MASSIVE!
I've been to many sports events, but before this evening I do not think I have attended such an important professional sports match.
Tonight's game between the Columbus Crew and the Chicago Fire decided which team would go to the MLS championship game.
It had the intrigue of former Crew players Brian McBride and Jon Busch coming back to where they began their careers.
It had the passion of the Nordecke, a section of fans who love the game, who gather at Ruby Tuesday's before the match and who parade up Summit Street, crossing the railroad tracks to get to the stadium - they also taught me some new chants.
Chicago controlled the match from the start and got the first goal. It was the Fulham Traitor, Brian McBride, who scored the goal for the fire. A red glow came from the Fire supporters. Were they sacrficing an animal? The half ended 1-0, visitors.
Something must have been said in the locker room because the Crew came out flying in the second half and netted a goal. It was Chad Marshall putting in a header from a wonderful from kick from future league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Smoke bombs were lit, F-bombs were continually directed at Jon Busch, it was fantastic.
Six minutes later, off a pass from Moreno, Good Eddie Gavin blasted it into the goal to make it 2-1 for the Crew.
What followed was a good half hour of nail biting, cursing, cheering and heckling of Fire midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco. He dives like a Ronaldo-lite.
The final whistle blew. The drums kept playing. The crowd continued to sing. Flags were waved. Hardware was presented. And the Nordecke continued their three hours of continual cheering, singing and celebrating.
I celebrate the happiness of the Crew fan tonight. The ones who have invested thirteen years of their lives witnessing victory, loss and success - but never reaching the title game, until now. Fans know they're not finished. The Championship game is on November 23rd against either New York or Salt Lake.
Thanks to wendersfan for introducing me to this game.
Tonight's game between the Columbus Crew and the Chicago Fire decided which team would go to the MLS championship game.
It had the intrigue of former Crew players Brian McBride and Jon Busch coming back to where they began their careers.
It had the passion of the Nordecke, a section of fans who love the game, who gather at Ruby Tuesday's before the match and who parade up Summit Street, crossing the railroad tracks to get to the stadium - they also taught me some new chants.
Chicago controlled the match from the start and got the first goal. It was the Fulham Traitor, Brian McBride, who scored the goal for the fire. A red glow came from the Fire supporters. Were they sacrficing an animal? The half ended 1-0, visitors.
Something must have been said in the locker room because the Crew came out flying in the second half and netted a goal. It was Chad Marshall putting in a header from a wonderful from kick from future league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Smoke bombs were lit, F-bombs were continually directed at Jon Busch, it was fantastic.
Six minutes later, off a pass from Moreno, Good Eddie Gavin blasted it into the goal to make it 2-1 for the Crew.
What followed was a good half hour of nail biting, cursing, cheering and heckling of Fire midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco. He dives like a Ronaldo-lite.
The final whistle blew. The drums kept playing. The crowd continued to sing. Flags were waved. Hardware was presented. And the Nordecke continued their three hours of continual cheering, singing and celebrating.
I celebrate the happiness of the Crew fan tonight. The ones who have invested thirteen years of their lives witnessing victory, loss and success - but never reaching the title game, until now. Fans know they're not finished. The Championship game is on November 23rd against either New York or Salt Lake.
Thanks to wendersfan for introducing me to this game.