In a surprise come-from-behind victory, Real Salt Lake fans were voted the best in Major League Soccer history, overtaking early leaders D.C. United in a poll on the league's official web site, MLSnet.com.
The 2005 expansion side rallied to surge past the four-time MLS Cup champions, despite having only played 14 games in their brief existence, half of which have been at their home field at Rice-Eccles Stadium. RSL fans have been some of the best and most vocal in MLS this season, averaging nearly 21,000 supporters for each home contest, including over 25,000 for their home opener on April 16 and over 40,000 for the June 4 doubleheader with the U.S. national team defeating Costa Rica 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier.
Thirty-seven percent of respondents to the 10th season celebratory poll chose Real Salt Lake's fans as tops, while 23 percent voted for the supporters of the Black-and-Red. Taking the bronze-medal spot was another team that entered the league as an expansion side, the Chicago Fire, who joined MLS for the 1998 season.
D.C. United fans have long been considered among the best in MLS, their raucous supporters often singing bouncing in RFK Stadium, even making the stadium rock and roll beneath their feet. Fire fans also have a reputation for getting behind their team with fervent enthusiasm.
The Los Angeles Galaxy fans earned fourth place with eight percent of the vote, while the New England Revolution rounded out the top five with six percent.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
