Supporters group name: Gorilla FC

Team: Seattle Sounders FC

When was the group founded: 2009

What’s in the name? Gorilla FC is a play on the idea of guerilla tactics. The group is an antifa-group (discussed more below) who strive to take actions that improve the community. Little, but fierce, the name represents our goal of coming out of nowhere to leave a lasting positive impact in our community and on the field.

What’s special about this team? From its inception in 2009, the Sounders have been perennial contenders. They are never afraid to spend money to try and contend, and the team’s dedication to its fanbase is unparalleled

What’s unique about your supporters group? As mentioned, we are an antifa-group in the tradition of the supporters of St Pauli in Germany. This is short for anti-fascist. Thus, as a group, we are anti-fascist, anti-sexist, anti-racist, and anti-homophobic. We turn this goal in to action through our work in the community and in the stands. Whether it is through our CIVic ticket program (named after our mascot, a gorilla named CIV), giving tickets to various charities, or our support for the Red Card Against Racism & Homophobia in the stands, our aim is to build community in Seattle with a soccer influence. Most recently we raised $6,000 for childhood cancer research by shaving our heads (and beards ... it is Seattle, after all).

Do you have an emblem and/or motto?: Our motto is: Glory. Fellowship. Community.

Popular chants: Our fellow Sounders supporter group ECS are the king when it comes to chants in Seattle. We follow their lead. We especially love when they do punk songs from bands like Cocksparrer and Ramones.

Chants or songs specific to your team: The crowd sings Perry Cuomo’s Seattle

Who are your biggest rivals: Portland. Vancouver and LA as well. But especially Portland.

Favorite (family friendly) chant about a rival: I am not sure if ANY are family friendly for our Cascadian rivals...

Cult heroes: Roger Levesque, Mike Fucito, Arlo White

Cult villains: Will Johnson, Steven Lenhart, Robbie Keane

Best moment following the team: Winning the Supporters Shield and the US Open Cup in 2014.

Worst moment following the team: Losing to Portland in the 2013 playoffs.

Story of GFC lore: Before it was ever a supporter group, Gorilla FC was actually a rec league soccer team built up of like minded activists who liked to drink together. This love of soccer and goal of helping to facilitate positive change in the community lead directly to what GFC was to become: a force in the non-profit world who uses soccer as a means to improve our own community. Even with our small numbers, we have been able to raise over $150,000 for various charities and have doated hundreds of hours of community service.