Colorado Rapids - New York Billboards on the Best Day of the Whole Summer
By: Kyle | July 1st, 2008There seems to be some trepidation every time I tell someone I celebrate the Fourth of July at a soccer game. In a sense, I can understand this inclination. Fireworks on the Fourth, if they are to be associated with a sport, seems like they should be over a distinctly American sport, the obvious choice being baseball. Most who think soccer usually don’t then think USA, for obvious reasons.
So why go to Dick’s and watch soccer, the game which at first glance has as little to do with America as possible, in order to celebrate the United States? Because if you do, you’ll be going to see an American soccer game. This is no small difference.
You and I happen to be Americans who enjoy the sport of soccer. You and I are in the minority, for whatever reason. So, given that we like soccer, we have a choice to make. Which is more important to you: that you support the most popular club in the world or the club which has your city’s name on the crest? If you answer the same way I do, you see the significance of an American soccer game to celebrate America. You know the universality of soccer, and still identify with the American facet of it, whether you are in the minority or not.
If it does matter to you that your clubs are American clubs, I’ll see you Friday. If, you care that Spain won Euro 2008 because it means that the US might get a competitive rematch against them in the Confederation Cup, I’ll see you Friday. If you do a double take every time someone calls it “football”, I’ll see you Friday. Because on Friday, there will be a soccer game between two clubs with the names of American states on their shirts.
So, now let’s talk soccer. First off, it has to be noted that the Rapids are 10-1-1 on the Fourth, which is way too good to be a coincidence. As for the Red Bulls themselves, they are currently making huge signings left and right, but beyond that are having a worse then expected season thus far. While many expected them to be major MLS Cup contenders this year, they are currently in second to last place in their conference (man, I’d hate to be…oh, yeah). Even more of a downer, they got shut out and knocked out of the Open Cup by mighty Crystal Palace Baltimore of the USL-2 (for those who don’t know, this is the minor league’s second division. This is would be the equivalent the Yankees losing to the Bowie Baysox) while playing one man up past the 34′ (on a side note, which is more embarrassing: losing to Crystal Palace or Crystal Palace Baltimore?). I actually watched that game over the interweb to scout their depth and it was a confidence booster to be sure.
And depth is important right now with Angel and Reyna injured. As for the Rapids, the injury situation is still a problem, at the center of which is Christian still listed as doubtful. Pablo and Jacob are both also listed as probable, so hopefully that means we’ll see 90 minutes from Pablo at least. The Rapids are projecting that Pablo will pull back to defender (which, while bad for the team overall can be fun to see), with DiRaimando and LaBrocca in the midfield. The good news is we get to see Colin and Terry on the wings, which is my preference to begin with. As for defense, there’s Ugo, Facundo, Pablo, and Jordan. There’s a back four you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley.
I’m going to wrap up by emphasizing how awesome the Rapids Fourth of July celebration is. The fireworks alone are unbelievable. You might have heard the Rapids say they have the best fireworks show in Colorado. Trust me, that is not hyperbole. If you have never been to this show, you literally cannot yet conceive of a fireworks show as incredible as this. Before I saw one it was simply beyond my imagination. If you are planning on watching on TV, don’t. Get over to Dick’s on Friday. I’ll see you there.
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