This. I am VERY saddened by the loss of Ponce. I really don't want to talk about it very much. That is now two Houston lifer die hards that I have had to say an earlier goodbye to here in 2016. I will offer one wonderful example of this loveable character... Leo and I, well if you wanted someone to stand in the 40 degree and rain out at some one off Dynamo u-16's match watching Mad Eddie and our lads play ball all while we just stand there backing our youngsters and don't mind one bit the cold and rain cuz we both have someone else just as soccer fanatical to talk about all things world football, then switching to how the 'Stros are so shitty nowadays, then back to soccer as we are looking forward to the upcoming Copa Libertadores semis, with the side conversation being what is the greatest album of all time. Well, El Ponce was your man.
Leo Ponce was a special man. I really got to know him the first year at BBVA. I was on a pre-game Burrito routine and after inviting folks on here to join me he did. We met up at some away games. He would call me after some home games as I drove back to Austin and we would talk about the game. He was always positive. Always nice, and always a joy to talk to. Leo and I ran into each other at the USA v Ghana game in Brasil. My seats were only a dozen rows behind his (his of course being on the front row) and he had some mixed USA/Dynamo flag. Couldn't miss it. What a cool moment it always was to run into him. My favorite memory will be he and I at the Redbull playoff game in New Jersey. I had an extra so he didn't go to the supporters section. Rather, he joined me down in the first level behind the goal standing surrounded by standing loud Red Bull fans. The NYRB keeper Robles did something to offend Leo -- and he started hollering at him. I quickly encouraged him to tone it down -- I mean we were surrounded by the enemy. "F em." responded Leo. Then much louder "F'em all! I'm not afraid of em!" That is how Leo lived. Fearlessly. Passionately. Embracing life to its fullest. Yet always compassionate for others. Leo lived on death's doorstep. In response he embraced life. He embraced friends -- new and old. He smiled and didn't feel sorry for himself or ever let you feel sorry for him. Leo was a special man and will be missed.
Man, after a tough Sunday and Monday due to the rain and flooding, this is really hurting. I never got to meet the man and wish I did. We discussed via pm's about meeting up and talking Dynamo. May the Lord open is arms to you in heaven my friend and welcome you in his embrace! We will remember and honor you by how we support this team and strive to be as humble, caring and loving as you were. Rest In Peace Brother! Any info on how he passed?
I am starting to get a little jealous. I thought I was the ONLY ONE that he sent private messages to, asking to meet in person... Hey, does anybody have that GIF or video of him throwing his beer to the crowd after the Dynamo scored?
My favorite: Seriously, though, for the past few years I've been trying to figure out Westside Cosmo's true identity. He must be a badass in person.— Leo Ponce Jr. (@The_Ponce) January 23, 2015
Man, what a night. I remember he went over to your side of the stadium to sit with you. I remember getting out of the match and he didn't want to bother anyone so he wanted to walk back to his hotel. He wouldn't let me give him a ride, even though his hotel was over by the airport. Finally, getting into the parking lot, the crowd was hostile after the way they lost. IIRC I think we saw oranges being flung and he changed his mind about the ride, that and I reminded him he would be dead before he got out of the parking lot.
For the last few days I was trying to think of something to post here and today I thought of something, as a board member that pushed people's buttons from time to time I thought I would go find a post that got him some warning points and post it up (since apparently, they never removed me as a mod). I was not disappointed. While he got a few things from other people after this, the last thing there is a a record of me deleting was a long post where he believed he had figured out who Westside Cosmo was. The reason it was deleted is not important, but I thought it cool since it is the thing that Westie himself posted in this thread.
You know, I hadn't commented in this thread, but I had read through all of the kind words you guys had written about Ponce and it made me pretty happy to see what an impact he had made both on this board and on the fan base and club in general. I stay pretty undercover at matches but I remember having a couple short conversations with him and despite him - nor some of you for that matter - having any idea who I was, he always struck me as a relatively guarded but nice and thoughtful guy with a great spirit. I'm going to go ahead and sticky this for a while because Ponce was a big presence at games and it's too soon to let this thread get bumped down.
Don't stop by the forums here much anymore, but saw that he had passed and figured it was a good place to say goodbye and read some stories. And it is.
maybe we honor him by doing something in the terrace on the minute of his age at every home game this year?
What would he say? He'd probably snap at me for saying something funny about bloggers, and then he'd send me a private message inviting me to have a beer and meet in person. Thanks for letting us know. That's a huge reason to go to the game this weekend. I may go there just to see what y'all do and pay my respects. I may just leave a few minutes later, before halftime (like at the Galaxy game). I hope the Dynamo doesn't advertise any Leo-related activities on Facebook, that's not a marketing activity (but that would stop fans from posting horrible anti-Coyle comments). Facebook comments are hilarious. They've grown from one or two guys complaining about the Dynamo, to just about EVERYBODY demanding Coyle's head.
The organization has not done a lot right as of late, this one they are doing perfectly though. Can't say enough about how they have handled Leo's passing all along the way. Class act on this one.
We should give credit where credit is due. They look to be doing the right thing, but IMHO they aren't doing us or Leo a favor. Leo earned this and it would be hard for them not to do something, because that's the impact he had. A guy who was as much a part of the Dynamo as anyone. From games, to SG, to practices, to media, to internet message boards was everywhere and his loss is felt by everyone.
Yeah, but you could do a good job with it or you could do what they are doing. My view: they are going all out in this case.
For those of us not attending tomorrow (for whatever reason) , let's hope someone gets a video of all of this posted. Real nice job by the FO