Chivas USA’s Union Ultras Capture Inaugural ACES 09 Supporters Cup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 29, 2009 -- Through fierce support of Chivas USA that helped their club capture seven of a possible nine points from Conference rivals Sounders FC, the Union Ultras have won the 2009 ACES Cup.

The ACES Cup is a fan based competition that awards a trophy and cash prize to MLS fan groups based on their club’s overall goal differential against Sounders FC. Chivas USA’s three goal differential was enough to separate them from the runner up New England Revolution.

“We created the cup to reward supporters groups who push their clubs to victory against the Sounders through passionate vocal support.” said ACES09 co-founder Andrew Wheaton. “The Union Ultras have certainly done that this season, judging by Chivas’ domination of the Sounders this season.”

While the club’s three shutouts illustrate how tough an adversary the Chivas USA supporters and players are for the Sounders, most telling of the Union Ultras’ ability to play the role of twelfth man is the fact that they could will their club to find the back of the net three times at the Home Depot Center.

“We stand in [section] 101 right behind the goal so that our presence is known no matter if the visiting team is attacking or defending.” Said Julio Ramos, a Union Ultras representative “Whether it is huge banners or just constant noise, the players know we’re there and that is what matters.”

As part of the cup prize, the Union Ultras will receive a $300 cash award from profits generated by the ACES 09 Cup fundraising drive, and will hold the ACES Cup trophy until the conclusion of the next MLS season.

“At the end of the day, it is about the one club we support, Chivas USA. We do what we do to support our club no matter what and the fact that the team is performing well is reward enough. But this has also been a big year for us so we appreciate the recognition for what we have accomplished.” added Ramos

Regarding the outcome of the competition, Andrew Wheaton explained “We’re especially happy to award the cup to the Union Ultras because they represent a lot of what true supporters culture in this country should be about. This is an enterprising group that has grown organically, is exclusively dedicated to supporting their MLS club, and is completely self-funded.”

While the ACES Cup is based on results during the MLS regular season, the Union Ultras’ work for 2009 is not done. Chivas USA will next face the LA Galaxy, and if they clear the quarterfinals, there is a chance that the Union Ultras and Seattle’s Emerald City Supporters could meet again in the semis.

“Compared to LARS, ACB and ECS, we are the best supporters group without question. Anything can happen on the field, but we are going to give everything during the playoffs to make sure that the results on the pitch show that.” said Ramos.

Chivas USA will play the LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on Sunday, November 1st at 2:00pm PST. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.

ACES Cup     ACES09     Chivas USA     Seattle Sounders     Union Ultras