Forgive me starting a thread in your forum - but I have not seen who the couple was that did the cermemonial kick-off in their wedding day best. The guy in the tux was even wearing cleats. Great idea. Glad the lady went along with it - course it coudl have been her idea. Great of DC Mgt to let them do that. I figured for sure it was someone who posts here - but I haven't seen it. What a thrill - and what a memory that day will be. And of course, congratulations. Great game. Great crowd. One of the best MLS games ever. Good luck and to who ever that couple was - good luck to you. Very cool.
The gent is Dave Tyahla, a local soccer supporter who works for the US Soccer Foundation. The woman is his wife. Dave has been actively involved in many soccer efforts, including the adult co-ed soccer league I help manage in the DC area. I think he's also involved in DC United's charity organization. All around great guy.
Darn, I missed Dave's wedding! I got to my seat right at kickoff but saw the replay later at the postgame party. I play, and ref, (typically not in the same game!) in mkpage's league and Dave has been something of a mentor since I started reffing 4 years ago. He was also our ref assignor for several years and a great guy. So every bad call I've ever made was Dave's fault Congratulations, Dave!
Dave is an all-around good guy. He's a board member of United for DC, and (more importantly) a Screaming Eagle. I heard he left his reception to be at the match. Kudos to Dave for keeping the right perspective.
As I understand it, they didn't actually get married at RFK but at another location earlier in the day (K was there) and came to RFK to do the ceremonial first kick. What an awesome idea!
They didn't leave the reception early. It only went until about 3:00 or so, ending with Liverbird, myself, and a few other of our Liverpool-supporting friends (Dave's a fellow Red) serenading the new couple with You'll Never Walk Alone. That's enough to put an end to any joyous affair.
He will be at the because of USSF commitments. They will be going to Barcelona for their honeymoon shortly thereafter. And yes, they will be taking in at least one game.