The newest members of the Premier Development League took the field for the first time Thursday night, sporting red jerseys and going by a simple title: the Reds.
The Lane United Football Club played its first friendly match at South Eugene High School against the Portland Timbers U-23 Development squad, and was complete with fan-waving, drum-banging and chant cheering fanatics. Although the Reds lost 3-0, this is just the start for the grassroots effort.
Lane United was started by President Dave Galas as a “community benefit nonprofit corporation dedicated to establishing professional soccer in Eugene,” per the team website. Galas, secretary/treasurer Ron Crasilneck and five board members make up the board of directors for the Reds, who will play friendly matches this summer as part of a major fundraising campaign. The club will begin competing in the PDL in 2014.
Although the fan base is small, plenty of passion is behind each and every chant.
“We want this here in our community,” said Reds supporter Adam Smith. “I want this in my community. When (Dave Galas) made it possible … I threw on my scarf, I threw on my jersey and said yeah, I want this in my community.”
The official cheering section, which is similar to the Timbers Army, does not yet have an official name, but Smith stressed that they want to make it their own.
“We’re still trying to figure out who we are… we’re trying to include everybody and raise the enthusiasm too,” he said. “We’re trying not to copy Timbers Army … we’re trying to find our own voice.”
Smith said two possible names for the cheering section are “Rojos Locos” and “The Red Brigade.” Albeit small, the Reds bleachers were highlighted by red and white-checkered flags, pro-Reds chants and a single drum to hold the rhythm. Lane United plans to eventually move their home games to a rejuvenated Civic Stadium. The planned renovations include a standing room only terrace for Lane United supporters at the south end of the field according to the team’s website.
Although they lost their first game, the Reds played well against an experienced and talented Timbers U-23 squad.
“We had a lot of local quality that was able to withstand the pressure that they were playing on us and play out of pressure,” said coach Gabriel Hernandez of his team’s performance. “These guys are experienced players that were exposed to that at some point in their careers, and they showcased it tonight.” Hernandez also stressed the importance of fan support.
“It’s everything. I think without them this does not exist. This is a grassroots effort, and we wish to have rewarded them with a goal, but I think just being out here and playing and sort of showing them this is what we’re about … that was our thank you to them.”
The opening match at South Eugene High School is a great first step, but this club and its fans have bigger dreams in sight.
“We need to be over there,” Smith said, pointing toward the dark and vacant Civic Stadium. “We’re just dumb football fans, and we just want to see it here. We just really want to see it here.”