Where are my U.S. Soccer fans? Who was watching the game last night? If you’re among the many who would say, “What, there was a soccer game last night?” it’s time to awaken to World Cup season.
Yep, Uncle Sam’s boys played last night in apparent silence across America for the sports team that represents us to the World on the grandest stage every four years.
And last night’s was a qualifier, no less. On American soil, in Chicago at Soldier Field. And, in embarrassing fashion, the stadium looked more like Red Sox fans at Camden Yards as most of Honduras found its way to the Windy City.
They announced the crowd at 55,000-plus and it easily topped 35,000 Hondurans in the house on a gorgeous night there. The U.S. got behind early (again) but found a way to escape with a 2-1 victory all but guaranteeing their safe passage to South Africa next June for the World Cup.
As many of you know, I’m a bit of a dweeb for World Cup soccer and I attended the Germany “Copa Mundial” in 2006. It’s one of my favorite sports memories and was the experience of a lifetime as a sports fan.
So, if you’ve made it this far in my blog, please mark my birthday on your calendar this year. It’s October 14th and the U.S. is hosting Costa Rica at R.F.K. Stadium. I want to put a busload of American crazies together for a big night in D.C. with Sam’s Army and the red, white and blue.
If you are interested, just drop me a note at Facebook or nasty@wnst.net
Oh, and if you’re wondering about the progress of World Cup Soccer Festival idea, I’ll have some updates coming soon…
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The Orioles are in a funk. Bats are cold. Arms are weary as the team has now given up 18 runs in two games in dreary Oakland and the sweep looks to be a’coming today unless Rich Hill can put together another masterpiece. The enthusiasm of Matt Wieters’ arrival could be overwhelmed by coming home with a five-game losing streak.
They had 10 hits last night and scored four runs. But the bullpen is taxed. They need seven outta Hill.
By the way: Is anyone going to the ballpark this week? I’m considering putting together a night of fans if anyone is game…
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It’s amazing how many Pittsburgh items I see around Baltimore. I went for a walk this morning and passed roughly 200 people. I saw a baby blue Pens Malkin jersey. I saw a Willie Stargell Pirates hat. And you can’t walk a block without a Steelers hat, shirt or bumper sticker plastered on the rear of someone’s car with Maryland plates.
Makes me wanna puke.