April thoughts

Well here we are at the end of April, and I am finally sitting down to put more thoughts in print. I promised as the season got going I would be more active on the blog. So here I go, finally keeping my word.

The first part of this season has been great so far.  I have had a great time tailgating and going to matches. The crowd this year seems much more knowledgeable about the game. Sure, there have been quite a few folks just there for the party or just getting into the sport after last years success, but for the most part, smart fans.

I have had the fortune to bring a couple of folks to their first pro matches, and to bring folks to the Cauldron for the first time. They all have the same thing to say. "That was great!" I have to admit, I drank way too much at the home opener. It wasn't by design. I planned on partying, just not that hard. My friend Joey joined us for that game. He thought the crowd in the parking lot was outstanding. All the food, beer, and people really impressed him. This was Joey's first time at an MLS match, and obviously his first time in the Cauldron. I didn't hear anything but compliments from him about the stadium, atmosphere, and game play. I look forward to getting him to more games and hopefully buying season tickets. My little brother has also finally made an appearance at LSP with me. He went to a couple of games at CAB with me a few years ago. Needless to say, he had a blast and will be back for more. My dear friend Scott came to the LA game. Last minute tickets are great. Scott has always enjoyed the game, just not at the pro level. I coached both of his sons, and joined him at the boys high school games. Again, all good things to report. Scott had a great time before and during the game. He got into all the noise and excitement right away. I know for sure he is excited to come back.

I have to start another paragraph to tell the story of another friend.   I recently got back in touch with a friend and former teammate from high school. After graduation we went our separate ways and went where life took us. Mine took me to work, marriage, and fatherhood.  His took him to college, then work, marriage, and fatherhood. I shot him a message on facebook and asked when he would like to get together and catch a match with me. I knew he had been to LSP previously, just not to the members section. He was up for it, so off we went. Normal pregame festivities. Food, cold beer, and lots of tales of days gone by.

 Now as I said, we played together in high school. I moved out to Tonganoxie at the end of our sophomore year. I had no clue that some red-neck school would have a soccer team. Turns out they did. I showed up for practice shortly before our junior year ready to play, but not sure what I was going to face being the new kid. Nick was one of the few guys that welcomed me straight away. He ended up being captain of our team for our senior season. After coming a couple of games from winning state our junior year, he had big shoes to fill. Nick jumped right in and took off running. For those of you that know me personally, keeping me calm can at times be a chore. This was no trouble for Nick. He was always able to calm me down and voice my frustration to the appropriate person in a civil manner. I was lucky to have him as a teammate. I hope he feels the same about me.

Back to the game. Nick had a great time in the members club. Getting to see something set aside for "members" only impressed him. He thought the service and the care we get in the members club is top notch. His first match in the Cauldron was enough. The chanting, singing, and harassing the opposing team drew him right in. He picked up and started singing along straight away. Nick is now putting together a large group of his friends to join the Cauldron for the Toronto match.

I would like to thank everyone that has helped me show my friends such a wonderful time. You all make it so easy to get new people to come and enjoy their trip to our little slice of football heaven.