Another Red Bulls home game, another rainy Saturday afternoon, another washed out tailgate party and probably another blown lead too. Since early this Spring, the pattern has become all to familiar for the faithful Red Bulls/ Metro fans.
But maybe not this night? Not now. Not after Bruce Arena signed up to be our new head coach. Not now. Not after Richie Williams and the RBs were riding a two-game win streak (more precisely, two shutouts) into Saturday night's contest with division rival Kansas City. Not now. Call it a feeling, call it good karma, call it what you want, but for whatever reason, there was some pre-game excitement in the air and this FRIer was flying high on it.
After finishing off multiple Heinekens, some food, Coronas and a few slices of David's Oreo flavored birthday cake, we (Keith, Ronen, his son David, my friend Ryan and I) packed up our outdoor/ indoor tailgate at the Marina/ Waterfront/ Driving range restaurant and headed for our old soccer venue. Making our way safely through the rain to the friendly confines of section 114, our ranks were swollen by the arrivals of Kevin, Paul and Ofer & company.
Upon getting comfortable, we were immediately struck by the fact that our new super hero striker Jean-Philippe Peguero was not in the starting lineup. What?! Is JPP hurt? Is he at another wedding? Has he been sold to another club? One of the harsh realities of being a MLS fan hit us once Keith verified via the Internet that JPP was getting his passport ready for a new European home. Saddened by the probable news, the FRIs were determined to not lose faith. We knew that if we were going to keep these fresh and tasty streaks alive, it was going to take a lot of yelling, drinking, irritating and screaming to get us a victory.
The first half was played at a good pace and the possession fairly balanced. Thankfully the blood colored herd struck first in the 25th minute off a smart pass from Seth Stammler into the box. Marvell Wynne started the action which resulted in a well-timed poke by the author's number one home boy striker/ midfielder/ friend-of-Corona Mike Magee. After what would prove to be the winner, the RBs did not relent. And neither did the FRIs. Upon witnessing the awe and sheer power of KC's world class strikers Josh Wolff and Eddie Johnson, the FRIs showed them the respect that they earned playing for the USA against the Czechs last June.
Although the Wizards were much less than magical, they did mount a couple of rallies in the early and late portions of the second half. Fortunately the RBs defense, led by our moose-of-a-keeper Jon Conway, were more than up to the task. Once the whistle blew, the RBs were once again on the right side of the scoreboard for the third consecutive match and now in sole possession of third place in the MLS East Division.
Thus, a new and more pleasant pattern continues on. Let's hope this one gets to feel real familiar.