One year ago (insert eerie music here), I started this very blog. I've made a bunch of posts (I could count — really easily, even — but I'm not too concerned) and met a lot of people and all that. I don't want to get overly mushy about it all, but a quick thanks is in order. So, thanks. You know, for following, reading, discussing, and all that. It's been quite fun. (No, I'm not stopping. Don't worry. Or do. Maybe you should worry if I keep going. I'm really not sure.)
So, without too much further ado, I'll touch on some of the most memorable moments of the last year. You will note that this will not include anything CCL (our loss in the final was more than a year ago, after all) and whatnot. Still, it'll be fun, right? Maybe. Let's see.
A great memory I've got (and I'm sure you've got it, too) is our double-legged defeat of Seattle in the MLS Cup last year. The first leg at our place is sealed in my head. Perhaps even hermetically sealed. Something like that. There were some moments of real joy: The brilliant back heel goal from Alvaro Saborio, the vital headed clearance from Tony Beltran with Nick Rimando out of his goal, that third goal from Ned Grabavoy. As the last match at our place for the season, the team sure put a great big mark on it. It's too bad we couldn't capitalize on the opportunities and win the cup in the end, but you know, those are the breaks and all.
One thing that comes quickly to mind is that infamous Kyle Beckerman headbutt. Oh, my. That thing. The one we couldn't see from my angle in the stands, but it quickly became apparent on replay that he'd done something quite wrong. It cost him a potential MVP selection (perhaps still unjustly) and was surely a result of a largely frustrating season for everyone involved. He came back into the playoffs strong, but it was a nice reminder that we always look better with him in the side. It also meant we got our first look at Yordany Alvarez, and though the jury may still be out on him a bit, it was exciting at the time to see another young midfielder.
Another darker day from recent weeks is that loss against the minnows from Minnesota. We had a great opportunity to move forward in the US Open Cup, but instead, we hoisted ourselves with our own petard. It stung. A lot. But you know what didn't sing? Likely the best US Open Cup atmosphere to start the match that we've seen. Of course, it didn't help. Oh, well.
But let's not look so gloomy, shall we? Remember that magical match when Javier Morales returned from the tragic attack on his ankle? That was more than just exciting. It was inspirational. People were writing him off left and right — for the season if not for longer. But while he's not yet reached full fitness (lingering injuries from the incident are hard to avoid) we've seen some of his patented magical touch, ability to spot a perfect pass, and general leadership. That moment when he came back was breathtaking. The crowd erupted mid-match when he stepped up to the sidelines, ready to be substituted in. It was the sort of atmosphere befitting a player so incredible.
In Javier's absence, we got to know another player: Little Luis Gil saw real minutes for the first time. Though he seemed a mere 17-year-old prospect on first glance, he looked surprisingly capable on the pitch. He's not yet to the highest levels in the game, but he's certainly a lot higher than he would have been otherwise. While the circumstances that led to Gil's minutes hurt us in substantial ways both tangible and intangible, it wasn't all a wash. Luis Gil took the opportunity with both hands, as they say. Somehow, in doing that, he wasn't called for a handball. Good on him.
In other player development matters, we saw a young center back in the form of Chris Schuler who, at first, looked more than a little error-prone. His positional sense was poor, he wasn't defending quite the way we'd hope, and he just didn't look like the capable center back we needed at the time with the alternating absences of Nat Borchers and Jamison Olave. Then, one day, it all changed. It seemed almost overnight. He looked immensely improved, and with that, our form improved — at least defensively. Even when he was forced out to left back, he looked like he could do a job there. When he started this season playing instead of Borchers in the back, it seemed he could do more than just a job there. He seemed — well, a worthy backup. Somebody who, on nearly any other team, would be challenging for — and winning — a starting spot. Of course, we've got the best center back tandem in the league, so that's less the case here.
It's not all been roses in terms of players. We lost our final original, Andy Williams, to retirement in the offseason. One of our key players toward the end of the season, the absence of Andy has at times been felt rather significantly. At the same time, he's been given a job at the club, handling scouting efforts and acting as a liaison between the club and the RSL-AZ Academy. Through this, he can make even more impact on the long-term future of the club. I like that.
Finally, this wouldn't be complete without calling to light the goalscoring exploits of one Fabian Espindola, who has just recently smashed Robbie Findley's spot in the RSL record books with his 30th, 31st and 32nd goals. Any plaudits going Espindola's way are deserved. He's matured as a player with us, and I hope we keep him for a long, long time. Perhaps, when he gets old, we can replace his limbs with robotic somethingorothers. Wouldn't that be excellent? I think so. I'm a bit of a transhumanist, though.
There are plenty more memories. Our season opener and the incredible atmosphere it generated. The "Believe" anthem. Renewed faith in our side after every instance of point-dropping. Meeting some fantastic people. Learning more about the sport. Watching more soccer than is advisable in a day. Lots of that.
You know what? I can't complain.
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