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.
