Like many others, my mind is racing as the 2:30 kickoff approaches. I am stuck at work, where everyone knows they will be killed if they touch the TV. A few of the less personable may be killed if we get a result similar to the one earned four years ago. And yet, as high as my blood pressure is, and as much as I'm climbing the walls, in the back of my mind is the happy thought that, after a long and much-needed hiatus, our beloved Crew take the field again tonight. What's a good metaphor for our love of country vs. our love of club? As near as I can figure, given my fragile state of mind, one is a mandatory call to duty, while the other is a duty that we choose to follow. And now I'll shut up. For the love of God and Country, go USA!
I have the feeling that attendance tonight isnt going to be all that great, and will really suck if the US loses. Not that I can make it there, anyway.. and I'm so freakin old that I get psyched off... but putting myself back where I was 30 years ago, I dunno if I still wouldnt be burned out a little for the day.
I need to confess to my fellow 'Club over Country' brethren.. I have always been Crew before the Yanks, but I experienced a most odd occurrence this past weekend. During and after the US-Ghana match, I cried more than I have ever during and after a Crew match. It was a gigantic tearfest that I could not hold back. I felt like I was at a funeral of someone I loved. I try to reason that it was just a different emotion (utter sadness and despair) than I feel after Crew lose big (unbridled anger and hurt). Still, I feel the need to confess. Confession author, Chelsey
I think the main factor is the pent-up anticipation that 4 years has on you. After watching the highlights of the people all over the US' reaction to Donovan's goal, I cried. I was depressed after the US loss more than I was after the Crew loss to RSL, but I think it was because the loss to RSL meant that in 1 year's time, we'd be back and competing again. Theres the Gold Cup, Olympics, and Confederations Cup, but nothing can be compared to the joy/misery that World Cup soccer brings.
Hammer, nail, smack. I wasn't depressed after the Ghana loss because we lost a match. That happens. I didn't collapse after Donovan's goal against Algeria and cover my face, while my eyes teared up, because we won and had a great moment. That happens too. It's because the World Cup happens so infrequently, that every up and down is magnified to an exponential degree.
the loss definately depressed me and it sucked. But I quickly got over it and got ready for the Crew game. It would be one thing if the US was making it far in the tournament or was atleast supposed to make it far. But for me, if every game you play, you almost lose, then its not much of a suprise when you do lose. But when the Crew lose, it drives me crazy for some reason. So I would have to say I choose the club over country.