Just like Maalox soothes post tailgate indigestion, the Metros 2-2 draw versus Kansas City last Saturday night gave many fans hope that brighter and less acidic days are ahead!

Following a rain soaked 0-0 draw to MLS newbie Real Salt Lake and a rare "bye-week" from a quirky league schedule, many Metro fans were left in an anticipatory quandary over exactly what the 2005 Metros would bring to the table on Match Day 2. Tensions mounted as Saturday arrived and the idea of our soul-searching Metros versus the 2004 Western Conference Champs left a pit is most stomachs akin to eating more than one of Paul's sausage sandwiches.

Do the Metros have a chance without Gaven? Will Youri Djorkaeff's MLS debut prove that he is over the hill and useless? Who is going to score - Wolly? How would the Metros respond? Those were just a few questions swampland fans had on their minds at the kickoff.

Within minutes, the bleak situation got a little brighter as newly acquired French International Djorkaeff launched a few pastry passes that gave the Metros some confidence, a few chances on goal and also put fans on the edge of their seats.

The good feeling didn't last long as the Wizards struck the back of the Zach Well's net at the 20th and 31st minute marks and appeared to hold a secure lead heading towards the break. Sacra bleu! We'll be counting the days to the MLS draft by the 4th of July.

Someone said, "You gotta have heart" (I think it was Clint Mathis) and the Metros did. Gaining possession in the midfield the Metros quickly worked the ball forward to John "Wolly" Wolniec. He then sent a pass to Sergio Galvan Rey who put a low hard shot past the KC keeper in the 43rd minute to give the Metros new life and a surmountable deficit at the half.

With our tailgate beer buzzes gone, we sat in our First Row Idiot seats with slight chills eagerly awaiting the second half. With few answers to our pregame questions, we started to believe that our Metros could come back and draw this one -- maybe with a little luck, win it?!

Kansas City started the second half pretty much right were they left off and applied solid and constant pressure to the Metros defense resulting is a 54th minute close call, free-kick miss by Chris Klein. Wheeeew. At that moment, the only good news for we Idiots was that the Metro Girlzzz showed up in Section 115 (and yes Paul, I like the red head too) to provide some positive energy.

Then suddenly, like a Ronen's patented-chicken-bone-drop-kick, Youri Djorkaeff sent a long pass to Wolly in the box. The cement footed striker drew the defense to him and then sent a soft pass back to Sergio Galvan Rey. The aka KOG, who was wisely trailing the play, took the Wolly offering and once again finished with a low hard shot that nicked the keeper but somehow found the back of the old onion bag! It was now 2-2!

Each team had a few chances chances on goal afterwards, but when the action ceased we went back to parking lot with a well earned point. As some questions about our 2005 Metros were answered (Youri can hang; Rey looks like he'll score too), other questions are now being asked (Where's Johny Walker? Do the Metros really have heart?). In any event, I think for now that it's safe to leave the Maalox on the shelf and have another sausage sandwich.

Tailgate: Much like our Metros in the first half against KC, the FRIs stumbled the beginning of our tailgate as many sober members became disoriented and confused over who's green beer bottle belonged to who? or to whom? Whatever. It appears that sober FRIs are not yet comfortable with the mix of green Rolling Rock Beers (new due to a ban on Coronas) and Heinekens at the tailgates. But like every thing else, practice make perfect and we got it right by mid-tailgate.

As usual the food and beverages were well prepared, abundant and delicious. Joey, Greg and Ofer were missed. One final and more personal note, my daughter Olivia made her FRI tailgate debut. Thanks for bringing her, Lori...but next time she has to help keep up the First Row Idiots tradition and finish her bottle.