VoF Soaks in Some MLS
The Vein of Form staffers ventured out of the office last night to take in a little MLS action at the "soccer specific" Toyota Park. As far as soccer specific stadiums go, this one is Specifictacular.
The last place Chicago Fire were taking on the first place and defending MLS champion Houston Dynamo. There was a great crowd on hand. Great meaning that the park seemed almost full to capacity. The only section making noise was "Section 8". Those fans sang the entire match. Even when the Fire fell down 3 goals to nil. They had a tremendous percussion section backing them up. The songs could use some work, but the "We are red! We are red! We are fucking dynamite!" was the winner on the night.
The losers were clearly the Fire defending and the Fire attacking. Actually, nothing about the Fire looked remotely decent or encouraging. They cannot pass, they refuse to shoot and the Houston attack looked capable of cutting through the defense whenever they felt like scoring a goal. The new manager has some work to do as it looked like all 10 field players had their own agenda while 'keeper Matt Pickens was abandoned on more than a few occasions.
All that being said, this was a Thursday night match featuring an atrocious club and the hometown fans still came out to offer support. Just think what could happen if Mexico's Cuahtamec Blanco injects some life in the attack, the new manager sorts this thing out and potential new ownership can turn them into a playoff contender.
You might be wondering why a bunch of Euro snobs would turn out to watch an MLS match. First, we wanted to check out Rico Clarke and Justin Mapp after they converted this publication into huge fans during their recent US National Team appearances. Second, we heard they shoot free t-shirts into the crowd at halftime. Third, we wanted to see what the hell David Beckham could be dealing with on his road travels.
Chicago is probably a far better atmosphere than what he'll face in other MLS cities. In fact, he will probably have lots of supporters in the Toyota Park stands when the Galaxy come to town. I'd like to be the first to warn Posh about the Toyota Park tacos. The tortilla shells were so dry I went through three Diet Pepsis trying to wash them down and the stench wouldn't wash off my hands until the following afternoon.
Just a couple of observations. The Fire mascot, a person in a dalmatian costume that goes by Sparky, is not helping legitimize the game in America. It is a clear attempt to pander to the younger fans when what they should be doing is trying to bring in the 18-35 year old demographic. An age group I happen to a part of. I can tell you I wanted nothing to do with that mascot after the first 30 seconds. Next, the Soccer Mom of the Match award is embarrassing. Serious, just stop that nonsense now.
It was a beautiful night and the stadium is wonderful. Plus, Chicago managed to avoid selling to a sponsor like Pizza Hut or Home Depot so "Toyota Park" doesn't sound atrocious. It just happens to be tucked away in Bridgeview. The great thing about the location though is the highways are easily accessible so you can leave Bridgeview as easily as you navigate through the stadium entrances and to your seats.
VoF plans another outing in October when LA comes to town. Maybe even sooner to check out NYRB and leading MLS All Star vote getter Juan Pablo Angel. When Angel was seeing sporadic minutes at Aston Villa, I wonder if he ever daydreamed about being an All Star while on the bench?
The last place Chicago Fire were taking on the first place and defending MLS champion Houston Dynamo. There was a great crowd on hand. Great meaning that the park seemed almost full to capacity. The only section making noise was "Section 8". Those fans sang the entire match. Even when the Fire fell down 3 goals to nil. They had a tremendous percussion section backing them up. The songs could use some work, but the "We are red! We are red! We are fucking dynamite!" was the winner on the night.
The losers were clearly the Fire defending and the Fire attacking. Actually, nothing about the Fire looked remotely decent or encouraging. They cannot pass, they refuse to shoot and the Houston attack looked capable of cutting through the defense whenever they felt like scoring a goal. The new manager has some work to do as it looked like all 10 field players had their own agenda while 'keeper Matt Pickens was abandoned on more than a few occasions.
All that being said, this was a Thursday night match featuring an atrocious club and the hometown fans still came out to offer support. Just think what could happen if Mexico's Cuahtamec Blanco injects some life in the attack, the new manager sorts this thing out and potential new ownership can turn them into a playoff contender.
You might be wondering why a bunch of Euro snobs would turn out to watch an MLS match. First, we wanted to check out Rico Clarke and Justin Mapp after they converted this publication into huge fans during their recent US National Team appearances. Second, we heard they shoot free t-shirts into the crowd at halftime. Third, we wanted to see what the hell David Beckham could be dealing with on his road travels.
Chicago is probably a far better atmosphere than what he'll face in other MLS cities. In fact, he will probably have lots of supporters in the Toyota Park stands when the Galaxy come to town. I'd like to be the first to warn Posh about the Toyota Park tacos. The tortilla shells were so dry I went through three Diet Pepsis trying to wash them down and the stench wouldn't wash off my hands until the following afternoon.
Just a couple of observations. The Fire mascot, a person in a dalmatian costume that goes by Sparky, is not helping legitimize the game in America. It is a clear attempt to pander to the younger fans when what they should be doing is trying to bring in the 18-35 year old demographic. An age group I happen to a part of. I can tell you I wanted nothing to do with that mascot after the first 30 seconds. Next, the Soccer Mom of the Match award is embarrassing. Serious, just stop that nonsense now.
It was a beautiful night and the stadium is wonderful. Plus, Chicago managed to avoid selling to a sponsor like Pizza Hut or Home Depot so "Toyota Park" doesn't sound atrocious. It just happens to be tucked away in Bridgeview. The great thing about the location though is the highways are easily accessible so you can leave Bridgeview as easily as you navigate through the stadium entrances and to your seats.
VoF plans another outing in October when LA comes to town. Maybe even sooner to check out NYRB and leading MLS All Star vote getter Juan Pablo Angel. When Angel was seeing sporadic minutes at Aston Villa, I wonder if he ever daydreamed about being an All Star while on the bench?
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