in no way reflect any events
that preceded my involvement - so, that being said, there may have been
matches/seasons/etc. that first indicated growing local support, but
below I feel I have captured our evolution from it's most current state
that the opposition now faces today:
What an
off-season to remember! The ole 86ers are now the Caps once again
and now boasting new logos, new colors (or retro for those who are as
old as I), new management, new prices on tickets (can you believe how
cheap season tickets are? Even our shallow pocketed members can
afford it now!).
Anyhow
enough of the club propaganda, and on to who we are, and what we are all
about. For those who have not attended any 86ers/Whitecap games
over the past few seasons (this will be our 3rd complete season in the
SouthSide respectively - originally formed in the Northside in fact), we
are the boisterous lads who accompany the space just behind the opposing
goalkeepers net (and none too far from the beverage table if you catch
my meaning). Our old website detailed the chronology of how we
came about... but I prefer to give a brief synopsis on this site
instead.
Two and a
half seasons ago, during a match that featured a young Johnny Sulentic,
we happened to notice a group of very supportive Croatians cheering on
the young lad. Well, the atmosphere seemed to break the norm, (you
know just clap when the team scores, ohh and ahh whenever play gets
interesting, you know, BORING!) and I found it infectious. I
strolled over to join in with the Croatians and met a couple of fellows
also chanting for the rest of the club (a.k.a. the Colenall (Johnny) and
Chanting Craig). We chanted the rest of the match - and it seemed
to really give a charge to the home side (they went on to win 2-0).
After the
match, my new found colleagues and I decided - wouldn't it be great to
eventually see a European like atmosphere in local soccer. The
idea was radical, but very appealing, especially when it seemed to spurn
on the home side to victory. We though what the heck, this will be
our goal: "to eventually see the entire stadium chanting and
supporting the club vocally, and creating an atmosphere that charges the
homeside, intimidates/disrupts the opposition, and yet is fun for
everyone to enjoy!
We are now
in our third season, our core ranks have quadrupled since those early
matches, and strongly support all those who are furthering the cause (no
matter what side they sit in ole Swangard!). Here is to hoping the
lads have yet another successful season - and to the SouthSiders taking
it to the next level!
Rasta.
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