The Soccer Thread (IV)

Webster: We didn't make it inside the stadium until about 30 minutes in. Whenever Landon's goal was, we were on the concourse making our way to our seats.

And NOLU, I love soccer. My beat in college for three years was the men's soccer team. I wanted that over anything else. I don't follow any of the professional leagues, and I can't watch a game on TV if I don't have a rooting interest, but I do love the game.

 

Prior to moving to the burbs and having the second kid -- two hour tailgates, sober up during the game and meet up in NYC with Mrs. W after the game.

The past two seasons -- when I actually make a game -- 1 hour tailgate, most of which is chasing after my daughter. Maybe 1 beer. 2 if I have to go with her to a port-a-potty. Then having to explain to her why she can't kick the ball with the men in the nice shirts. Bribe her with cookies to stay to half-time. Come home exhausted to a cranky wife and baby and if I'm lucky, I can watch the second half on DVR after everyone is asleep.

 

I remember you mentioning something about that before. I was just surprised to see that you stood in a MLS supporter's section with Pastor. Talk about living life on the edge.

 

I never got deeply into soccer, covering high school and college games to the best of my ability, which wasn't much, and watching it with my hardcore soccer fans -- one's a Chelsea fan, the other's a Liverpool supporter -- not really catching on.

That changed with the U.S.-Mexico match in February. I went from barely-interested observer doing it for work or family to being in the middle of Sam's Army for the biggest international match on domestic soil since ... the last U.S.-Mexico WC qualifier. There is footage of me at a Columbus pub singing the "somebody stole my sombrero" song that's going to be used in a documentary. So much for easing my way into the sport.

Now? I spent four hours today watching Prem League and Serie A reruns on FSC. I'm actually thinking about forgoing NCAA Football 10 for FIFA 10. I'm looking for an English side to support and am dismayed they don't make Richmond Kickers scarves. And now I know my cousins (the Chelski comrade and the hubcap-stealing scouser wannabe) are a couple of gloryhunters.

It's going to take a while to get the strategy and names down, though. Just so long as I remember to hate Mexico in a few weeks.

 

Just how many people from SportsJournalists.com did stand in the Sam's Army section for that game?

 

I was planning to meet Pastor before the match in one of the tailgating areas, but that freaky-ass thunderstorm pretty much squashed that. I'm still surprised that white tent didn't lift up with all of us hanging onto it.

 

In fairness, Inky, that was the third time IJAG has drank with me and the second time she's sat with me for a soccer game. However, this was a live event thus mildly different.

It wasn't as edgy as it could have been, as other SportsJournalists.comers have experienced, however a few of my friends did their absolute best to offend.

 

Meat: We at Liverpool -- OK, I know, I shouldn't be speaking for all of the club's fandom -- would love to have you. What could be better than rooting for Steve Gerrard every week? Who's got a better theme song than "You'll Never Walk Alone"? Give us a shot!

 

He might want to cheer for a league champion someday.

MMII: Why do you need one team to support? Just plant yourself in front of the TV come the weekend and enjoy the feast. Make like Eduardo Galeano and give thanks for beautiful play, regardless of the club or country.

 

MMII: Stay away from the Big Four. You don't want to be that guy.

 

I agree, even though I'm wearing a pair of United practice shorts as I type this.

MMII, find a mid-table club. Or, better yet, find a player you enjoy watching. Find several. And follow their clubs just so you can see them play.

 

I'll echo what TrooperBari said: why seek a specific team to root for? Just enjoy the games.

The way I see it is: I'm not from England, and I have no English ancestry. I therefore don't get to support a team from England. A lot of U.S. fans feel a kinship with England, which is fine, though there are other leagues in Europe that are just as good. But it's much more fun to just watch whatever matchup comes on Fox Soccer Channel, without caring who wins or loses.

On Sam's Army: I hope it expands. I've been to too many national team games where the home fans were vastly outnumbered.