I just reread the post below. Boy am I wordy.
What I meant to say was, “Soccer is great. I love this game. It is fun to play, a great place to meet people, and fun to watch. We had a fantastic time at the Sounder’s game. Can’t wait to go again.”
Yesterday started early, and basically improved as it went on.
Ashlan and friend arrived safely, managed to get a car, managed to get into their hotel room early, temps in the high 80’s at least. Sounded like they were having fun. And she checked in to let us know things were going fine. (Carl was much relieved.
Work – went fairly well for such an early start. Got a few things done.
Soccer – went GREAT. What fun. It was the Seattle Sounders inaugural game. Seattle – March – Rain. A statement of fact most years, although this year had been leaning toward snow. It rained all day at work. It was pouring on the ride over from work, until we hit Seattle. Now blue skies were not really evident, but it did not rain – the entire match.
Saw some friends, including two that we had not seen in years. Now I want to figure their last name so I can find them again.
We had seats care of a friend with season tickets. They were at the top of the box (18-yard) on the sideline and in the front row! There is a walkway between the seats and the field, but the seats are raised enough that those in the walkway don’t block view. The stands were packed with 32,000+. The end zone seems to be devoted to more organized chanting and cheering, but everyone was having a good time.
In soccer the most unique (from other sports) form of support that I am aware of is the scarf. For the Sounders the ticket to this openning match was attached to the scarf given as part of the ticket package. So 2/3 of the ticket holders had these scarves. Then they had put scarfs all around town one day last week, and if you saw one you could take it. They were draped on statues, light poles, etc (I did not see any myself, but a workmate did). Then you can go the old fashioned route and just buy one. We may have to do this yet. [Carl did buy two t-shirts for us that were large enough to live in, so we could wear them over our jackets.] At the start of the game they said, “Show us your scarves,” and and it was quite a visual site. They also went up after every goal.
Speaking of goals there were 3 of them. All for the Sounders. The New York Red Bulls had two good attempts, but both were saved by Sounder goalie, Kasey Keller (you may remember him from US teams). The game was great. They are so fast, and you could really see the physical aspect of soccer at this level (not quite like what I play).
After the game ended, we skedaddled out – easy since we were in the front. I thought about staying to see what would happen, but the early morning told me it was time to get home. Caught a bus right away, got a seat and took off. Home and in bed before 11.
What fun. I am really happy the MSL is back in Seattle.
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