Just a quick funny story from the reserve match on Sunday in Columbus. Freddy Adu had finished playing the first half of the match and was over on an empty field directly behind the bleachers practicing set pieces with Crew "Blue Lagoon" look-a-like Danny Szetela (90% sure). Several Barra Brava members were taking turns looking over our shoulders watching Freddy launching these low ankle high powerful blasts at the goal, but also watching the more interesting game in front of us. At one point while looking back, I happen to see Freddy hit a real laser of a shot (while standing at the right side of the goal area) to the far post. The ball zinged off the far post and pin balls directly to the near post and then into net 1-2-3, all in the span of 2 seconds... It was lightning fast and we could hear the ball literally ringing the goal posts. No matter what the situation it was a pretty amazing shot and Freddy got all excited and yelled over at us (even knowing only a handful were casually watching) asking "DID YOU SEE THAT?! DID YOU SEE THAT?!" Being the smart a$$ that I am, I then took the chance to tease him and remark, "I always wondered if you guys practiced hitting the goal posts like that!!" Freddy said something like "Heck yeah, I meant to do that!" back and we all had a good laugh --The nice part was after he was finished he came over to say hello to the Barra Brava roadtrippers WITHOUT even being asked. It was a really cool stand up thing for young Freddy to do. All of players were really cool and kind talking with the fans and generally appreciating us for coming out. Especially Dema Kovalenko, Mark Simpson, Nana K. and Eric Quill. We even got to hear the guys teasing 3rd string goal keeper (#30) Andrew Weber for his missed chances while playing target forward. (And hey at 6' 2" 185 pounds this kid worked his A$$ off out there and really played hard. I got a laugh out of several players telling him that it shows what a "great" GM I am that I thought he was one of the best out there and EXACTLY what kind of big, physical, forward we needed to finish those crosses
me: Freddy come take a picture Freddy: sure! me: no dude, I ment can you take Barra picture Freddy oh ok me: just kidding
I thought he might have come over and asked to be traded to Columbus! That's great that the players are so accessible to the fans. It makes me want to come out to the next home reserve match, except that I'll probably be too damned hung-over!
I really wish I could send more negative rep your way, but apparently I have to spread it out first. Anyone want to cover me?
Sorry Mike... I just used all of mine up neg rep-ing the visiting Metrosexuals in the Lalas thread --I suppose the mongoloid just missed the part where I said Adu CAME OVER TO US witrhout even being asked to... p.s. I am far from an Adu lover, hell I hate children (amongst a great number of other things )
Mod Note: It appears that the Metrotrolls are back. Please don't respond to them, they get off on that. Thanks.
It was funny watching Danny and Freddy shooting at the goal all alone on the opposite field. You could just tell Danny wished he was cleared to play in the game, but he also had fun goofing off with his good friend Freddy. My little sister went over to Freddy after he got done taking some pictures with you guys, and Freddy gave her his jersey from the reserve game. He told her the next time he's in town to bring it to the game and he'll autograph it for her; he's a hella'of a kid.
It's certainly nicer than "go practice some penalties instead of free kicks" from 5 minutes before that He has good sense of humor and lotsa self-esteem, good thing cos he needs it around Barra
Yeah, I am sure he gave your sister his jersey just because he is a nice kid and all he wants to do is autograph it when he is back in town. Sure.
The other funny Freddy story is this one: Perkins hits a long ball up to Freddy along the sidelines. Freddy attempts a chest trap but misplays the ball and it drops out of bounds. Several of us moan "come on Freddy you have to do better than that". Freddy turns around and says "Ya I know". Flashes a smile and runs off. I also got a good laugh out of Quill when I told him he could be a guest player any day right after he scored.
Quick (unrelated) question: Don't know if it was mentioned elsewhere, but how many local fans came out for the reserve game?
it wasn't bad at all, I would say over a 100 (that's counting 20-30 of us). I was suprised. I would imaginer a lot of it had to do with Freddy playing tho.
That's awesome. Is that typical? Or was there (I hate to ask) a Freddy effect? Either way, I hope the people there enjoyed the proximity of the players. I love the reserve games myself, because you're so close to the action, you get to hear the chatter on the field, and the players are appreciative.