I was a relative latecomer to the world of soccer, though fortunate enough to attend a Sounders match with my brother in their inaugural year in MLS. To be honest, the energy from ECS was more memorable for me than the activity on the field. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil ignited my love for soccer and I immediately started following the Sounders.
A life event ended up being the catalyst to finding my way into ECS. In October 2018, after a long-term relationship ended, I followed an impulse and rearranged some work travel to include a layover in Houston long enough to attend the Sounders’ away match, my first ever. We managed to bring home 3 points and from there I decided to get more involved with ECS and start going to more away matches.
Initially I joined the Tifo workgroups, helping with Tifo Production and Deployment, and started chipping in at any away matches, occasionally playing the role of capo (leading songs/chants). You’ve probably met me if you’ve attended more than one away match with ECS in the last 5 years. In 2022 I joined Tifo Crew, helping set up the ECS Brougham End for home matches. You may also see me on the main capo stand for a few minutes at home matches occasionally.
In 2024 I became a Travel Monkey, coordinating some of the away matches with the Sounders’ and opposing teams’ front offices, and helping keep the ticketing process for traveling supporters running as smoothly as possible. Starting in 2026 I’ve taken the lead coordinating away matches/travel.
You can reach the travel team at travel@weareecs.com or me directly at joel@weareecs.com.