Friday, May 10, 2013
Deerfield High School Class of 1983 Yearbook Pages
Monday, April 15, 2013
Dear Alan,
I love our bash brothers. I love the energy and enthusiasm that they bring to the pitch.
...And still, I will hope to see Alan Gordon off the pitch for the next 4 games. I am an emotional person. I understand that pre-programmed words fly out of our mouths in the heat of the moment. Hurtful words, that we do not intend, for beliefs that we do not really hold, can escape our bodies, like aliens in a bad B movie. But, there needs to be some pain to re-program. Just as with Colin Clark then with Houston, and the Sounders Ball Boy, a 3 game suspension is warranted.
There are gay professional athletes, there always have been, there always will be. We need to create a culture where they feel that they do not have to hide. Tonight on Nightline (ABC), Robbie Rogers will talk about his experience as a gay athlete.
Alan, keep your cleats on, and watch your words, you are awesome, but you have not been acting in the Quakes best interest. Come on guys don't cross the line!
...And still, I will hope to see Alan Gordon off the pitch for the next 4 games. I am an emotional person. I understand that pre-programmed words fly out of our mouths in the heat of the moment. Hurtful words, that we do not intend, for beliefs that we do not really hold, can escape our bodies, like aliens in a bad B movie. But, there needs to be some pain to re-program. Just as with Colin Clark then with Houston, and the Sounders Ball Boy, a 3 game suspension is warranted.
There are gay professional athletes, there always have been, there always will be. We need to create a culture where they feel that they do not have to hide. Tonight on Nightline (ABC), Robbie Rogers will talk about his experience as a gay athlete.
Alan, keep your cleats on, and watch your words, you are awesome, but you have not been acting in the Quakes best interest. Come on guys don't cross the line!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Quakes push Sounders into the Basement
This weekend I confused people. Dressed in my rave green jersey with my Quakes scarf around my neck, I went to the San Jose Earthquakes vs Seattle Sounders game where I feel like Mrs. Harbinger, supporting both her guys, and wanting them both to do their best. I am not sure either team did that.
Wondo scored! I loved that. The keepers both played well. Sounder's dominated possession, in a large part due to Mauro Rosales and Osvaldo Alonso. Bottom line, Sigi was out-coached by Frank. I was happy to get a win pin... but I left feeling very unsatisfied. I felt like I had watched a reserve game!
The Sounder's could hardly move beyond the mid-field. I went in very concerned about the Quake's defense. It seemed there was no need to worry. Nana Attakora was fabulous. We were flat nearly everywhere else. Shea Salinas pushed some forward momentum, but there were too many rookie mistakes. At one point Ty Harden looked like the strongest member of the Sounders offense, as he seemingly sent a beautiful cross to Estrada.
I am so glad we have two more Sounders vs. Quakes matches!
Wondo scored! I loved that. The keepers both played well. Sounder's dominated possession, in a large part due to Mauro Rosales and Osvaldo Alonso. Bottom line, Sigi was out-coached by Frank. I was happy to get a win pin... but I left feeling very unsatisfied. I felt like I had watched a reserve game!
The Sounder's could hardly move beyond the mid-field. I went in very concerned about the Quake's defense. It seemed there was no need to worry. Nana Attakora was fabulous. We were flat nearly everywhere else. Shea Salinas pushed some forward momentum, but there were too many rookie mistakes. At one point Ty Harden looked like the strongest member of the Sounders offense, as he seemingly sent a beautiful cross to Estrada.
I am so glad we have two more Sounders vs. Quakes matches!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
USMNT: A Cap Instead of a Pint For Justin Morrow!
It is with great trepidation that I await our next set of World Cup Qualifying games. USA! USA! USA!
I feel personally responsible for Justin Morrow being there. You see we bought a pint with Justin at an auction last fall, that seems to have brought him pints and pints of luck! We still haven't had a beer with him, every time we start to narrow down the dates, Justin gets the call up!
So happy for him! I think it is a sign to all the other Quakes out there... If there is a charity auction, say you will go for a pint with the highest bidder! It has to be good for your Karma!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Thierry Henry... Adam Jahn... Goonies are back!
Yeah, got my win pin. I knew it would happen.... There was Goonie in the air tonight!
I have to start by commending Thierry Henry. The man is a legend. He is bigger in real life, then he appears on the television. I have been privileged to watch other greats play, Messi is a force- in a Jedi kind of way... but Henry is somehow more beautiful on the ball. He walks with grace, toes pointed out (is this for marketing the different colored leather on the inner boot?) He looks like he is going to break out in a plie at any moment. His one touch passes look like they are choreographed. The only thing that gives away that they are not, is somehow the other Red Bulls don't seem to be in on the choreo! Thankfully that at least has been the standard for the first couple of games! His crosses are meticulous. He seems a calm, and noble opponent. No diving for this super star, he appears not to hit the pitch, except in cases when it is prudent to protect against less skilled players. Truly a joy to watch play.
Now for my take on the Goonies! I love the way this team plays with such heart. They look like they are a group of guys who really like and trust each other. A bunch of blue collar players with more heart and passion than any other team. It is a joy to watch them. Kudos to the guys that gave so much and left it all on the field. A big shout out to Shea Salinas, Rafa Bacca and Mike Fucito. You guys wore down the defenders in a big way! Then came in some really nice fresh legs. Sam Garza, Cordell Cato and finally Adam Jahn. Wow... Adam Jahn. NICE! Post game I think there was an entire section that waited to congratulate him.... and that was in addition to the Ultras! Love that he is a Norcal kid. I hope this is the first of many games we will see him shine in.
Salazar scarred me with the way he was calling the game. that encroachment call at the end absolved him of any prior slights. So good. So Goonie! You gave us a home win! So happy to have been there for an awesome ending. I love this game!
I have to start by commending Thierry Henry. The man is a legend. He is bigger in real life, then he appears on the television. I have been privileged to watch other greats play, Messi is a force- in a Jedi kind of way... but Henry is somehow more beautiful on the ball. He walks with grace, toes pointed out (is this for marketing the different colored leather on the inner boot?) He looks like he is going to break out in a plie at any moment. His one touch passes look like they are choreographed. The only thing that gives away that they are not, is somehow the other Red Bulls don't seem to be in on the choreo! Thankfully that at least has been the standard for the first couple of games! His crosses are meticulous. He seems a calm, and noble opponent. No diving for this super star, he appears not to hit the pitch, except in cases when it is prudent to protect against less skilled players. Truly a joy to watch play.
Now for my take on the Goonies! I love the way this team plays with such heart. They look like they are a group of guys who really like and trust each other. A bunch of blue collar players with more heart and passion than any other team. It is a joy to watch them. Kudos to the guys that gave so much and left it all on the field. A big shout out to Shea Salinas, Rafa Bacca and Mike Fucito. You guys wore down the defenders in a big way! Then came in some really nice fresh legs. Sam Garza, Cordell Cato and finally Adam Jahn. Wow... Adam Jahn. NICE! Post game I think there was an entire section that waited to congratulate him.... and that was in addition to the Ultras! Love that he is a Norcal kid. I hope this is the first of many games we will see him shine in.
Salazar scarred me with the way he was calling the game. that encroachment call at the end absolved him of any prior slights. So good. So Goonie! You gave us a home win! So happy to have been there for an awesome ending. I love this game!
Monday, March 4, 2013
UNLUCKY!
Reflecting on last nights game, the word that comes to mind is "unlucky". Unless of course you are Nick Rimando, or a Real Salt Lake fan. Congrats man! 100 shut outs is a pretty cool accomplishment- but one that I never wanted to see from you on my pitch!
There were opportunities, there were attempts, but nothing found the back of the net for my Quakes! We are a strong team. With notable starters from last season on the bench with injuries, our guys looked very solid. Being a fan of Mike Fucito, it was awesome to watch him play! He takes the pitch with the same wicked enthusiasm that Chris "Wondo"lowski exhibits! I love it!
I would like to say that I also appreciated that these guys who worked their butts off all game, a full 90, did not let up even after stoppage time. They continued down the field and made sure to Thank the Ultras, and other supporters. I do believe Wondo was the last player to walk through the tunnel. Correct me if I am wrong. In my mind, that is what makes a player truly great!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Home Grown!
Everybody knows that home grown fruits and vegetables taste better! And so to with soccer, Home grown rocks!
Look at Messi, that little Argentinian who was plucked from South America as a wee seedling, and sent to Catalonia to set down roots, and grow! He is the poster child for an academy system operating at peak performance- he and the majority of Barcelona's team. I can't wait for that culture to grow here!
So I know this is a quirk that many of you may find hard to look past, but I am a Sounders' fan. Now some day I may drop it all together, but for now, I follow the team, and cheer for them when they play everyone except the Quakes. Then I sit there as if I were Mrs. Harbough.... I love them both! Last night I watched with mortification at the way Seattle played, but also with pride. For in my mind, the man of the match was DeAndre Yedlin, a home grown lad. I love that! He was speedy and fierce, but most of all he played with heart. When Gspurning (the keeper) came out and got tied up.... Yedlin went to heroic efforts to make a save! I think it was about more than the game, it was about the TEAM. I think home grown players are wired a little bit differently. It's a good thing.
As the Quakes build not just a new stadium, but a whole sports complex, I think they are building something even bigger. I see vision in this club. With the California sunshine and the bit of fog, I think this will be the perfect environment to grow amazing talent. One look at Wondolowski & Beitashour, and you know that the local stock is great!
My personal fantasy is that one day there will be Residence Academies like La Masia (Barcelona's) and that nice little stadium that the 49'ers are building will undergo renovation for real football! I love the beautiful game!
Look at Messi, that little Argentinian who was plucked from South America as a wee seedling, and sent to Catalonia to set down roots, and grow! He is the poster child for an academy system operating at peak performance- he and the majority of Barcelona's team. I can't wait for that culture to grow here!
So I know this is a quirk that many of you may find hard to look past, but I am a Sounders' fan. Now some day I may drop it all together, but for now, I follow the team, and cheer for them when they play everyone except the Quakes. Then I sit there as if I were Mrs. Harbough.... I love them both! Last night I watched with mortification at the way Seattle played, but also with pride. For in my mind, the man of the match was DeAndre Yedlin, a home grown lad. I love that! He was speedy and fierce, but most of all he played with heart. When Gspurning (the keeper) came out and got tied up.... Yedlin went to heroic efforts to make a save! I think it was about more than the game, it was about the TEAM. I think home grown players are wired a little bit differently. It's a good thing.
As the Quakes build not just a new stadium, but a whole sports complex, I think they are building something even bigger. I see vision in this club. With the California sunshine and the bit of fog, I think this will be the perfect environment to grow amazing talent. One look at Wondolowski & Beitashour, and you know that the local stock is great!
My personal fantasy is that one day there will be Residence Academies like La Masia (Barcelona's) and that nice little stadium that the 49'ers are building will undergo renovation for real football! I love the beautiful game!
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