Bar room brawl, Quakes fans. Bar room brawl! For those of you who made it to the game Monday night against Alaves, you witnessed something that is not as uncommon or unexpected as you may have thought.
I was telling Danny O'Rourke before the game that these "friendly" games rarely turn out as such. Lifelong Quakes supporters will remember some spirited contests against top flight Mexican teams - Toluca and Pumas come to mind - that were not the most kindhearted of contests. In fact, I challenge any one of you to think of a "friendly" game that hasn't ended up with a few thrown punches, kicks in the back of the leg away from the eyes of the referee, or shirts getting ripped or toes being stomped on or trash being talked (in many languages, no less!), or any other activity that usually takes place on "friendly" game day, otherwise known as Opposite Day.
I guess you could say it is friendly when you offer a hand up to the guy that you just two-footed into the second row. Hey, how's that busted leg? I'm really sorry; I thought your knee was the ball. Oh, was that your head I hit with my elbow? My bad, friend, I was waving to someone in the stands. Hey, thanks a lot buddy, you're No. 1 too.
So what really is the use for these games? Well, it never hurts to have a few more games for the fans to come see top-notch soccer, or a battle royale, whichever you prefer. Most teams build in a couple "friendly" matches into their season ticket plans, and anything we can do to keep our season ticket holders happy is a good thing, especially if it means a renewal for the next year.
Teams are also happy to have a few games every year to put out different lineups. Coaches will often try different combinations of players, and some of the guys who have not logged many minutes in league matches will get a full game in to help bolster their chance for more time on the weekend.
Recently, many of these matches have pitted MLS teams against high-profile squads from England and Spain, and have served as evidence of just how far our league has come in a short period of time. These have been great opportunities to test ourselves against some of the best players and teams from around the world, and I have to say that MLS has come out looking pretty good.
Lastly, what player wouldn't like the opportunity to shine against some of these opponent's. OK, so maybe Zidane nutmegs you a time or two, but how about the time that you stick him and connect a great pass downfield. Never mind that Roberto Carlos beats me down the line, waits for me to catch up, then beats me again, laughing the whole way. I'll just remember the one time I tripped over the ball and somehow got past him, and I'll relish it for the rest of my life. That's what we have editing for. I'll splice those embarrassing moments right off the game tape. See ya, wouldn't want to be ya.
Alright, brawlers, that's my two cents for this week.
Your friend,
Wade
