On a perfect fall morning, with multi-colored trees and RFK Stadium serving as the backdrop, Mary O'Malley and 12-year-old son Patrick wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. Soccer Celebration was their warmup to the MLS Cup and their leisurely stroll across the grounds was just the right start to a day they had been waiting for with anticipation.
The O'Malleys came not from New England or Houston, but from Chicago. Mary O'Malley's company, ChemCentral, won a raffle at a Fire game that brought two tickets to MLS Cup 2007. Her CEO, John Yanney, gave the tickets to the O'Malleys, creating a day of bonding between mother and son.
"We're just thrilled to be here," Mary O'Malley said with a smile.
Patrick O'Malley, a budding youth soccer player, echoed those sentiments. He and his mom both wore Fire shirts to Sunday's game. The only that could have made their trip to Washington more enjoyable would have been if Chicago had made it to the Cup.
"I'm a bit disappointed the Fire didn't make it, but I'm still really happy to come," Patrick O'Malley said.
Mary O'Malley learned more than a week ago that she and her son were in for a special soccer weekend. Yanney had remembered Patrick O'Malley attending one of the Fire games in the company suite and having a great time.
Patrick O'Malley wrote Yanney a nice thank-you note. When the MLS Cup tickets became available through the raffle, Yanney decided Patrick O'Malley and his mom were the best representatives for the company.
"It's a beautiful day and we got to stay at the Grand Hyatt last night," Mary O'Malley said. "There were players walking around. It was just amazing."
Revolution fans Pam and Jeff Davis, who live in the Boston area, were also relishing the Soccer Celebration experience before entering RFK Stadium.
"You couldn't ask for a better day for a game," Davis said. "I'm a Revolution season-ticket holder, so I really wanted to be here. I just feel like this has to be their year. If the Red Sox could break through, I think these guys can do it, too. And hopefully, in a shorter time frame."
Davis said it's a great time to be a sports fan from New England.
"Even the (NBA) Celtics are perking up this year," Pam Davis said with a laugh.
Although Houston fans had farther to travel, Dynamo also had their share of ardent supporters making their way to Washington.
Dan Tiegs from Katy, Texas, a Houston suburb, made quick plans for a Washington weekend family trip after Dynamo earned a second consecutive trip to the MLS Cup.
"We're lucky enough to be at the same hotel as the team," Tiegs said. "With this sport, unlike most, the players are very approachable. They are great with the kids. All in all, it has really been a sweet weekend. We'll remember this trip for a long time."
Robert Falkoff is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
