Those three items together point to a new trend that has emerged in MLS stadiums across the country this season: politics have made their way into American soccer, and fans are making their voices heard — one way or the other. Whether it be rebelling against what are seen as constraints on free expression or driving out a problematic symbol from the stands, fan behavior at MLS matches has gotten the attention of the league, and it has responded.
At Rio Tinto Stadium stadium last month, a Real Salt Lake fan brought an American flag from the colonial era commonly known as the Betsy Ross flag to an Aug.