Chris Writing Anything

This past Saturday was unique, being that I drove clear across the state, and my travels were for a mere two hours of entertainment. You may ask, “Chris, why would you do such a crazy thing?” My answer may sound even crazier. Yet, although catching up with my family is hardly crazy, the underlying reason could certainly be seen as such.

And all across our nation, while they may not have travelled across the state, many people engaged in similar moments. This Saturday, with a couple of Sunday games to boot, the MLS, America’s best soccer league, provided those memories.

Saturday’s MLS games certainly had promise, and I was anticipating a few great matches. Yet, one game, a game pitting Western Conference teams, well, I wanted to witness one particular match live. Today, in this Monday evening post, I’ll give you my totally amateur, middle aged American and hopelessly white dude take on these games…including the game I had attended.

I’ll start with Inter Miami versus DC United. Really, with this match, and I hardly think it needs to be stated, Miami’s dependence on their big name soccer veterans was on display.

After a tough first half, one where DC had a one goal lead, which Campana later equalized with a Miami goal, Suarez came in the game, and he turned the pink jersey’s fortunes around. It ended 3-1, and, even if Messi didn’t play, Miami proved they’re a much different team, yes, a very different team without their aging stars.

The most exciting game took place in Los Angeles. Great chances, great saves and excellent skills were on display. And deservingly, St. Louis and the LA Galaxy finished in a 3-3 tie. The Galaxy might be the most entertaining team in the league, although St Louis City certainly was up to Saturday’s challenge.

A crazy game to watch, and, based on many broadcasters’ suggestions, a game I felt compelled to view, was the Chicago versus Montreal game. To be honest, with Montreal’s early penalty kick goals, I thought the first half was ugly.

Yet, because I knew the game’s ending was unique, I suffered through a subpar match. To tell the truth, because I don’t particularly agree with the use of Soldier Field, I don’t like watching Chicago home games.

Anyways, personal biases aside, the winning goal was totally unexpected, and that wind aided strike made the game worthwhile. With that fluke score, Chicago completed a two goal comeback, and the Fire unintentionally won that game. Okay, I’m sure Chicago intended to win the game, yet that final goal is best described like this, “Oops, well, we’ll take it!” I pity Montreal’s goalie!

Another game I had on my watch list, and yes, this was another Saturday game, was the Columbus Crew versus the New York Red Bulls. Man, I really want a strong New York team. If the final tally was any indicator, and with the other New York team, New York City, off to a woeful start, my desires may remain pure fantasy.

Granted, although the game ended in a lopsided 3-0 defeat, New York is still off to a decent start. Their seven points in the standings leaves them in decent shape. Added to that, the Red Bulls were taking on a goal scoring machine…well, when they’re at their best, Columbus can easily put the ball in the back of the net…and from the thirteenth minute on, the Crew looked good.

I did catch two Sunday games, and they were also entertaining. The New England Revolution certainly didn’t look like a team with no points in the standings, yet, Cincinnati certainly was the better team, and the 2-1 result seemed right.

After that, Orlando City continued its horrible start, and the Lions lost to an impressive Atlanta United squad. I think Orlando is a much better team, the CONACAF Champions Cup may just be taking its toll, that is on both Orlando and New England.

Finally, and it was another, chilly, windy but exciting Saturday game, I was able to attend the Minnesota United versus LAFC match….and…as you can tell by this photo,

I was right up on the action.

Being so close, I realized that the MLS games are FAST PACED! It’s amazing that these athletes can control the ball in possession. I was also impressed with Minnesota’s passing prowess.

Granted, their two goals did not come from crosses. Instead, a set piece goal and a turnover gave the Loons their two goal win. LAFC did have their chances, yet goalie Dayne St. Claire was up to the task.

It was a physical affair, and, in the end, with Reynoso and Hlongwane substituting during the second half, Minnesota’s bench proved much stronger. Yes, on a night that rivaled December Packer games, Minnesota’s faithful sang that victory anthem ‘Wonderwall’. As we did, light snowflakes flitted across the stadium light’s beams.

There were other games, and they impacted the standings as well. Yet, I’ll only relay my take on the games I had watched. Really, given the standings, and the week’s match ups, those were the games that drew my interest.

Not to say I’m not interested in Portland, who suffered their first defeat, or Seattle, who tied Colorado. or Vancouver, who proved their worth over Dallas…yes, all those games have relevance. Heck, even New York City, who won their first match, certainly had its own allure. Yet, I’m a working dude, so, even if I’d like to watch more, my viewing chances are limited.

As you can tell, I like the MLS. Really, I think a decent soccer venue is a fantastic experience. And while my endeavors, at least for this up coming week, might be a literal pain in the rump, these matches were sheer entertainment.

Have an Excellent Day!