First Row Idiots and Friends at Doherty's Pub, February 10, 2006

By Drew

How to celebrate another successful year for the First Row Idiots? Should we rent the Pride and Passion Pub for an exclusive pre-opening party? Perhaps, we could celebrate at a restaurant near the Harrison construction site? Instead, remembering the inedible food and semi-surly staff from last year, we chose the path of least resistance and decided to have the Second Annual Idiot Gala in the same place where we held the first Gala -- lovely Doherty's Pub.

The bar was far more crowded this year, meaning that there were more than three people besides us in the place. There was a good showing from the Idiots, as only Ofer and Jason (in mid-season form) were absent. Paul, proving that he did have some ability to understand the fundamental of time zones, showed up on time at 6:30 p.m. That's Eastern Standard Time. Our cadre of Idiots was supplemented by special guest stars George, Larry and Mrs. Joey -- who has somehow been to more Metro-related events in two years than her husband has in ten. Our talk focused on the Metros season (cautiously pessimistic), the chances for the US in the World Cup (cautiously optimistic), the upcoming trip of eight of the Idiots to Germany for the World Cup (wildly optimistic) and our attempts to convince random people that being a First Row Idiot was cool (wildly unsuccessful).

As the night continued, our usual trip into an alcoholic stupor was derailed by the Awards presentation. Keith and Ronen did a great job with the categories and the trophies. Your humble author won the Journalist Award, despite setting a North American record for typos and split infinitives. In a tight race with John and Jason, Paul won the Joey Award for most games missed. In the final and most prestigious award of the night, Brian took home Idiot of the Year. In a speech that had all of us metaphorically throwing our bottles of Bud Light onto the field, Brian touchingly explained what the Idiots truly meant to him.

BONUS PHOTO: 2006 Award Winners: Drew for 2005 Journalism Excellence, Brian for 2005 Most Valuable Idiot, and Paul for 2005 Joey Award [for Attendance]

Eventually, some of the Idiots and guests took off. A group of us stayed to watch the first half of the US-Japan friendly. As I was emotional over my win over such quality recappers as Joey, I decided to takeoff at halftime of the game. When I woke up on the couch the next morning, with the remnants on a pizza burger on my t-shirt and little memory of stumbling the half-mile home, I swelled with pride through my bleary eyes at the wonderful trophy which I won.

We can only hope that this season, the tailgates will be as fun and the Metros will make it to the MLS Cup.

Photos

First Row Photos

(click on thumbnail for larger image; You will be redirected to First Row Photos; Images by John, Larry and Keith)