We're here for RSL!

IF YOU BELIEVE THEN JUST STAND UP ON YOUR FEET
AND SHOUT IT LOUD REAL!
HERE AT THE RIOT THE BATTLE HYMN'S BEGUN.
WE'RE HERE FOR RSL!

We went to our first Real Salt Lake game last night as a family.  A few questions from the kids:
* Do you think the ball has ever been kicked all they way up and over the stadium?
* Do you think the players ever get a headache from hitting the ball with their heads so much?
* Why is everyone booing that Colorado player?  He's hurt!!
* Why did that Colorado player totally just fake being hurt??
* Why is the field so wet?  Is it soccer player sweat?

RSL played the Colorado Rapids...which we've since discovered are their rivals with which they compete every year for the Rocky Mountain Cup.  I had no idea it was such a big game...I picked this particular date because there was fireworks after the show.  Go figure.  

(The big screen was up behind us....here's the replay of our first goal.)

But it was quite the game and we had a fantastic time.  One thing to be said for soccer...it may be low scoring but you won't ever find yourself getting bored since that ball is constantly on the move.  And the fans...oh wow, are they ever passionate!  The great majority were in Real soccer shirts of one variety or another, they knew all the players, the songs and chants.  They wave flags, signs and scarves.  They pound drums....throughout the entire game.  I suppose that I have seen this devotion to BYU and Utah football teams and have of course, seen it with Jazz basketball.  I guess it was ignorance in assuming that RSL didn't have the same kind of fan base seeing as soccer is somewhat new-ish along the Wasatch Front.  Silly me.  It made for some fabulously entertaining people watching.

Despite the fact that I went out of my way to buy "cheap seats" I was really impressed with our view.  And then when the game was over (2-0 in favor of RSL) they invited those in the North end zone seats to come down onto the field for better fireworks viewing.  The kids were delighted when they realized, "Hey! That's us!!"  And though we were sitting on wet grass, we thoroughly enjoyed the show.  It was a great night. 

(Rebekah is already asking to go to another game.  
She, even more than the rest of us, got into the game seeing as she played soccer for 4 years.)