“Yo si le voy, le voy a Chikago!”

For those new to Section 8 the last few seasons, the pulsating rhythms, constant jumping, and perpetual flag-waving of Sector Latino are integral to the flavor of the Harlem End as a whole. Their new location in the front portion of 117 is a product of their alliance with Ultras Red-Side, who occupies the center portion of the same section, and whom work together to establish and maintain the beat of support on match days. Their songs (mostly in Spanish) have begun to fully integrate themselves with the standards making it now difficult to imagine a Section 8 without a Sector Latino.

There are other Sector matchday customs – the camino, or mass walk into the stadium; the extended post match singing in the section, win or lose; and what can only be characterized as a mosh pit outside the stadium gate after matches, where songs, drums, jumping, and energy fuse in what may seem a unusual communal ritual but is a vital part of fan culture for many Central and South American club fan bases.

But both longtime and newer fans may wonder – where did they come from? Are they a product of Blancomania? Skeptics may even wonder if they are committed for the long-term, as waves of support of all types have passed through Section 8 before, only to dissipate.

Backdraft took the opportunity this week to speak to Walter Arredondo, one of the founders of Sector Latino, about the group’s origins, future, and both their recent explosion and difficulties in growth.

BD When and how did SL start?

WA Well, Sector Latino first began back in April of 2005, and some friends and family formed the original group, around 7 members. One of my cousins came from Mexico and informed us of this whole movement there, now called Barra Bravas. As he told us about this phenomenon someone else suggested we should start one for the Chicago Fire. After the idea came up everyone got to work, made a banner, learned some new songs and got the tickets for the next home game which was against Chivas USA. We were trying to bring something new to the Chicago Fire passion; something more Central/South American style, all the while trying to pick up a little something from everyone.

BD What impresses you most about the growth of Sector Latino?  

WA The thing that has me so impressed with this group is how everyone has come together through the years not just to have fun but to support the Fire – and in some ways breaking tradition, I know some of our members have family that are hardcore America, Chivas, Tigres etc. We have guys that now love the Chicago Fire more than the clubs that their families love. “En las buenas y las malas yo estare, te entrego mi amor y carino, mi apoyo. Orguyoso de ser del Fire,y de cantar por ti” - through thick and thin we shall be there for you, we give you our love, we are proud to wear these colors and sing for you to show you we are there. The point I am trying to show is that this group, we are here for the team. Nothing else but the Fire, always.

BD Why do you think Sector Latino has grown so much, and become so devoted? Is Cuau a factor or is it something else?

WA I really can’t say exactly why we’ve grown. Since we also have many fans of Chivas, Tigres, Pumas – Blanco can’t be the only reason why. It might just be the time we have been around, now… SL has been around since 2005. And since we don't ask for much to join us, except love the Fire!

BD Are there specific groups/barras SL has looked to as examples?

WA Libres y Lokos (Tigres), La Monumental (America), La Rebel (Pumas), La 51 (Atlas), and La Guerrilla (San Luis) are all groups that some of our members are also in. So we try to put all that together. Also the more European style S8 generally has. It’s a big puzzle, only time will tell where we are going to get.

BD I know you have had difficulties recently with your growth, could you explain what the biggest obstacles to that growth might be?

WA Sector Latino has had a problem with Monterrey Security since it started. Back in 2005 SL used to sit away from S8, mainly to sing all our spanish songs. It’s really a shame how they have treated us, the reasons they have used to harrass our group. I am not sure why they actually do this. Is making too much noise a reason to take our drums away? To kick us out of the sections and arrest our guys? I think its perhaps beyond that – some of the Monterrey Security people are just racist ****s. The number of things they have done throughout the years is crazy. If I were to list everything they have done there would not be time to finish.

Our recent problems with them consist of being kicked out of the stadium - after being kicked out of the stadium. We then get pushed out of the parking lot. What’s the reason to kick us out? We did not hurt anyone, we are not criminals! Can't they simply ask us to leave? Do they want us to give them a reason to treat us like that? We are here for the club - we are always going to be there. Everyday there are more of us, and we must fix this before it gets out of hand and out of control.

You can’t help but be proud of this group, throughout the years we have these problems and still we are here. When will they going to realize we aren’t going anywhere?

BD Can you be more specific about the most recent circumstance of conflict with Monterrey? Where do you think the problem lies?

WA Well, the problems with security are a bit weird. I don’t think they fully understand what it is we are. They most likely have never seen post-game mosh pits or people going crazy at a soccer game – not familiar with the culture. To us all of these things are  what is normal and what is fun. Instead of trying to work with us they try to break up everything they see that’s going on. When they try to confront the situation, instead of talking and asking questions like normal people, rather they push around and arrest everyone they see. If they cannot act reasonably, our people will say, “why should we?”

BD What do you think Sector Latino has brought most to Section 8 and Fire support these last few years?

WA I think Section 8 is something different and unique in the world. Its support is one of a kind - a real mix of different cultures and races. As for what made it what it is today it is really hard to say and explain - but the support is great. I could say Section 8 has started something new in the world of fan support. Because of this I don't really categorize SL as a Barra style group, we’ve been affected by Section 8’s style too. SL is now part of this new style of support that has been generated here in Chicago these last few years.

BD What would you like to see S8 do as a whole that isn't already done?

WA I’d like to see everyone fully adopt maybe one or two more Spanish-language songs. And maybe have the rest of the groups open their doors more for people to join. Make it their task to have every single one of their members crazy for the Fire.

BD What are SL’s plans for future growth?

WA There’s not any plans, but to grow. What I want, and what the groups want, is a large group of Fire fans that love the Chicago Fire and are proud of wearing red.

BD What message would you give to S8 as a whole, from SL?

WA The only message I have for S8 is not be scared to go crazy, and show the love they have for the Fire at all times. Forget about how the team is playing. Sing and jump as if it was your last game ever.

Our thanks to Walter Arredondo and Sector Latino for their cooperation and participation in this profile interview.

-- JL Murtaugh [jl_murtaugh(at)yahoo.com]