Hi Montez!

H and my family were at the FC Gold Pride v. Boston Breakers game last night at CSUEB (Pride 1-nil victory BTW).

Anyways, guess who we ran into at the game? Sitting in the same row and just a couple of seats over was our very own Montez Harrison (Sr. Fan Relations Rep for the SJ Earthquakes). We exchanged hellos and Montez asked us if we were ready to come back to a Quakes game. "Nope". She than said, "Well, when you are ready, come on down." My response was, "be sure to call me when the drum policy changes.". Montez replied, "You are on the top of my list to call if that happens."

The end....(for now)

I am moving forth on my next football blogging adventure. If things change in the future, I may pick up The Fault Zone again.

Letter from Front Office

I really appreciated the letter I received from Mr. David Alioto, Executive Vice President of the Q's. His letter was very professional and we can agree to disagree on this one. I sincerely appreciate the organization's willingness to provide me a refund on my season tickets (their policy is that all tickets sold are non-refundable). My decision to end my affiliation with the Q's was just that - my decision. I could have continued to attend games sans drum, but have chosen not to do so.

A couple of questions did come up for me after reading the letter:

(1) "Allowing four (4) drums only in Section 109 has enhanced the fan interaction not only in Section 109 but throughout the entire stadium on game days." The 4-drum policy was enacted only a few days before the next game and this letter was received by me shortly after that game. So how was this "success" measured? What variables were used to measure "fan interaction" through out the stadium? All of this was discovered only after one game?

(2) "Fan Relations and Guest Services have received nothing but positive responses to the new changes..." What was my letter? A non-response? Again - all of this was determined only after one game?

Message to the Earthquakes: Establish you policies BEFORE the start of the season so all of your fans understand them (don't just communicate them to the supporter groups). Use an entire season to evaluate the policies. Changing them all of the time and mid-season confuses fans and stadium staff.

Future Posts; Proud Smurf

Future posts on this blog will be very limited due to the circumstances. Interesting that our friend "Proud Smurf", a loyal Quakes supporter and a member of the Ultras, has decided to take up our cause. He will be asking a "high-level" Ultras member to talk to the Q's organization abo ut letting us in the stadium with our drums in Sec 108. I don't expect alot to come of this, but it does mean alot to us to have someone in our corner and supportive of us as fans - and he is doing this on his own accord (we did not ask for help). Thanks Smurf!

Why?

Sorry to those who may be reading this for the first time. You need to go back to some earlier posts to get caught up on this mess. Basically:

For 2 years, my cousin H and I have been diehard supporters of the San Jose Earthquakes since they returned to the MLS. We cheered and drummed in Section 108 - to increase the energy in a stadium that is really lacking in enthusiasm. We understand that "soccer" is not a big spectator sport here in the U.S. and that the Q's are trying to build a fan base.

So fast forward to the beginning of this season. I show up to a pre-season game at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco (Q's vs Houston). I am told that I cannot bring my drum into the stadium (not just Kezar, but also Buck Shaw - where the Q's play their regular season games in Santa Clara) because it is MLS policy. I said then why have I been able to bring the drum in for the last 2 seasons without knowing this or being informed of this policy? Why did the Q's website at that time list "drums" as an approved stadium item?

In order for us to bring the drums we were told we had to enter the stadium one hour early and come in with the "official" supporters groups (The Casbah and the Ultras). We hesitated at first, but then decided to try it. We came early and continued to cheer as we had in the past. Heck - at the last game a father came up to us to ask if his young son could play the drum and we said of course. The dad really appreciated us helping his son really enjoy the game.

Then this week, we are informed that the drum policy has changed again - only 4 drums total are going to be allowed in the stadium and only in Section 109 (where the Casbah and the Ultras sit). H and I sit in Sec 108 right next to them. The Q's rep said that maybe we could talk to the Ultras, since they do not like drums, that maybe we could bring our drums as part of the 4-drum quota. The thing we would have to do is sit in Sec 109 instead. H said, 'Why would we want to take our drums and sit in a section where we know the people dislike drums with a passion?

So after a month of this back and forth, with policies being unclear and changing all of the time, we felt that the performance of the Q's organization has been poor. I think they are as confused about this issue as are the fans.

I love football (soccer), but not enough to endure this frustration with the Q's. The only alternative we had left was to decide to stop going to games. I turned in the remaining tickets in our season ticket packet this morning and received a refund. I know that the Q's organization won't miss us. I will miss the players and all of the friends we have made over the past couple of seasons in Sec 108.

This morning I posted the link to my blog on the Q's Facebook fan page and it was promptly removed (I guess by someone in the Q's organization). They can try to hide their errors, but that will do little good. Cow manure is.......cow manure (no matter how many pretty bows and flowers you cover it with).

Does anyone have the # for the ticket office for the FC Gold Pride?

The Nightmare is OVER

I just got off of the telephone with one of the Q's fan relations staff who was very courteous and professional. Basically - drums are going to be limited to only 4 in Sec 109 (the Casbah and Ultras).

Q's: Because the Ultras do not like drums, you could bring your drums in "to be part of the total 4", but you will have to move to Sec 109.

R: No - we do not want to move to Sec 109

Q's: That is all we really can do. I was hoping that we could come up with a solution for you. The policy will reviewed after 3 games - and if more changes need to be made, they will change them. We have also had growing complaints about the supporters groups and drums (Note: I know that there is unrest between the supporters groups, but was totally unaware of the general complaints about the drums.)

R: That's ridiculous to jerk the fans around like this.

Q's: We really can't do anything else. We would really love to have you as a supporter the remainder of the season.

R: How do I get my refund?

The match is over. The Quakes LOSE.

Oh, by the way, "DID YOU FEEL THAT?"

(Lisa, Ed, Sharon, Jeff, etc: Sorry to have this end this way. We will really miss seeing you all - it was such a great time last week (and the past 2 seasons). This whole drum issue and the feeling of being treated as "nothing" has drained both H and I completely. )

I guess this means goodbye

Although we have not spoken to anyone in the front office yet - H and I have discussed this whole drum thing and have decided that our relationship with the San Jose Earthquakes must end. We have supported this team as best we know how - in the stadium and outside. We have brought many friends and organzied groups to come to Quakes games. San Jose Earthquake logos adorn each of our vehicles.

I guess all of that really doesn't matter anymore. Unless a miracles happens, this blog might be transforming into the, "Lion's Den" (FC Gold Pride).

Thanks for jerking us around this year Quakes.

The Drum Saga Continues

Just received an email from Quakes fan relations and they said upon further review - only 2 drums will be allowed per supporter group and they will only be allowed in Sec 109.

This means that the Q's are taking a stand on this and leaves H, me, and others in Sec 108 out in the cold and drumless. We do our best to drum WITH the supporter groups - not against them - but I guess that doesn't matter.

The Quakes tried to work with us by allowing us to bring our drums in if we entered with the "official supporter groups". Clearly, this "accommodation" has ended. Period.

Do I need to get a petition signed by all those in Sec 108 that support our drumming? My initial letter to the front office was a warning shot. Time to bring out the heavy ammunition I guess. (The interesting thing is that I understand it is the "official" supporter groups that want this rule enforced. Thanks for the support you guys.)

FC Gold Pride is starting to look really good right now...

Quakes beat the Rapids 1-nil

Can you believe it? The Q's have one their 2nd straight home game - beating the Colorado Rapids on Sat 5/1 at Buck Shaw. It wasn't an easy win - trying to hold on after Wondo scored tha games first goal, but Joe Cannon made some key saves and helped the team capture 3 more points.

Lisa got her free "facebook update" ticket, H, Dave, Ed, and I (along with jr. member Sean) kept the beat going in Sec 108. Where was Sharon? At an Eagles concert at the Tank. Will we ever see her again this season? She has missed some of the best games we have seen t he past 2 years. Hope to see her back this coming Sat as we face the Red Bulls.

Dave, H, and I grabbed a bowl of pho after the game (somewhere on El Camino Real).

Training Facility Opens

The new Nutralite Training Facility will open today. What does this mean to us and the Q's? I see it as another investment into the foundation of building a organization into a strong entity and presence in the South Bay. Congrats to the Quakes. But the big step will be finally move forward on the new stadium. (Wouldn't Nutralite be a better thing to put on our shirts?)

Opening of New Training Facility

Spurs coming to Buck Shaw in July

Huh? Tottenham will be making a San Jose stop during their summer U.S. tour in July.

Quakes Shake-Up the Revs

WOW. The Earthquakes played at a different intensity level tonight - a level that we have not seen in a long time. Chris Wondoloski and Ike Opara scored for the Q's and they went on to win 2-nil over the New England Revolution. It was an amazing victory of the Quakes.

Sharon - our steady drummer in Section 108 was MIA again tonight (she wasn't at the game on Wed. night either). Playing golf? Babysitting? Her priorities have been just thrown out the window! (we miss you!). Her hubby Ed continues to do his best to fill in for her!

Also - without having to have Lisa give us a warning - we kept our mouths shut about assuming a victory until the final whistle was blown!

SCORING SUMMARY
San Jose	New England
Chris Wondolowski (57)
Ike Opara (71)

MATCH STATS
	San Jose	New England
Shots (on Goal)	13(8)	11(6)
Fouls	7	9
Corner Kicks	5	3
Offsides	2	3
Time of Possession	0%	0%
Yellow Cards	0	1
Red Cards	0	0
Saves	6	6

MATCH INFORMATION

Stadium: Buck Shaw Stadium Attendance: Match Time: 22:00 ET Official(s): Elias Basakos (Referee)

No US Open Cup run... again

Well- as expected, the crowd was tiny for this "play-in" match for the Quakes and RSL. The weather was clear, but a bit chilly out at Buck Shaw. I was happily surprised with the starting lineup for the Q's. We had some guys that were not perenial bench warmers out there so maybe we were going to try to win this one (Leitch, Corrales, Sanchez, and Alvarez coming off of the bench). The Q's fought back from a nil-2 defecit to equalize at 2-2 at the end of regulation. OT was two - 15 minute halves. The Quakes took a 3-2 lead late in the 2nd OT period, but gave up an equilizer late and OT ended 3-3. RSL took the victory in PKs 5-3.

Mistakes on defense didn't give Jon Busch a chance to help us win this game. But there were some good things that I saw (1) team has a fighting spirit (2) Omar Jasseh looked great - he is only 17 yrs old! (3) I like Justin Morrow alot - great hustle, and (4) Eduardo seemed to have sparked the comeback when he entered the game, but after only a few minutes on the pitch - he left the field with some sort of injury (UGH).

The Cup.US article

SHOUT OUT to our section 108 buddy Lisa! She is our walking, talking, and beautiful SJ Quakes media guide!

NEXT HOME GAME: NE Revolution this coming Saturday at the SB San Siro

Scott Sealy is back

The Quakes picked up free-agent Scott Sealy (on the Q's roster in 2008) to bring in some added depth up front. I wouldn't say this is a spectacular move, but it is a solid one. Scott provided some added experience and depth and will do so again this time around.

San Jose Merc article

Quakes WIN! Quakes WIN! Quakes WIN!

The Q's played a close game with the Fire in Chicago, but held on to win 2-1. Arturo Alvarez and Ike Opara scored for the Q's. WOW - an away victory. This has been in such scarcity the last 2 seasons. Jason Hernandez saved the day with an amazing save at the goal line in support of Joe Cannon after the Fire charged in after a Quakes turnover. First points of the season -way to go!

So Long Quincy

Yesterday it was announced that the Q's traded away Quincy Amarikwa for a furture draft pick. I am sad to have to see Quincy go. He was the only Quakes player currently on the roster that showed any kind of "spark" of energy. When he came of of the bench, he HUSTLED and was all over the field. If it weren't for his size, he would easily dominate with his speed. I wish him well in Colorado.

U.S. Open Cup

Every year about this time, I have to say something about the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This year the Quakes are playing RSL (oh boy) in a play-in game on April 14th. Last season we played in a play-in game also - but we fielded a bunch of reserves against the NY Red Bulls - and lost.

Why don't the Quakes (and other MLS teams) take this competition seriously? The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest cup competition in the U.S. (established 1914) and is equivalent to the FA Cup in England and other domestic cups around the world. The unique competition includes teams from all amateur and professional levels in the U.S.

I understand that most MLS teams do not field their starters in fear that an injury could occur and have a negative impact on the team for the entire MLS season. The MLS Cup is the primary goal for MLS teams and it is understandable. It is the league title.

Let's look at teams in Europe - they play in multiple cup competitions during their regular season. For example: English Premier League team Manchester United played in the UEFA Champions League, Carling Cup, and FA Cup competitions while still pursuing the Premiership title. Yes - some star players do get rested in some of the cup games, but the teams do field teams with the goal to win these multiple competitions.

For the Earthquakes, I unfortunately think that we are still several years away from competing for a MLS Cup. So why not play a team that can at least givce us a chance for the US Open Cup? The Seattle Sounders FC won the US Open Cup in their first MLS season - at least they have something in their trophy case. We have 2 MLS Cups, but they were won by the now Houston Dynamos.

C'mon Quakes - the US Open Cup would be a great boost to supporters as well as to the team. At least don't field a team that shows you could care less. Winning a US Open Cup will provide that taste of winning a championship that our current team only dreams about. It certainly would help shift the momentum towards winning. The Heritage Cup is nice, but not really something to brag about.

C'MOM QUAKES - LET'S GO AFTER THE U.S. OPEN CUP!

Starting Right Where We Left Off

Despite the large crows (10,589 - a SB San Siro record) - the Q's dropped their opener with RSL 3-nil. A whole slew of new players, but the result is the same. Really didn't see much from anyone tonight. Joe Cannon had a difficult night - not so much because of him - but rather the lack of defense and a ton of unforced turnovers.

I wore all of my Villa gear - leaving all the Q's gear at home in protest of all the restrictions that are being placed on supporters. H got his drums taken at the gate - although we saw others not in the supporters sections with drums. Wonderful consistency in enforcing the rules Quakes staff. Geeeez. I commented that it still felt like we did towards the end of last season. Ugggh. Already looking like a looooooooooooooooooooong season ahead.

Drum Update #2

Just before I left the office today, I received a telephone call from a Quakes fan relations specialist. I really can't capture the entire conversation here. I appreciated the professionalism of this staff person, but I think this is the only response I will be getting from the Quakes (I sent my letter to the President and the Owner of the club - but have not heard a peep from them.)

Bottom Line: Drums will not be allowed unless they are approved as part of one of the official supporters groups (currently the Casbah and the Ultras). Drums are going to be limited to a certain # of drums - still TBA (kinda strange that a big decision like this has not been made and opening day is this coming Saturday. Hello? I am also concerned that the Q's decision to physically join the Ultras and the Casbah into one section (Sec 109) to "unify the cheering and drumming" will backfire horribly. The Casbah has been in existence since 1996. My question to the Q's is,"Don't you think there is a reason why the current Ultras didn't just join the Casbah instead of starting a new supporters club? Hello? They are both great groups - but they are very different in culture. I see joining them together in the stands creating more chaos rather than an improved stadium environment. As H has said, it feels like we are being told when, how, and how much we should be cheering and making noise. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Do I keep my season tickets? A HUGE question to answer.

Drum Update & Soccer Fours

Drum Update:

Still no word from the Q's organization - but due to when I sent my letter (last Thursday), they could have not received it until yesterday.

Soccer Fours:

I've finally returned to playing with Soccer Fours - the 4 v 4 program. After having great success at their San Francisco site (Franklin Park), Chris has decided to expand a little and now has weekly sessions in Marin and in Oakland. Naturally, since I'm located in the East Bay, I decided to check out the Monday night Oakland session last night. They are held at Raimondi Field in West Oakland. This complex was renovated in 2008 (replacing the grass field with turf). As I expected - after not playing for several months - the little endurance that I built up from the SF sessions was a distant memory. It was like starting all over - but the other players were great and it was alot of fun. First time using my new boots - Nike Ronaldinho Dois FG (I discovered this single pair at Ross in my size a month or so ago - $19.99 and couldn't resist). They were really comfortable and "looked fast" when I slipped them on, but alas, speed, quickness, and endurance on the pitch depends more on the person wearing the boots vs. the boots themselves :)

Initial Response

Montez sent out one of her "Quakes Insider" emails this morning, but she did not respond to the email I sent to her yesterday re: drums issue. I replied to her Q's Insider email by aying I was disappointed that I received no response from my email to her.

I did finally get a reply later in the morning - she said that she is working with stadium operations on the issue and was certain that a resolution can be found + that I coould continue to bring my drum to Buck Shaw. Then she asked if I was coming to the Sat. pre-season game against the Portland Timbers - and if so, she would personally escort me and my drum into the stadium.

I replied and thanked her for her email. I am waiting to hear from someone higher on the Quakes food chain and I said that I wanted to hear something before the home opener on Mar 27th.

Waiting for a response

This morning I sent an email to one of the 'Fan Relations Specialists' for the Q's to give them a heads-up about the letter that I wrote to communicate my dissatisfaction with all that occurred last night at Kezar (drum prohibition). My letter was addressed to Mike Crowley (club president) and cc'ed owner Lew Wolff, exec vice president David Alioto, manager of stadium operations Ramon Estevez and Matt Pellegrino, ticket operations manager Scott Wallace, and sr. fan relations specialist Montez Harrison.

As of this writing, there has been no reply to my email from Ms. Harrison. The letter (and cc copies) were sent out via US Mail today.

The waiting begins. (I hope that waiting is not against stadium regulations like having a drum!)

GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER - DRUMS OR NO DRUMS?

I am not going to fill up this post with all of the details of tonight. Basically, I went to Kezar tonight for the Q's pre-season matchup with the Dynamo. I was not allowed to bring my drum in the stadium unless I was part of one of the official supporter groups (which I am not). The person in charge of stadium operations said that it is MLS policy (not just a rule at Kezar). I told him that I have been drumming at Buck Shaw for the past 2 seasons without being sitting with or being a member of any of the official supporters groups and i also have never been stopped or informed about this regulation. I was so pissed - I left. Screw the game and the Quakes.

After getting home, I sat at there fuming as I began to write a letter to Mike Crowley, President, communicating my dissatisfaction and wanting to request a full refund on my season tickets. Just moments ago I decided to look into this MLS drum prohibition outside of "supporter group" sections a little more. Guess what I found? It is written in black and white on the Quakes website - DRUMS are on the list of "Approved Items". What the hell are the Quakes talking about? Apparently the head has no clue what the tail is doing or saying. I am going to point this out in my letter - AND will expect an apology from the Quakes and some gesture on their part for causing me to leave tonight's game pissed off and hating the Quakes organization.

http://web.mlsnet.com/t110/stadium/guidelines/

APPROVED ITEMS:

• Confetti
• Streamers
• Drums
• Banners (zip tied to railings and no larger then 5' x 32')
• Flags with 1 or 2 poles must not exceed 3'
• Backpacks/Bags no larger then 16" x 16" x 8"
• Backpacks/Bags are subject to search
• Portable Seatbacks
• 1 Water bottle per person (it must be soft plastic and sealed)
• Cameras and video recorders (must be handheld and cannot be set up in seating area)
• Pictures and videos cannot be used for commercial purpose unless approved by the San Jose Earthquakes and Major League Soccer

San Jose City Council Adopts EIR

Last night, the San Jose City Council adopted the Final EIR for the new Quakes stadium - a unanimous vote at that! Nice meeting coverage by Jay Hipps of Centerline Soccer

Tonight is the pre-season game vs the Dynamo at Kezar. H and I will be there warming up the drums for the season and H is bringing along some friends to introduce them to Quakes fever!

Let's Go Earthquakes....bang...bang...bang-bang-bang!

Did you feel that?

Huh? Is this the 2010 marketing phrase?

Dynamo, Timbers, Aston Villa FC

The Q's are gearing up for a couple of pre-season games coming up next week - Wed 3/17 vs Houston Dynamo (at Kezar) and Sat 3/20 vs Portland Timbers (at Buck Shaw). What can we expect from this coming season? I haven't a clue. We will have a completely different team than the one that we started with at the beginning of last season. Playoff hopes? I think we should keep those to ourselves for now.

I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things at Buck Shaw and banging our drums loud. Sec 108 - let's rock!

I have been keeping busy with my EPL club - Aston Villa FC. I am actually the chairperson for the Aston Villa supporters club here in California called "AVFC California". Villa is still in the hunt to break the Top 4 and qualifying for the Champions League next season, made it to the League Cup final (aka Carling Cup) - but fell to Man Utd, and are making a run for the FA Cup still (semifinal match v. Chelsea in early April).


Click the image to visit AVFC California!

Quakes beat West Ham Utd

The Quakes beat EPL side West Ham United 2-nil at Upton Park during their pre-season training tour in the UK. Click on image for full story.

2010 MLS Season is Right Around the Corner

The 2010 MLS season is less than one month away now. What can we expect this season from the boys in blue? I'm feeling not all that different than when the 2009 season started - with alot of uncertainty. Alot of new players to evaluate - potentially a very different lineup than last year. There will be many happier fans with the opening of the "tailgating" parking lot this year. H and I remain in our same location - next to the KFC Corner. Let's hope that the Q's can make a run for a playoff spot this year. Since the FC Gold Pride will be playing in Hayward this year, maybe the turf at South Bay San Siro (aka Buck Shaw) will not get so beat up.

Quakes Prepare for 2010

Just heard the announcement that the Q's are headed to Phoenix AZ for a week (this coming week actually) and will have a couple of pre-season training matches vs KC Wizards. Then in March, the Q's will train for 10 days in London at the Tottenham Hotspurs training centre. I'm getting excited as the 2010 season approaches.

UEFA Champions League - Round of 16

This month will be full of UCL action - thank you H for reminding me!

2010 Quakes Schedule Announced

http://web.mlsnet.com/t110/schedule/2010/

Super Draft Pick

Earthquakes select Opara third overall in SuperDraft

Wake Forest defender expected to step in on club's backline

http://sjearthquakes.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20100114&content_id=7916746&vkey=pr_sje&fext=.jsp&team=t110

In 2009: Played in 17 games during junior season and scored three goals and two assists ... Contributed to seven shutouts on the season ... Earned All-American honors from the NSCAA, Soccer America, College Soccer News and Top Drawer Soccer ... Named semifinalist for M.A.C. Hermann Trophy ... Selected as ACC Defensive Player of the Year for second straight year and also earned All-ACC first team accolades ...Named a preseason All-American by Soccer America and CollegeSoccerNews.com ... Started both games at the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic, earning all-tournament team honors ... Scored first goal of the season at Clemson (9.13) ... Started each game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the U.S. U-20 Men's National Team ... Returned to the Wake starting lineup against North Carolina (10.9), playing 105 minutes and attempting one shot ... Scored second goal of the season against NC State (10.17), closing out the scoring in 4-1 win ... Netted third goal of the year in victory against Davidson (10.27) ... Assisted on Andy Lubahn's game-winning goal in victory against Duke (11.6) ... Recorded second assist of the season on Zack Schilawski's first goal in victory against Duke (11.29).

In 2008: Started in 22 games during 2008, scoring five goals ... Named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and also earned All-ACC First Team honors ... Finalist for the Soccer News Net College Player of the Year Award ... Named a first team All-American by Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News ... Earned second team All-American honors from the NSCAA and Soccer America ... Member of defense that didn't allow a goal for 401:59 early in the season ... Scored first goal of the season against UC Santa Barbara (9/21), giving the Demon Deacons their first lead of the game ... Scored the tying goal on a header in Wake's win at No. 2 Maryland (9/28) ... Recorded first multi-goal game of his career against Virginia Tech (10/4).

In 2007: Soccer America First Team All-Freshman ... All-ACC Freshman Team ... First collegiate goal was the tying mark in Wake's 1-1 draw with Elon on Oct. 2 ... Lead freshman class in games played and starts (26-23) ... Earned a starting spot when senior Julian Valentin had a preseason injury, but Vidovich revised the lineup to keep Opara in when Valentin returned.

Prep: Four-year letterman at C.E. Jordan High School ... Three time all-conference selection ... All-Piedmont Athletic Conference (PAC 6) Player of the year as a junior ... High school's most valuable player in 2005 and 2006 ... Named his high school's defensive player of the year as a freshman ... An all-region selection in 2005 ... Helped C.E. Jordan High to four conference championships ... Played his club ball for Triangle FC Navy 88 ... Member of the North Carolina ODP team in 2007 ... A three-time selection to the Super Y ODP ... Named an Elite 300 All-Star ... High school teammate of current Deacon midfielder Will Clayton.

Personal: Born on February 21, 1989 ... Parents are Emmanuel and Clarice Opara.

Career Stats

Year	GP-GS	Shots	Goals	Assists	Points	GWG
2007	26-23	9	1	1	3	0
2008	22-22	20	5	0	10	2
2009	17-17	15	3	2	8	0
Totals	65-62	44	9	3	21	2

Funny... but also sad

A funny comic strip that I ran across in the local paper, but a sad commentary on the status of football in most of North America.