Photo illustration by Anthony Mendolia
The Firm (Brickwall)
Habitat: In the stadium’s designated Zona Naranja fan zone under the scoreboard in Sections 215-217. The Firm drapes its banner and stakes its claim to the front rows of 215.
Visual Identification: They tend to favor black shirts, jeans, and adidas shoes.
Defining Characteristics: Their support style is modeled after English fans, specifically punk and ska-loving English fans.
Songs and Calls: One favorite chant is about themselves, and it starts, “No one likes us!”
El Batallon
Habitat: Section 215 and 216, in the Zona Naranja.
Plumage: In addition to the characteristic Dynamo orange, El Batallon has a range of personalized gear with its logo emblazoned on it. Hats? Hoodies? Scarves? El Batallon has you covered.
Defining Characteristics: Like a number of Latino-identifying groups in MLS, El Batallon claims barra-style support, though they specifically cite Latin American inspiration and South American instruments to help them create atmosphere for the full 90.
Songs and Calls: They’re best known for “We Are Orange,” a song in English that unites the entire Zona Naranja. “El Matador” is the best-known of their Spanish chants.
Texian Army
Habitat: Section 217, also in the Zona Naranja
Visual Characteristics: Orange. They have a shirt they issue to members each year, which has a design that changes every year, but it’s always against a field of orange.
Defining Characteristics: As a Texan supporters' group, they pride themselves on their tailgating acumen, but they’re also the oldest of the team’s supporters' groups, organizing once it was leaked that Houston would be getting a team.
Songs and Calls: “Oh Dynamo,” which is employed for some corner kicks, dates back to the glory days of ’06 and ’07.
