Without a doubt, there is nothing like the NYCFC supporters

There is no sports culture like New York City's, and with soccer being one of the fastest-growing sports in the Big Apple, especially over the last decade-plus, it is safe to say that a place considered the Mecca of basketball definitely has some stiff competition with soccer on the rise and the presence of New York City FC.

The essence of the fan base that was born and built in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium is felt through the two supporter groups: the Third Rail and Los Templados. The groups are staples for bringing fans across all of the boroughs together to witness the highs and lows and cheer on their beloved Pigeons with pride.

NYCFC's supporters are incredible

NYCFC's groups and all of the other fans were recently seen in full force during the recent match against Inter Miami CF. Fans could be seen with NYCFC flags, scarves, waving blue and orange smoke, and even the bright red flares through the New York City air as they marched in unison to the stadium and the match.

Sport is truly a melting pot, and although there may be certain barriers that may prevent two individuals from separate walks of life from fully understanding each other, one thing many people share, no matter where they come from, is their love of the beautiful game.

Seeing so many videos on social media of flag-wavers, drum players, chanters, and people filled with pride for their club is truly remarkable. It is something that even the local police force could not contain. Loyal supporters shared that for the first time for that game against Inter Miami, the march needed to be accompanied by a police escort, something that they felt had a lot to do with misinformation and misplaced fear that the march could get out of hand. Of course, that did not happen.

The passion for this club runs deep: even NYCFC's cross-river rivals, the New York Red Bulls, would not be able to compare to the atmosphere that surrounds the supporters.

It is interesting how one game with a round hexagon-covered ball can give a city and a borough a new sense of identity to latch onto and organically grow from. Ultimately, although NYCFC did not get the win over Miami, it felt like the borough had won, with one fan next to the other sharing the love of a team on a very exciting day. This was a moment that is truly unique to New York and will never be replicated by anyone else.