Psych!
by tedski
Our local soccer community in the Old Pueblo were proud that our Arizona Rush missed out on the playoffs by a single goal. This was the first season for Tucson’s WPSL squad.
As is turned out, Oklahoma Alliance FC, who qualified for the tournament, can’t afford to attend the playoffs. Don’t you love semi-pro soccer?
Coach Chris Fernandez had to call members of the team last night to tell them to be ready to drive to Salt Lake City (Yes, drive. Again, don’t you love semi-pro soccer?) to face the Utah Spiders this weekend.
Here’s to hoping the Rush represents us Baja Arizonans well.
NB – The Rush’s coaching staff includes two former Tucson Amigos, Fernandez and Sean Ochoa.
Delayed Open Cup Commentary
by tedski
Memo to all the obnoxious Chivas fans I have ever met: the guys that spanked your boys last week not only couldn’t beat Guadalajara’s “inferior” American sister club, but got pulled apart by an undermanned third tier team. Man, out performed by Crystal Palace Baltimore? Your guys must suck.
Anyway, the real reason for this post: the Charleston Battery defeated MLS Cup holders Houston Dynamo in penalty kicks. The decider was when Franco Caraccio’s shot was saved by Charleston’s ‘keeper. That ‘keeper: former Tucson Amigo Dusty Huddock.
Gotta keep that flag flying.
True Tales From The MLS Cup! (Part 2: Wherin I inadvertently crash the Media Cup)
by tedski
Woke up later than I would have liked on Saturday, although it was a bit after five MST (God’s own time zone). I packed the backpack I got for free when I worked for the Tucson Amigos, the one with the special compartments for shin guards and boots. It makes me feel as if I am a for-real footy player.
Went down to RFK where, if my addled memory served me, the fan cup was supposed to have been played on a nearby field. I wandered around for a bit. I saw a group of thirty and fourty somethings playing short-sided soccer. Seeing the paunches and male pattern baldness, I figured that was my crowd. I went over there.
“I hope I am not late,” I told the woman who was staffing a table at the entrance.
“Not at all. Here is a jersey, you are on the dark blue team.” I was a bit taken aback. A Screaming Eagles muckety-muck I spoke to the night before told me that they were providing pinneys, but didn’t say anything about jerseys. Cool though, I got me a free jersey.
(Read on …)