A ray of sunshine on field turf

By: Chris | May 8th, 2007

Well folks, im not a big fan of “I told you so”, but after watching New England knock off Chicago and a ragged DC United at Chivas, I keep telling myself the best thing about Sunday night is: we didn’t lose. In so doing, we controlled the game, scored three goals and offered a scoring threat absent on opening day in Columbus.

In short, we have grown as a team and with the addition of JPA, team can now be considered a genuine title contender. While injuries and no little luck with no doubt play a role in our fate, the best is yet to come. Some positives to come out of the season so far include:

1. Dane Richards- Doing his best “Shawn Wright Phillips impression”, our unheralded speed merchant has been dancing a jig on the right flank all season. I can wait to see his goal celebration (or maybe I can)

2. Cleetus the hun- With his powerful play and barbarian like aggression, Mathis’s status seems to hover between saint and devil with each game. With two red cards and three goals to his name, there is no telling who will show up to play. But one thing is certain: whenever hs is on the field he makes things happen. Undoubtedly left with something to prove, Clint will be looking for a new contract or move overseas on the back on this season (lets just hope Rangers don’t get wind of my description)

3. The god father of Bruce- Under Bruce, our team has become a cross between James Brown and the Mafia: organized, flambouyant and deadily. This guy may have wracked up his doubters at the WC, but for over a decade his sterling service in MLS and international competition is once again speaking for itself.

4. Giants Stadium- Alright, so 10,000 a game if we are lucky doesn’t seem like much to write home about, but consider this: the archaic field turf and the dismal atmosphere make for a frightening experience for opposing squads. Throw in a few enforcers (Clint, Alti and Dema) and we have opposing players pulling out of tackles and running for the hills for fear of injury (or worse: the lockerroom after the game)

5. The future- With a promising squad, the richest owners in the league and RB Park in 2009, it is only a matter of time before the crowds return. The Cosmos packed in 70,000 a game in the 70s when soccer was barley an adjective in the American consciousness. The term is now an annoying reminder to even the most resistant fan and will only grow with increased exposure.