Man there is much doom, gloom, bitching and whining going on here--not to mention squabbling and finger pointing worthy a series on the WB or something. So I thought I'd look at some of the more positives of the year. In no particular order (other than what I pull out of my ass first): Gros--wow, an incredible debut from a guy few of us knew much about. Perkins--another out of the blue guy playing very well out of the gate. Carroll--who knew he could slide into that position that well Kuffor--he looks good, a handy little player to have. Alecko--more like the player we wanted to see last year Jaime--he is back the midfield--we have certainly played well when healthy in the midfield. it has been fun to watch and at times very, very effective move to RFK--by all accounts this has helped the entire club and engergized both the team and staff peter, tom and mark--i like what these guys have done. these are serious men who have brought a very structured and workmanlike approach to the team. there have certainly been some bumps on the road, but i think these guys have a plan and the ability to execute it. convey--not at all a slam on bob or overlooking it hurts us to lose him, it is a testament to the club improving bob and putting him in a position to be transferred. building a system that functions with the global transfer market is going to be a key for MLS teams to move forward. office staff--again a great job with sales, especially group/corporate stuff. also nabbed some new, big sponsors and handled a midseason move at the same time. supporter's clubs--i think the clubs continue to succeed and remain the class of the league. the choir has bounced back, la norte continues to prosper, the new leadership of the eagles has their group with a new energy i think and the barra is having a banner year with more events than ever. foggy bottom on the east side--the new stand near the nest/barra/choir, might be the best happening of the year. u for dc--has had some big achievements this year, just announced its grants program and has added another fundraiser. forest visit--that was just plain fun. increased media coverage--of course this largely due to the Adu factor but any publicity is good publicity. dc board big soccer--despite grumblings about "lower quality" posting, the board remains dynamic and attracts some new posters. anyway, there are a few silver linings in all these dark clouds...
There is a lot to be proud of, and I think the only thing that could make this season better (aside from winnning MLS Cup) would be an announcement on construction of an SSS. Overall while we're in the middle of the pack in the East, once we are healthy and have time to get guys used to a new rotation this team could become one of the best teams in MLS.
Foooooooooooooo shizzle! That was absolutely WONDERFUL! And yeah I agree with Chico there, Nowak has been a God send!
Amen. Whatever may come to pass, we will always have this. Although the game was but a moment in time (well, about 90 minutes actually), its beauty is everlasting.
The season opener. It was my first DCU game ever and the atmosphere was great. Seeing Jaime Moreno return in his first game with a goal was a highlight for me. Freddy Adu. I like being in the minority that actually likes him and doesn't root against their own player and that next year, he will be one of the top goal scorers in the league. I liked the blow-out of the MetroStars. This just shows that anything can happen the rest of the season, and I can't wait for the playoffs where the games actually mean something.
I hae to agree that the first goal by Jaime was fantastic. I was not in favor of bringing him back but when he scored that goal I turned to the family and could only say "Great to have him back, isn't it!!!"
About the 6-2. I couldn't seem to find anyplace to write this down, and WHAM! here comes MR. Sunshine affording me the perfect opportunity to do so. Sadly during this game I was no where near the stadium, out of every match I have been to this year, this match is (obviously) the one I really, really wished I was at. I was instead in a small town called St. Clair in Southeast Missouri grilling pork steaks, chicken and burgers at my Uncles house with a bunch of "kin". None of whom were into soccer (surprised?) Most of them would moan and groan when I would discuss this match and the Greece - Portugal match happening the next day (DAMNIT GREECE!). Anyhow, the house was FULL of people so was the back yard, people were swimming and lighting off fireworks and drinkning. Every 4 minutes I was running back and forth from the grill to the TV which I had to keep on full blast so I could hear the match. I saw the first goal by Mr Man-Child himself and thought ooooh...we have a battle ahead of us. Then "The Slaughter" began. And the SE's and Barra were so friggin' loud during that broadcast I could hear you all from outside while I was grilling, I started chanting with you guys, and my whole family and their friends were dumbfounded. One of my cousins asked from across the pool, "What the hell is all that noise?" I simply replied, "That's what is known as a slaughter" Well , by matches end 12 people who never watch Soccer, were sitting inside on a sunny late afternoon, drinking and shouting everytime DC scored. I was very proud, not so much that we beat the crap out of NY/NJ but because of the supporters clubs simple, and very vocal, and very loyal support. Trust me folks you were loud as hell! Of course later I could be found druink as hell and burnt from excessive explosives, butt naked tubing in a lake but that's another story So 6-2 would have to be the silver lining for me this season. Thanks
The woman in my section on Opening Day who screamed "Ref, get on your knees. You are blowing this game." after he failed to give advantage for the 176th time when DCU were breaking en masse to goal.
Taking my dad to the Nottingham Forest game. Cooking out with him, my little sister and my son. Three generations, loving it all. I also like the fact that I still have 10 unused vouchers from my flex-plan. What I really like about the team is the flow of the midfield. And the freedom they all have in moving about the field as situations deem necessary.
It's been a great year of face painting and beer drinking and, oh look, there's a soccer game going on...
As much as it's been a so-so season, I like what Nowak's done. I think he's setting up the team to do well next year. Or, at least better than the crap-o-stars, which is really all that counts, right?
R & B -- great post. Props to you. Add to some of my reflections so far ... With all the problems, overall better, more interesting football -- more creative, sophisticated, and attacking style of play than at any time since the glory days... continued fine play by Nellie and Ben... DCU's MANY "goals of the week", especially from Mr. Highlights, Esky Commitment from the fans -- more "bounce" in the stands than I've seen in recent years... great away game viewing parties at Visions, Kilroy's, W&R keeping our community pumped up... generally pretty good attendance through thick and thin at RFK (just looking at the "crowd" for the Dallas game, it made me embarrassed for the league) Gritty play and fine contributions from some unexpected places -- strong performances from Gros and Perkins and picking up EZ... major effort from a lot of people who are being asked to play out of position (Jaime), or more than expected (Freddy -- remember we were going to bring him along slowly?)... Look, we certainly haven't used up our "luck" for the season (unless its bad luck). Lots to like so far, and lots more to play. If its raining now, let's buckle down and grow some sunshine. Vamos United. The Duffman t-shirts
I don't think any of us root against him. As for highlights of the year, 6-2, Nelsen, and Nowak are on the top.