Pacific Northwest here we come

In less than a week I head out to the Pacific Northwest for our next two matches. Beth is already in Vancouver for a conference, and I head out on Tuesday. We are going to see Vancouver and Portland take on The Wizards.

Yea I said it the Wizards. I head into this next let of our challenge with a little pride. We are watching one of the first teams in the MLS take on two "expansion teams".

Exactly 16 years ago today I sat in the stands to watch the Columbus Crew destroy DC United. At that time I remember thinking that I was lucky to watch this and also wondered how many more games I could see. That day I became a fan.  

A few years later I was volunteering for The Crew and we just opened, arguably, the first soccer stadium in the country. This was the beginning of the new landscape of soccer in the United States. Since then there have been many more teams and stadiums added.

This next week I get a chance to reevaluate my thoughts of "how many more games. I get to see how far the MLS has come. Both Portland and Vancouver had the fans base built in with the former NASL teams, but since their addition to the league the fans have created an atmosphere rivaling those of the traditional 10. I can’t think better way of experiencing the new fans, and stadiums than with one of the original teams of the MLS.

However when I walk into these stadiums it will not be cheering on a team. It will be thanking the original owner of the now Sporting KC and The Columbus Crew for what a wonderful thing he has helped create. Thanks Lamar Hunt. Without you or your vision I would not have these games.

Olympic Dreams!! Games 11 and 12

Game 11 Canada vs Cuba:

After showering off the shaving cream, a few birthdays and lost lunches, we were back on the road to Nashville. While we were gone El Salvador beat Cuba, and Canada beat The United States. So the US head into this match in a must win situation. They currently sit in third place with only 3 points and what looks like, if Canada beats Cuba, a showdown with Mexico in the semi finals if they win tonight. Not the ideal situation.

Merry Crewsmas!

Match 10: Columbus Crew v Montreal Impact


Every year in late March, Crew fans make the pilgramage to Columbus Crew stadium to watch the first home match of the season.  We come from lands near and far.  In our own continency - he and she who tailgate with Jeff (my brother) and Highlife - we had 35 make the voyage.  This beat last year's total of 31.  Places of origin for this year included: Charlotte, Chicago, Washington DC, Harrison NJ, Cincinnati, Tipp City OH, Sarasota FL, and of course Columbus. 

Road Trip - Nashville - Cbus - Nashville

Match 8 & 9: Olympic Qualifiers... El Salvador v Canada and U.S.A. v Cuba, Nashville, TN.

We headed out for 5 more games in as many days.  Shawn kept bar at Hooligans the night before and paired with our 5am departure, he was operating on 4 hours of sleep.  But on a road trip, sleep is a luxury so off to Nashville we went.