A Good Result!

It didn't rain,

It didn't snow.

We won the game,

Way to go!

SOUNDERS!

I hope my soccer family will excuse my self indulgence on this one.  But we had fun!

Tom was scheduled to participate in the opening ceremonies of the Sounders home opener.  We went in early, arriving at the stadium about 4:00.  We met up with our North End Faithful (NEF) supporter team, and then the other representatives from the other supporter groups. 

 Eventually we were on the field, ready for practice.  Our third member didn't arrive in time, so, guess what!  I was drafted!

 We spent about an hour doing walk-throughs, and I tested out if I really could jog out onto the center field.  Yep, I made it, several times!


Then we walked up to Occidental Park, where we met Jill, serving as banner carrier for the Emerald City Supporters (ECS), the really big and very active supporter group that leads the March to the Match.

 Scarves are covering faces because flares are involved.


We joined the March.

 Back at the stadium, we grabbed a quick snack, and then it was time to meet up for the opening ceremonies.


As the music started, that was our cue, and here we come!  Too bad the 38,400 in attendance were mostly late to their seats.

 I left my camera with a fellow supporter in the stands so she could record this for posterity.

 Yep, that's Tom and me, or our posteriors anyway.

 There were flags for every team in MLS.  And then there were fireworks!

 And then it was time to go.  Exit stage left.

 We stowed our flags and got back to our seats in time for "Oh Canada" and The National Anthem.  I do love singing "Oh Canada".

 And then ESC unfurled their latest amazing tifo creation!

 Deployment went very smoothly.  Good job, Jake and ECS Tifo Team.  Jill says she helped paint the red parts.

E Pluribus Sounders, from many nations, one team.

Of course, that was just the beginning.  

It stayed dry, not bitterly cold, and we won the match over Toronto, 3 to 1!

We're back to cold rain again this morning, but for now, I'm good.  We got the break we needed when we needed it most!  St Patrick brought us good luck!