Monday, December 29, 2008
A nice soccer Christmas gift
Because of balancing time with my family and the Toledo-based in-laws, my family didn't exchange gifts until yesterday. My sister came up huge by getting me the t-shirt below. The t-shirt, and a number of other old-time club shirts, is available from the fine people at Bumpy Pitch.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Nervous and excited in Los Angeles
The life of a sports fan is rather strange, really, especially those fans who invest significant amounts of time and money supporting their team. We spend hours following Internet rumors of the next big signing, tracking down little-known players logging time in smaller, Eastern European countries. We spend hours debating team selections, coaching concepts, tactics, scouting reports, expansion draft lists, oftentimes without full knowledge of team chemistry or practice results. We get nervous - some might say ridiculously so - leading up to games where we're slightly more than an accessory to the game. Sure, home support can be a tremendous asset to a team, but in the end the game's result hinges on the performance of the players (and officials...). While the game is the players' job, and their performances has a direct effect on their livelihood, it could be argued that the fan, the supporter, gets more nervous for a game than the players he is supporting.
Following the Crew across the country to MLS Cup, I experienced this nervousness and excitement to a level I had never experienced before. I am relatively fortunate, as a sports fan, in that my teams have won three World Series titles (though 1975 and 1976 are a little difficult to remember...), appeared in two Super Bowls, and have won a national championship in college football. Ignoring MLS Cup, I have watched my teams contend for the "ultimate" title six times, though with only two wins to show. However, in each of these six tries, I was never as nervous before them as I was before MLS Cup. While I support the Reds, Bengals, and Buckeyes, I support the Crew to a much greater level and have a much greater emotional (and financial) investment. This investment, being so close to the team and feeling more connected to the team, was the oxygen to my nervousness fire. I noticed this nervousness while in Los Angeles, but upon looking back I realized little things showed exactly how nervous and excited I was.
The day before MLS Cup I attended the Hollywood United FC charity game at the Home Depot Center and, completely through my friendship with Sirk - little known gateway to the stars - I attended the postgame party in the stadium club. I needed to call my Crew Stadium neighbor Nate, who with his wife Steph, was in Los Angeles, too, to coordinate the next day's activities. While talking to Nate I watched as the Home Depot Center staff readied the field for the final. The grass was being attended, the matrix sign boards were being tested, and the lights were on. Looking across toward the northeast corner, from where I'd hopefully watch a Crew victory, increased the excitement. Standing in a fairly quiet stadium, surveying the surroundings, was strangely enough almost too much. I couldn't believe that in less than a day my team, yes MY TEAM, would fight for themselves and for its supporters, fight for its title. Thankfully, Nate shared similar feelings so at least I knew I wasn't the only oddball.
The clincher, though, the moment I realized that the nervousness and excitement was greater than expected was when Sirk and I went to In-N-Out after the postgame party on Saturday night. Whether it be a serious discussion of the game's events or me dicking on somebody or something, Sirk and I always easily slip into conversation. In-N-Out, though, was a completely different story. The conversation was a series of starts and stops with most stops leading to some variation of, "I can't believe that the Crew are playing in MLS Cup tomorrow." We tried to discuss the game, how we thought it would play out, what we thought the Crew needed to do to win the title. But really, in the end, the only thing we could say was, "I can't believe that the Crew are playing in MLS Cup tomorrow." It was like two kids talking on Christmas Eve, trying to discuss the newest Star Wars toy, but really just filling dead air as they think about the next day.
Is it ridiculous to get so nervous, so excited about something over which you have no control? Probably so, but I wouldn't change it for anything. And, the Crew's victory in MLS Cup made it all worthwhile. Honestly, I'm not sure if the Crew's win would have felt the same, felt as satisfying. Strange, huh?
Following the Crew across the country to MLS Cup, I experienced this nervousness and excitement to a level I had never experienced before. I am relatively fortunate, as a sports fan, in that my teams have won three World Series titles (though 1975 and 1976 are a little difficult to remember...), appeared in two Super Bowls, and have won a national championship in college football. Ignoring MLS Cup, I have watched my teams contend for the "ultimate" title six times, though with only two wins to show. However, in each of these six tries, I was never as nervous before them as I was before MLS Cup. While I support the Reds, Bengals, and Buckeyes, I support the Crew to a much greater level and have a much greater emotional (and financial) investment. This investment, being so close to the team and feeling more connected to the team, was the oxygen to my nervousness fire. I noticed this nervousness while in Los Angeles, but upon looking back I realized little things showed exactly how nervous and excited I was.
The day before MLS Cup I attended the Hollywood United FC charity game at the Home Depot Center and, completely through my friendship with Sirk - little known gateway to the stars - I attended the postgame party in the stadium club. I needed to call my Crew Stadium neighbor Nate, who with his wife Steph, was in Los Angeles, too, to coordinate the next day's activities. While talking to Nate I watched as the Home Depot Center staff readied the field for the final. The grass was being attended, the matrix sign boards were being tested, and the lights were on. Looking across toward the northeast corner, from where I'd hopefully watch a Crew victory, increased the excitement. Standing in a fairly quiet stadium, surveying the surroundings, was strangely enough almost too much. I couldn't believe that in less than a day my team, yes MY TEAM, would fight for themselves and for its supporters, fight for its title. Thankfully, Nate shared similar feelings so at least I knew I wasn't the only oddball.
The clincher, though, the moment I realized that the nervousness and excitement was greater than expected was when Sirk and I went to In-N-Out after the postgame party on Saturday night. Whether it be a serious discussion of the game's events or me dicking on somebody or something, Sirk and I always easily slip into conversation. In-N-Out, though, was a completely different story. The conversation was a series of starts and stops with most stops leading to some variation of, "I can't believe that the Crew are playing in MLS Cup tomorrow." We tried to discuss the game, how we thought it would play out, what we thought the Crew needed to do to win the title. But really, in the end, the only thing we could say was, "I can't believe that the Crew are playing in MLS Cup tomorrow." It was like two kids talking on Christmas Eve, trying to discuss the newest Star Wars toy, but really just filling dead air as they think about the next day.
Is it ridiculous to get so nervous, so excited about something over which you have no control? Probably so, but I wouldn't change it for anything. And, the Crew's victory in MLS Cup made it all worthwhile. Honestly, I'm not sure if the Crew's win would have felt the same, felt as satisfying. Strange, huh?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Crew's historical playoff attendance
Over on BigSoccer, both in the Crew forum and elsewhere, I am sure that last night's attendance of 11,153 will cause much discussion. For informational purposes only, here is the Crew's home playoff attendance as taken from the team's media guide.
09/25/96...Tampa Bay.....20,807
09/28/97...Tampa Bay.....22,259
10/08/97...Tampa Bay.....13,102
10/15/97...DC United......9,508
09/30/98...New York......10,996
10/18/98...DC United.....13,193
10/17/99...Tampa Bay......9,188
11/07/99...DC United.....12,778
09/22/01...San Jose......20,883
09/28/02...San Jose......13,004
10/09/02...New England...10,245
10/31/04...New England...15,224
The last home game of 2001 was canceled because of the 09/11 terrorist attacks. I can't remember the specifics but I think the Crew did something for those tickets, like accepting them for the first playoff game that year.
09/25/96...Tampa Bay.....20,807
09/28/97...Tampa Bay.....22,259
10/08/97...Tampa Bay.....13,102
10/15/97...DC United......9,508
09/30/98...New York......10,996
10/18/98...DC United.....13,193
10/17/99...Tampa Bay......9,188
11/07/99...DC United.....12,778
09/22/01...San Jose......20,883
09/28/02...San Jose......13,004
10/09/02...New England...10,245
10/31/04...New England...15,224
The last home game of 2001 was canceled because of the 09/11 terrorist attacks. I can't remember the specifics but I think the Crew did something for those tickets, like accepting them for the first playoff game that year.
2,233 long days...
Before last night's 2-0 win over Kansas City, propelling the Crew into the conference finals, the last time Columbus won a playoff game was September 28, 2002. Assuming Microsoft Excel can subtract correctly, it was 2,233 days between playoff wins. Let's step into the Way Back Machine and see what life was like 2,233 days ago (approximately...).
In 2002, the average gallon of gas (according to the E85 web site) cost $1.31. This tidbit would have been more impressive a month ago...
"Dilemma" by Nelly, featuring Kelly Rowland, was the country's #1 song according to Billboard.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 2002 at 8341. You know, again this tidbit might have been better a month or so ago.
In 2002, Barack Obama was a state legislator in Illinois. I think he's been in the news lately, but I can't remember why.
Robbie Rogers, who scored the Crew's second goal last night, couldn't legally get into a R-rated movie by himself. That's OK, though, since he also wasn't old enough to drive himself to the theater. He was 15.
A German-born gentleman named Sigi Schmid was busy coaching a Supporters' Shield winning team to an MLS Cup victory. Hmm...
MLS had two teams in Florida and zero teams in Canada. Ah, nostalgia.
Wikipedia was about one year old, and hadn't quite realized its place as the message board and high school kid go-to source for information.
In 2002, the Cincinnati Bengals finished 2-14. Wait a minute...
In September 2002 the national debt was about $6.2 trillion. Now it stands at around $10.4 trillion.
In 2002, the average gallon of gas (according to the E85 web site) cost $1.31. This tidbit would have been more impressive a month ago...
"Dilemma" by Nelly, featuring Kelly Rowland, was the country's #1 song according to Billboard.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 2002 at 8341. You know, again this tidbit might have been better a month or so ago.
In 2002, Barack Obama was a state legislator in Illinois. I think he's been in the news lately, but I can't remember why.
Robbie Rogers, who scored the Crew's second goal last night, couldn't legally get into a R-rated movie by himself. That's OK, though, since he also wasn't old enough to drive himself to the theater. He was 15.
A German-born gentleman named Sigi Schmid was busy coaching a Supporters' Shield winning team to an MLS Cup victory. Hmm...
MLS had two teams in Florida and zero teams in Canada. Ah, nostalgia.
Wikipedia was about one year old, and hadn't quite realized its place as the message board and high school kid go-to source for information.
In 2002, the Cincinnati Bengals finished 2-14. Wait a minute...
In September 2002 the national debt was about $6.2 trillion. Now it stands at around $10.4 trillion.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
I consider myself an even-keeled individual when it comes to my sports teams. Though passionate, and sometimes irrational, I think that I'm pretty good at tempering the inevitable highs and lows that come with any season, especially those that consume significant "calendar length." Furthermore, I can also be pretty objective when reading potentially negative information about my teams. While I can get defensive at times - a required trait, I think, of a Crew fan - I'm good at not letting some hits ruin my enjoyment and support of my team. If I didn't, as an Ohio State football I probably would have offed myself by now after the last two national championship game reactions. This brings me to the latest news that an investment group from Las Vegas is reportedly "close" to purchasing a portion of Hunt Sports Group's (HSG) share of the Crew. Normally I wouldn't be overly concerned with this news, but rather would be interested in how a possible "freshness" would affect the Crew (the amount of money's still the same, right?), how such things could help shake off the stench of the past three years and capitalize on the on-field success of the 2008 Crew. But for whatever reason - the "other shoe" I feared - this news, when I look at other Crew items of note and hear information from people I trust, worries me. This isn't a worry that a Mayflower truck will be utilizing the new stage access for Saturday's game against Los Angeles and some English guy, but a nagging feeling that quickly put a damper on this week's match-up. Why can't we have nice things?!? Though not necessarily all related, here are things that worry me.
An ownership group who, let's face it, gives off the absentee vibe. HSG doesn't have a strong, visible presence in Columbus with decisions seemingly made either in Dallas or whichever Caribbean island is handy at the time. Coach Sigi Schmid mentioned, in his early-season quest to bring a Designated Player to Columbus, that he had to go to Dallas to pitch his case to the owners. While a far-flung ownership group isn't automatically a terrible thing, the lack of a strong, viable local ownership group isn't comforting. In the end, it might just be about perception: a local ownership group feels more likely to want to keep a team in a location while a remote group seems more detached, less in-tune with the local market's needs and concerns. Crew fans will point to the longer-than-desired tenure of former GM Jim Smith and former coach Greg Andrulis as perhaps the best two pieces of evidence against an out-of-state ownership group.
Crew Stadium opened in 1999 and Crew fans and others interested in such things became familiar with The Bonham Group, the company tasked with selling the naming rights to MLS's first soccer-specific stadium. As of today, the stadium's naming rights remain up for sale. While it's nice that our stadium still retains its original name - much like Wrigley Field and Fenway Park sound much nicer than Pac Bell turned SBC turned AT&T Park or Progressive Field - it represents an unrealized revenue source, a revenue source that one hopes could only benefit the Crew. Each MLS stadium built since Crew Stadium opened has successfully sold its naming rights for various amounts, with Real Salt Lake's about-to-be-opened stadium the latest to do so (entering into a deal with mining giant Rio Tinto).
The Crew's training complex in Obetz was - I think, and I'm too lazy to verify right now - the first of its kind in MLS. However, as MLS rosters have grown the team has stated that they have outgrown the training center and announced that they were soliciting proposals from Central Ohio communities to house the next training center (and associated auxiliary fields and perhaps housing for academy-type players). The facility's location was to be announced in August...of 2007. Without an agreement in place soon, the team will once again have to invest money into Obetz to improve a facility that they want to leave. Crew GM Mark McCullers told Crew beat writer Sean Mitchell that the lack of progress on the training facility and news of the Las Vegas purchase are in no way related. However, unrelated though they may be, the lack of progress - not to mention the lack of, um, actual construction - identifies one less physical tie to Columbus, one less tie to the community.
Hopefully things are moving forward behind closed doors, but the silence about an extension for Sigi Schmid is a bit concerning for me. It was a long haul to get to this point, the Crew on the brink of taking the 2008 Supporters Shield, and I would hate to see the core of the team, which includes the coaching staff, not have the opportunity to see how far this team can go, not just in 2008 but in the next few years. By itself, this isn't an indicator of horrible things on the horizon. Combined with other items, though, it makes my head hurt.
The potential investment group has been actively seeking a team for Las Vegas. Paul Caliguri's comments, which he claims were misunderstood, indicated that even though this group would be investing in Columbus their goal remained to get a team for Las Vegas. Unfortunately, that situation simply smells. This group's stated desire to bring a team to Las Vegas, while potentially investing in Columbus, does nothing for the league's goal of one team per owner, plus it just seems odd that a group would invest in another team while working to bring a team to a different city. While some BigSoccer posters have speculated that perhaps this Las Vegas group is using an investment in Columbus as a mean of getting their foot into MLS's door, other posters have written that this is all too familiar to them - they've witnessed a similar situation develop in Seattle as they watched their Sonics eventually, and contentiously, become the Oklahoma City Thunder. Just the thought, as remote as it may be, is unsettling.
Finally, fans in other MLS cities have experienced something similar, specifically those in Kansas City and San Jose. In each case, according to those fans, by the time information similar to this Las Vegas bomb became public, negotiations were months along and the wheels for relocation were in motion. Kansas City fans organized into the Heart of America Soccer Foundation which was instrumental in the Wizards eventual sale to OnGoal, LLC. San Jose fans organized into Soccer Silicon Valley which, while unable to stave off relocation to Houston, was instrumental in the relaunch of the Earthquakes under Lew Wolff. Note that I have intentionally cut these stories short; for in-depth information on the extreme effort expended by these two organizations, visit their respective web sites.
Look, this isn't an easy formula that adding all these together equals relocation. And, I know, this is more-or-less just some rambling on the Internet. However, this is the first time I've been actually worried that the Crew might leave Columbus. I truly hope that I am wrong and that this is just the typical mountain out of the mole hill. Unfortunately, this time I'm not as confident saying, "There's no way they're leaving."
An ownership group who, let's face it, gives off the absentee vibe. HSG doesn't have a strong, visible presence in Columbus with decisions seemingly made either in Dallas or whichever Caribbean island is handy at the time. Coach Sigi Schmid mentioned, in his early-season quest to bring a Designated Player to Columbus, that he had to go to Dallas to pitch his case to the owners. While a far-flung ownership group isn't automatically a terrible thing, the lack of a strong, viable local ownership group isn't comforting. In the end, it might just be about perception: a local ownership group feels more likely to want to keep a team in a location while a remote group seems more detached, less in-tune with the local market's needs and concerns. Crew fans will point to the longer-than-desired tenure of former GM Jim Smith and former coach Greg Andrulis as perhaps the best two pieces of evidence against an out-of-state ownership group.
Crew Stadium opened in 1999 and Crew fans and others interested in such things became familiar with The Bonham Group, the company tasked with selling the naming rights to MLS's first soccer-specific stadium. As of today, the stadium's naming rights remain up for sale. While it's nice that our stadium still retains its original name - much like Wrigley Field and Fenway Park sound much nicer than Pac Bell turned SBC turned AT&T Park or Progressive Field - it represents an unrealized revenue source, a revenue source that one hopes could only benefit the Crew. Each MLS stadium built since Crew Stadium opened has successfully sold its naming rights for various amounts, with Real Salt Lake's about-to-be-opened stadium the latest to do so (entering into a deal with mining giant Rio Tinto).
The Crew's training complex in Obetz was - I think, and I'm too lazy to verify right now - the first of its kind in MLS. However, as MLS rosters have grown the team has stated that they have outgrown the training center and announced that they were soliciting proposals from Central Ohio communities to house the next training center (and associated auxiliary fields and perhaps housing for academy-type players). The facility's location was to be announced in August...of 2007. Without an agreement in place soon, the team will once again have to invest money into Obetz to improve a facility that they want to leave. Crew GM Mark McCullers told Crew beat writer Sean Mitchell that the lack of progress on the training facility and news of the Las Vegas purchase are in no way related. However, unrelated though they may be, the lack of progress - not to mention the lack of, um, actual construction - identifies one less physical tie to Columbus, one less tie to the community.
Hopefully things are moving forward behind closed doors, but the silence about an extension for Sigi Schmid is a bit concerning for me. It was a long haul to get to this point, the Crew on the brink of taking the 2008 Supporters Shield, and I would hate to see the core of the team, which includes the coaching staff, not have the opportunity to see how far this team can go, not just in 2008 but in the next few years. By itself, this isn't an indicator of horrible things on the horizon. Combined with other items, though, it makes my head hurt.
The potential investment group has been actively seeking a team for Las Vegas. Paul Caliguri's comments, which he claims were misunderstood, indicated that even though this group would be investing in Columbus their goal remained to get a team for Las Vegas. Unfortunately, that situation simply smells. This group's stated desire to bring a team to Las Vegas, while potentially investing in Columbus, does nothing for the league's goal of one team per owner, plus it just seems odd that a group would invest in another team while working to bring a team to a different city. While some BigSoccer posters have speculated that perhaps this Las Vegas group is using an investment in Columbus as a mean of getting their foot into MLS's door, other posters have written that this is all too familiar to them - they've witnessed a similar situation develop in Seattle as they watched their Sonics eventually, and contentiously, become the Oklahoma City Thunder. Just the thought, as remote as it may be, is unsettling.
Finally, fans in other MLS cities have experienced something similar, specifically those in Kansas City and San Jose. In each case, according to those fans, by the time information similar to this Las Vegas bomb became public, negotiations were months along and the wheels for relocation were in motion. Kansas City fans organized into the Heart of America Soccer Foundation which was instrumental in the Wizards eventual sale to OnGoal, LLC. San Jose fans organized into Soccer Silicon Valley which, while unable to stave off relocation to Houston, was instrumental in the relaunch of the Earthquakes under Lew Wolff. Note that I have intentionally cut these stories short; for in-depth information on the extreme effort expended by these two organizations, visit their respective web sites.
Look, this isn't an easy formula that adding all these together equals relocation. And, I know, this is more-or-less just some rambling on the Internet. However, this is the first time I've been actually worried that the Crew might leave Columbus. I truly hope that I am wrong and that this is just the typical mountain out of the mole hill. Unfortunately, this time I'm not as confident saying, "There's no way they're leaving."
Monday, September 29, 2008
OK, fine. They're good.
Thanks to a father's love of his son, my dad brought me up primarily on four sports teams - Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, Ohio State football, and University of Dayton basketball. While my teams have experienced some success in my lifetime - three World Series titles, two Super Bowl appearances, a national championship, and some NCAA appearances - it more often feels as if my teams, well, stink. The Reds haven't seriously contended for years since losing their one-game Wild Card playoff. The Bengals are once again a joke after a short-lived tease. Ohio State is a national contender who has stubbed its toe in its last three "really big" games. Dayton, um, Dayton is always on the cusp of something special.
All of this is background information that shows why it's difficult for me to admit that yes, the 2008 Columbus Crew are good. Heck, they're actually really good. As of today they sit atop the league table with an eight-point cushion on second-place New England. Mathematically, it might be more difficult to NOT win the Supporters Shield at this stage. Should results fall perfectly, Columbus could win the Shield this weekend (I haven't double-checked that; I'm relying solely on some good posters on BigSoccer). Even supporters of other teams have to admit that the yellow soccer team, previously a target for laughter, is turning the joke back.
This is an unusal feeling for a Crew supporter. The last three years have been dismal, if not worse. Attending games was like a chore, but a chore without the satisfaction of knowing something can be crossed off the list. Oh, right, it was also a chore that I paid to do. In some respects it was like prostitution - Crew supporters were paying the Crew to get screwed. Did I mention those years were dismal?
And, let's be honest - the years before these latest Dark Ages weren't exactly overflowing with greatness. Sure, there was an Open Cup title and a Supporters Shield mixed in but, for the most part, seasons ended in disappointment and disgust while hoping that the Crew were really just one key player away from getting over the hump. However, instead of getting over the hump the Crew were just a modern-day Sisyphus with different teams filling the role of the rock.
The 2008 Crew just feels different from previous editions and, despite my always waiting for the "other shoe," this team is good. They win at home, they win on the road. They win from in front, they win from behind. They win with a legitimate MVP candidate, they win with him out. They win with their preferred starters, they win with reserves filling in for injuries, suspensions, and national team absences. Though it's been happening all season, frankly this team amazes me each week by doing something they shouldn't - coming from behind on the road, winning on turf, or whatever other obstacle is in their way.
With four league matches remaining, the Supporters Shield in sight, and the Crew actually charging toward the finish - unlike maybe briskly walking like in 2004 - I might have to go to Los Angeles to watch the Eastern Conference champs take on the Western Conference champs.
All of this is background information that shows why it's difficult for me to admit that yes, the 2008 Columbus Crew are good. Heck, they're actually really good. As of today they sit atop the league table with an eight-point cushion on second-place New England. Mathematically, it might be more difficult to NOT win the Supporters Shield at this stage. Should results fall perfectly, Columbus could win the Shield this weekend (I haven't double-checked that; I'm relying solely on some good posters on BigSoccer). Even supporters of other teams have to admit that the yellow soccer team, previously a target for laughter, is turning the joke back.
This is an unusal feeling for a Crew supporter. The last three years have been dismal, if not worse. Attending games was like a chore, but a chore without the satisfaction of knowing something can be crossed off the list. Oh, right, it was also a chore that I paid to do. In some respects it was like prostitution - Crew supporters were paying the Crew to get screwed. Did I mention those years were dismal?
And, let's be honest - the years before these latest Dark Ages weren't exactly overflowing with greatness. Sure, there was an Open Cup title and a Supporters Shield mixed in but, for the most part, seasons ended in disappointment and disgust while hoping that the Crew were really just one key player away from getting over the hump. However, instead of getting over the hump the Crew were just a modern-day Sisyphus with different teams filling the role of the rock.
The 2008 Crew just feels different from previous editions and, despite my always waiting for the "other shoe," this team is good. They win at home, they win on the road. They win from in front, they win from behind. They win with a legitimate MVP candidate, they win with him out. They win with their preferred starters, they win with reserves filling in for injuries, suspensions, and national team absences. Though it's been happening all season, frankly this team amazes me each week by doing something they shouldn't - coming from behind on the road, winning on turf, or whatever other obstacle is in their way.
With four league matches remaining, the Supporters Shield in sight, and the Crew actually charging toward the finish - unlike maybe briskly walking like in 2004 - I might have to go to Los Angeles to watch the Eastern Conference champs take on the Western Conference champs.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Ever-changing perspectives
Despite all my years of sports watching, I am still somewhat surprised by how the ever-changing situations of sports change your sports-viewing perspective. A sports fan's perspective can change over the course of a season, the course of season’s segment, or even within the span of a single game. The last two Crew home matches, both of which resulted in multi-goal draws, are in my opinion perfect examples of this rapidly changing perspective and its effect on a fan's thoughts about a game’s result. While both of these matches ended even, I left the stadium with two completely different feelings, and it had nothing to do with the bacon burger dog I ate before the Chicago match.
In each match, the Crew fell behind 2-0, falling behind becoming one of this season’s disturbing patterns. Against Chicago it truly felt, from the stands, that the Crew carried a significant amount of the play in the first half yet found themselves behind after 25 minutes thanks to an expected tally from former Dayton Flyer Chris Rolfe and a goal from Calen Carr. Once Chicago got two goals up, I felt that earning one point would be an achievement for this game while understanding that zero points was an extremely likely outcome. Emmanuel Ekpo's first-half goal gave me hope that a draw wasn't impossible. As time counted up too rapidly, zero points looked to be the result until Steven Lenhart's 87th minute impersonation of a wall evened the game. When Kevin Stott blew his whistle for the final time, I felt as if the Crew stole a point. While stealing a point at home is rarely the pre-match wish, this draw felt relatively good. It showed that the Crew could fight from behind, a trait that seems to be necessary as this team continues to dig holes at the start of the match. I'm not sure if the previous three editions of the Crew would have fought back for the point.
Last night it was like watching a rerun. Just 26 minutes into the match, or one minute later than last time (they're getting better!), the Crew once again were facing a 2-0 deficit. And, once again, I immediately thought that one point was the best-case scenario with zero points being a likely result. Even though the Crew had fought back to even against Chicago, doing that time and again seemed too much to ask. Yet, just two minutes after Kansas City's Roger Espinoza decided to get onto the summary sheet under a category different from misconduct, Guillermo Barros Schelotto caught the Wizards napping on a free kick, providing hope to the Crew fans in attendance. And then, with the quick strike efficiency of an Arena Football League team, the Crew were up 3-2 on goals from Alejandro Moreno and Chad Marshall. And, in that short burst, my thoughts went from "Great, a stupid loss," to "Wow, maybe we can draw," to "OK, let’s push ahead," to "Son of a bitch, we should take all three points."
With a half time lead, my thoughts turned to taking all three points. Unfortunately, Josh Wolff's equalizer in the 75th minute on an ugly play meant that a win was not to be. Unlike the Chicago match, I was ticked. After 26 minutes I though one point would be amazing and if a draw was offered there I likely would have accepted quickly. After 74 minutes I thought three points would be fantastic. After 90 minutes I decided that one point sucked, and it felt like two points lost. It's amazing how the game’s situation can completely change your perspective, even in the same game.
Two matches, two draws, yet two different feelings when leaving. Such is the life of a soccer fan, I suspect.
In each match, the Crew fell behind 2-0, falling behind becoming one of this season’s disturbing patterns. Against Chicago it truly felt, from the stands, that the Crew carried a significant amount of the play in the first half yet found themselves behind after 25 minutes thanks to an expected tally from former Dayton Flyer Chris Rolfe and a goal from Calen Carr. Once Chicago got two goals up, I felt that earning one point would be an achievement for this game while understanding that zero points was an extremely likely outcome. Emmanuel Ekpo's first-half goal gave me hope that a draw wasn't impossible. As time counted up too rapidly, zero points looked to be the result until Steven Lenhart's 87th minute impersonation of a wall evened the game. When Kevin Stott blew his whistle for the final time, I felt as if the Crew stole a point. While stealing a point at home is rarely the pre-match wish, this draw felt relatively good. It showed that the Crew could fight from behind, a trait that seems to be necessary as this team continues to dig holes at the start of the match. I'm not sure if the previous three editions of the Crew would have fought back for the point.
Last night it was like watching a rerun. Just 26 minutes into the match, or one minute later than last time (they're getting better!), the Crew once again were facing a 2-0 deficit. And, once again, I immediately thought that one point was the best-case scenario with zero points being a likely result. Even though the Crew had fought back to even against Chicago, doing that time and again seemed too much to ask. Yet, just two minutes after Kansas City's Roger Espinoza decided to get onto the summary sheet under a category different from misconduct, Guillermo Barros Schelotto caught the Wizards napping on a free kick, providing hope to the Crew fans in attendance. And then, with the quick strike efficiency of an Arena Football League team, the Crew were up 3-2 on goals from Alejandro Moreno and Chad Marshall. And, in that short burst, my thoughts went from "Great, a stupid loss," to "Wow, maybe we can draw," to "OK, let’s push ahead," to "Son of a bitch, we should take all three points."
With a half time lead, my thoughts turned to taking all three points. Unfortunately, Josh Wolff's equalizer in the 75th minute on an ugly play meant that a win was not to be. Unlike the Chicago match, I was ticked. After 26 minutes I though one point would be amazing and if a draw was offered there I likely would have accepted quickly. After 74 minutes I thought three points would be fantastic. After 90 minutes I decided that one point sucked, and it felt like two points lost. It's amazing how the game’s situation can completely change your perspective, even in the same game.
Two matches, two draws, yet two different feelings when leaving. Such is the life of a soccer fan, I suspect.
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