Union Ultras, Supporting Chivas USA Since 2007

By: Alex | March 19th, 2008

Chivas USA have a new supporters group… Or do they.

The Union Ultras are Chivas USA’s newest supporters group. Do they look familiar? They sure do. San Patricos, was a short lived theme with this group. They have a new look, and a new philosophy, so The Offsides wanted to find out a little more about the group.

Joe Zacher, cofounder of the Union Ultras and Chivas USA fanatic started the club with several other fans of the team. Their mission? Be the first English speaking supporters group for the Chivas USA. Joe gave some time to The Offsides to tell us a little bit about their group.

TO: Joe, tell the Offsides a little about the name Union Ultras;

Joe: Union was chosen because it is a name that links us to the original name of CD Guadalajara before they took on a Mexican Only tradition. The name is universally translated and a bilingual term. As a group we are united as a single voice that can only strengthen with diversity. The name Ultra is utilized by supporters on every continent. It is the original name for the first supporters groups ever established.

The term Union Ultras was approved by popular vote from the members. This was originally a name idea offered on Big Soccer from last August.

TO: Why did you change the name from San Patricos?

Joe: Nobody in the group identified with the name. It has negative connotations from the Mexican-American War. The San Patricios were a U.S. military unit that switched sides and committed treason against the United States. Nobody wants to be Anti-American!!!

Additionally, the name was forced upon us by an overzealous employee from Chivas USA that was eventually fired and then re-hired by the Galaxy.

TO: Group philosophy?

Joe: We formed with the idea of offering a global supporters experience. Like Chivas USA our players come from all over the world. We strive for a family atmosphere that promotes a non-violent ultra movement. We resemble the Ultra fans of St. Pauli. We have no specific political agenda but we do have a soft spot for the working class fan.

TO: Your songs are not only in Spanish, but English as well.

Joe: We have adopted a hybrid singing style that samples from every continent. Our chants are in Spanish and English, but we would try any language if it sounds cool. We might do a Swiss/German song for Raphael Wicky.

TO: That’s really cool, making Wicky feel at home. The group seemed at the beginning of the season to me small yet loud. How has the group grown?

Joe: By opening day 2008 we will be 25 strong, by the playoffs we will push for 40.

TO: Joe, Tell the TO about the atmosphere the group is trying to bring to MLS.

Joe: We are striving to create a network among other MLS supporters group that will promote non-violence and a safe-harbor policy. The home supporters group will assist visiting supporters with finding accommodations, away game seating, security clearance, and a friendly tailgating experience. For example, we are going to visit Colorado and San Jose this season (and coordinated with their supporters groups). We plan to share a keg with the Colorado supporters.

TO: I have to admit, the atmosphere that the Ultras brings to the games is awesome. Now your plans to make it easier for opposing team’s supporters groups to come to LA and cheer along side of you just add to the game. What you are doing for the sport is great.

The Offsides wishes you the best of luck.

Quick Facts:
-The club is represented by John Sandate and Josef Zacher
-Established August of 2007
-Motto: Noi Soli Sine Metu “On our own without fear” Motto is both Latin and Italian.
-We are the ONLY exclusive Chivas USA supporters club. We respect CD Guadalajara, but we hope to beat them in Superliga!!!

The best way to contact the group is at www.unionultras.com. Anyone who is interested in a great atmosphere and shares a love for the Chivas USA is encouraged to contact them.