I agree. The telling factor for me was the few times that the USA fans intentionally tried to drown out the Salvadoran chants. The U-S-A absolutely muted the opposition. The Nats who stated that the crowd was pro-Salvador early in the game were influenced by two things: 1. The El Salvador fans got there early to enjoy the atmosphere. A large percentage of the USA fans showed up after the game began. My guess is that the late-comers were locals who are used to showing up stylishly late for RSL, Ute and BYU games too. These fans were mostly along the sidelines. 2. In the early going the Salvadorans were cheering for every little thing that their team did. In contrast, the USA fans did not get vocal until El Salvador took scored.
Agree with jessyca. About 60/40 USA in my eyes. Bornstein was the scariest player on the pitch. I thought Bocanegra and Marshall played well together. For whoever complained about no Onyewu, I think Bornstein made the worst of the mistakes by muffing his clearance leading to the ES goal. I cheered when Beckerman came on, but I was deeply disappointed to the see Feilhaber be taken off as his possession was very important to us finishing out the game with less chances for ES. Lastly, this event was well worth the money. I bought 2 extra tickets as I had several people who were asking about going to the game. And, I ended up getting bailed on by everyone who wanted them because of price. And, all I have to say is that was the biggest mistake from them. This was by far the best soccer game I have ever attended. I actually think it was worth it in the end to pay double for the 2 tickets I did use.
I understand that 12 buses of Salvadoran fans came from Southern California. They arrived about 4:30, and so there was initially a huge discrepancy in supporters. There is an interesting local connection to this. Looks like he's been reading KIR again. I happened to be talking to someone connected with the El Salvador team, just after he came back from the hotel where the players were being questioned. Last I heard, they didn't really have an idea of who could be responsible. A former El Salvador national team player who lives in Provo and has a strong connection with BYU's head soccer coach hooked them up. They were staying at the Provo Marriot.
Nice links! They explain why there is bad blood between the two nations, and also why the Salvadorans were staying in Provo.
To ruin a great night of soccer, somehow, someway the CRAPIDS came into the picture! When KB came on, there was a pocket of Crapids fans in section 25 who was booing KB. Every time he got the ball he would boo, when he would make a mistake, he would boo. I finally called him a Communist for booing the US. A- its one thing to hate a club, but to boo someone who plays for country? Come on! B- another thing is to come into OUR stadium and boo one of OUR players! C- for someone from colorado to boo beckerman is poor. Once again, bad form Crapids. Bad Form. Anyone else see these d bags?
I am all for starting our own AO chapter out here. I know a couple other guys that would likely join as well. As for the percentage... it seemed like 60 40 or even 70 30 to me. Watching Dos Santos play makes me excited for the next two qualfication rounds and the gold cups... him against davies and jozy... yeah, thats exciting
Thats weird. Every cRapids fan I know thinks RSL got the better end of that trade and they miss Kyle. To quote a cRapids fan; "worse trade EVER". But to each his own.
Thx. Sad. While not exactly the same thing, the incident is symbolic of a dirty problem... Central & South Americans suffer a hugely-disproportionate amount of petty crime in the United States. They often carry excess cash/valuables due to distrust--or lack of access--to secure banking & credit systems. They're also less likely to report crimes because of uncertainties about their status and/or well-founded mistrust of police in their homelands. Coward thieves are attracted to these vulnerabilities.
I thought the environment was electric, and the surge the US created towards the end of the first half was amazing to be an emotional and vocal part of. I was in Row J of section 3, and I am tempted to move over there from the West side now that they've jacked the prices. The El Salvadoran contingent was very gracious - easy to talk to - but the 2 goal surge took their lungs away. I don't care about price, the evening was great, it was worth it. We also had two radios and four ear buds among ourselves and were going ape shit over the BYU game at the same time. The RioT is a great venue, and that was very entertaining attacking soccer...especially once the US turned it on. Way too much bitching and moaning on this forum.
WTF? Seriously, WTF? Disrespected in our own house. My apologies for your troubles, Boz. ****. David Applegate, whoever you are, you can kiss my ass too.
+1 ...An outrage. And why my heart involuntarily chose to support El Salvador last week when I learned of Boz's treatment. Boz is the best there is at capturing the atmosphere, drama & pageantry of soccer. His art is a living advertisement for the sport. It's almost impossible to browse Boz's work each week and not wish you were actually in the stadium...among the crowd. If it's sterility USSF wants...then that's exactly what USSF deserves. And quarter-empty stadia in perpetuity. EDIT: David Applegate. 312-528-1307 dapplegate@ussoccer.org
A representative of United States soccer said this? That's the same US team that's been embarrassing itself on and off for the last half century, right? What a ****.
If it were me, I'd probably find out who David Applegate's immediate superior is, and write THAT guy.
Was Boz rejected before the game or during? Because I saw a USSF official and RTS security roughing up some press guys in the south section 3/4 of the way through the match... they acted like the guys had illegal press passes and booted them out of the media area.
Are you sure it was press guys? I didn't see it, but someone said there was a streaker. I think they caught him before he made it out onto the pitch. I did see the security guys leading the guy away with a jacket or something wrapped around him.
I'm definitely no Boz, but I do have a few pics to share: USMNT Pics. It sounds like all of the bloggers were shutout of credentials. While there were a lot of mainstream media members there, I can't see how it would hurt to have a few extra people in the mix. Seems like a good thing to have more exposure, doesn't it? Maybe they have had negative experiences with the blog community?
No, the "streaker" tried to jump in right next to me but was stopped by CST before he had a chance. He was just a drunk ES fan, without a shirt. The CST guys kept yelling "don't even think about it". Good times. The story I was relating was when a USSF offcial (a suit) confront some media guys and CST was called over and escorted them off the media area. It was weird cuz they were there for most of the game before they got booted. Hey cool, I am in your picture!
I emailed my thoughts of displeasure to Mr. Applegate. Frankly, given the arrogance that is US Soccer I do not expect a reply or even an acknowledgment.
unbelievable... its one thing to just say no, but to mock a persons hard work.... what a ********ing ********. USSF has this crazy ego that it has NOT earned one bit, why?
Those Central/South Americans who don't trust banks (et al) also tend to live/work in lower income areas which tend to be higher crime. There is also a disproportionate amount perpetrated by illegal aliens within their own community - for example, in family violence is almost never reported due to fear of deportation, etc. El Salvador is the founding nation of MS-13, which is believed to be the most significant (in terms of volume and brutality) organized crime faction in America today. Yeah - I don't like the immigration system we have here today. As an immigrant myself I believe that we should make America accessible to people who want to be part of the great American dream because they will make a positive contribution. However, we have to figure out a way to encourage the right kind (those who come to work honestly and contribute positively to society) and deal with the wrong kind (those who come to prey on their compatriots, the system, and the American culture). I love immigration. I personally want everyone in the world who wants to come here for the right reason (to be a positive part of the culture/society) to come. I believe America is big enough and capable of sustaining it if done in the correct way. But... as long as it is politicized it won't change. .... BUT, we are WAY off topic!
Hey, it sounds like the Applegate guy is a moron... he may have valid reasons for limiting press passes, etc. but to disparage someone in the process is unnecessary and unprofessional (if he did that). One thing I'd point out though, this guy isn't "USSF" and "USSF" isn't the Mens National Team (even if are in charge of them). At the end of the day, USMNT national team plays for the country. I think it's just as wrong to condemn the entire USSF organization or the national team that plays under them because some moron acted stupidly. I don't care how big of a dooche bag that guy was, those players are playing for country - not Sunil Gulati or David Applegate (at least no any more than they are playing for me)... and USSF is more than just one person.
Just wanted to say thanks to all the RSL fans I met down in Utah for the match. Look forward to seeing ya guys when the Rapids go to town and win the RMC. Up the Yanks! =)
I didn’t mean to cause a firestorm, but I definitely wanted to let it be known. And give me a break, I have zero reason to blow this up or embellish, as some anonymous coward suggested on RSLFM.com—as well as a few of you here. I’ve never had an axe to grind with USSF, and no desire to call someone out under false pretenses. Think what you will. The point is simple. I wanted to know why I was denied so I called him and literally was mocked and forced to defend my site from the get-go. He never offered a solid answer because he couldn’t find one. I think that’s why he resorted to smashing my efforts. It’s not like I went down without a fight though. In fact, I know he knows he was wrong. He was brandishing a big gun, but had no bullets and didn’t know how to use it anyway. I also know for a fact there were photogs on the pitch that night that had no business being there—and you’ll never see their photos. I can easily understand that they get flooded with requests and must reject people all the time. Fine. But to be so arrogant and to go as far as to mock one’s efforts while scrolling through their archives was over the top. I realize USSF is the over-all Governing body, and therefore represents the USMNT. But Applegate represents USSF media relations and is much a part of it as anyone. I went with USSF as to leave the USMNT out of discussion, or at least tried. I think you guys are smart enough to understand that (but someone always feels the need to set the obvious straight on BS, so whatever’s your pleasure). Anyway, thanks for all the support. It’s awesome. I am, however, done with this and am looking forward to the weekend’s match against my man, Cuauh (if he plays). Peace. *sorry for the novel.