Soccer in the USA

From time to time, I wonder why the "world's game" is not embraced fully in the U.S. As a fairly new soccer fan (3+ years), I guess I do have some experience being ignorant of the beautiful game.

Here I would like to just focus on what I hear/read about how most Americans feel about soccer - boring as a spectator sport. Not that long ago, I fell in this category. I think it was because one, I didn't grow up with the sport and two, I really didn't understand the game. We in America are so attached to the sports where scoring occurs more frequently.

More later.

May 22, 2008 vs. Houston Dynamo

The first regular season against our former selves? I was wondering how hard it would be to root against a team full of players that we grew to love before their hasty move to the Lone Star State. It turned out not to be very hard at all - seeing them all in their bright orange jerseys (DeRosario, Ching, Clark, Barrett, and the rest).

The Quakes came to play and beat the Dynamo 2-1. It was so great to see them win their first game at the South Bay San Siro. Kai Kamara led the way with his first goal at Buck Shaw. The game was on ESPN national broadcast - I was wondering how our crackerjack box sized Buck Shaw Stadium came over on tv.

Commentary: The concession stands at Buck Shaw stink and the no tailgating rule at Santa Clara U sucks big time. Also, Quakes merchandise is way over priced (the so-called season ticket discount didn't make much difference). Maybe since you can only get 10K people into that place - you make us the lost ticket revenue by selling beanies for $25, caps for $30, mini balls for $15, and jerseys for $95. C'mon - give us a break.

Next "Home" game: versus Mr. Posh Spice and the Galaxy at the Oakland Coliseum on 6/14. The Quakes hit the road for games against Real Salt Lake (5/31) and re-match with the Columbus Crew (6/7)

May 10, 2008 - vs Columbus Crew

Another night at the South Bay San Siro. Despite breaking into the scoring column, the Quakes lost to the Columbus Crew 3-2. The Quakes are missing a strong "go to" person that can "finish". Maybe a current player will develop into this or it will come from a new addition - but we are not there yet. The defense also broke down after the Crew scored the equalizer to make it 1-1. The Crew pummelled us with back-toback goals to take a commanding 3-1 lead. It was exciting in the SBSS and the crowd really got loud as the Quakes attempted to come back late in the match.

A couple of gripes about the SBSS. Entry and exit points are so limited. There is not any easy way to get in or out of the stadium. Concessions are limited at best and everything just looks "temporary". Yes - the plan is to only be here for 2-3 seasons, but come on. The dedicated fans that come to these games should feel like they are in a MLS venue.

Let's hope that next week's game on the road against New England will bring some points to the Quakes.

Welcome to Buck Shaw Stadium

I went to the first home game for the Quakes at the renovated Buck Shaw Stadium on the campus of Santa Clara University. It is a cozy facility (only seating about 10,000), but the atmosphere was great (it was a sold out game). Although the Quakes came away with 0-0 tie, the game was alot of fun to witness. My futbol buddy, my cousin H, and I went to eat at a place before the game called "Su's Mongolian Barbeque". An AYCE joint just minutes from Buck Shaw. A great way to kick-off futbol in Santa Clara!

We are working on our drumming so that we can keep up with the Casbah and Ultras booster groups. We seem to be the unofficial percusionists for the "chicken corner" (sponsored by KFC). The haltime contest was called "kickin' for chickin'". I wonder what Earthquakes intern came up with that one.

I am now refering to Buck Shaw Stadium as the "South Bay San Siro" (the San Siro being the home stadium for the mighty A.C. Milan in Italy).

NEXT GAME: Sat May 10 vs Columbus @ South Bay San Siro