Last night we made it to the Sounders match against the Los Angeles Galaxy. It was our first professional sports event this year. Despite having signed up for the Mariners Kids’ Club early, we never made it to a game. I have some thoughts on that which I hope to put down shortly.
Focusing on the one game we did attend, however…
Personally, I’m a fan of soccer/football more than anything. It’s my favorite sport which my kids know. If we could afford it I’d be a season ticket holder. As it is we barely make it to one game a season.
What was the occasion? Girl Scout Night. My daughter’s troop was able to get a parcel of tickets at a discount, so August, Déla and I went. Because of other commitments logistically there were more challenges than normal in getting to the game. We even missed the kickoff by a few minutes.
As it was the last game of the season, it was Fan Appreciation Night as well. I’m sure there were giveaways and special events before the match. Despite missing those, it was great to finally be there watching my team play.
If you’re a fan of the sport, you’re probably aware of the name Clint Dempsey. Recently he joined the Sounders and has booth been a starter as well as substitute player (along with a few games where he hasn’t played). Last night, however, he scored his first goal as a Sounder. It was a momentous occasion for fans such as myself. It was a great moment to be there for and share with over 62,000 like-minded individuals.
During half-time the line for the restroom was so long we wound up missing the kickoff for the second half. We didn’t even have time to find (and subsequently stand in another long line for) garlic fries. This was a major disappointment for August. But he was still quite happy to have been at the game and watch Dempsey make his goal.
August and I watched the game intently discussing it, while Déla sat with her friends from her Girl Scout troop, partly watching the game, partly chatting – I think my daughter was more interested in the game than most of the other girls.
Now the Sounders are in the playoffs. I am hoping to be able to attend a game again during the playoffs. There really isn’t much of a point to this blog post, really. Thanks to Heather who organized the tickets for the troop. Thanks to Seattle Sounders FC for bringing world class football to my hometown.