Washington Spirit fans channel activism pitchside – Equalizer Soccer

Photo: Desiree Luo

As Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit sought to get on the board during the National Women’s Soccer League Championship on Nov. 22, both teams’ respective supporters’ groups faced one another from opposite sides of PayPal Park. 

But when the clock hit 51:00, the stadium united in a minute-long chant that has become a tradition among Spirit fans: “Free D.C.,” the district’s rallying cry for statehood. 

It was a scene reminiscent of the Spirit’s Audi Field in Washington, affectionately dubbed “Rowdy Audi.” Fans in Sections 136 and 137 —  the stomping grounds of the Spirit Squadron, the team’s independent supporters’ group — have led “Free D.C” chants at every match since mid-August. 

Unlike most other Squadron chants, “Free D.C.” isn’t a play on a song. It’s not listed as an official chant on the group’s website. It’s a political message that has gained strength as residents grapple with the deployment of the National Guard on their streets, which came to a head late November when two National Guardsmen were shot blocks away from the White House. 

Support for D.C. home rule extends league-wide. Fans of other teams, including Gotham, initiated the chant in the 51st minute (beginning when the clock hits 51:00, in traditional soccer timing the 52nd minute) when their teams hosted the Spirit during the regular season.