News flash traditionalists…..soccer has officially arrived! Last night our game drew 18,000 plus for a 9pm kick-off.
The kicker is that the stadium was dominated by Dynamo fans. For the first time in my career a top flight Mexican Club came to the United States and their fans were barely heard. Last year when Club America came to Houston to play Barcelona all you could
see and hear was the yellow filling up Reliant, but last night orange shirts and voices dominated the stands at Robertson Stadium.
It was a hard fought game that ultimately resulted in the right team winning on the night.
We were the better team and deserved the victory. The game was intense but not out of hand as both teams worked very hard and competed quite fairly for the most part. I think that this tournament is great for the game in this region of the world and will serve a great building block for international exposure of soccer in our region.
I know our locker room is proud to represent the MLS in these competitions and very happy with the steps being taken in the league.
One last quick thought…..Far to often in sports people get blinded by their pride, last night Club America coach Fernando Tena an his players were absolute class after the match. Their comments to the media were full of respect and for that I say thank you. I have a ton of respect for their organization and it’s player after seeing their professionalism over the past couple of days.
I believe that this tournament has the potential to aid in the growth of respect that our countries should have for each others style of play. Through these games fans with open minds will hopefully learn to watch and enjoy the way all of these teams play the game.
Until next time.
Craig Waibel
July 27, 2007
Words from the Peaceful Warrior
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You guys played great. I think it was the best match ever and even if I got a headache from yelling it was the best night too.
Comment by Evan — July 27, 2007 @ 7:44 pm
Great game, Craig. Thanks for always taking the time to acknowledge the fans. Good luck against Morelia!
Comment by Marco — July 28, 2007 @ 2:17 am
Nice comments on the game and especially recognizing good sportsmanship. So many times it seems we have lost sight of what good sportsmanship is and what role models you are to young players. I am so thrilled with what the Dynamo team has brought to this area. Craig, you are a phenomenal, solid player and it’s exciting to watch you play. Go Orange!
Comment by Patty — July 30, 2007 @ 4:15 pm
You are absolutely correct Craig. The respect shown during the CA match, and even last night against Morelia was heartening to see. I brought a friend of mine to the CA game, his first soccer game ever, and he almost signed up for the Texian Army the very next day. Already, he has tickets to the FC Dallas game coming up. This sport is growing by leaps and bounds here, and I think a lot of the credit can be given to you and your teammates for being such fantastic ambassadors of the sport.
One more thing, do what you’ve got to do, but from a big fan, if you were to go back to San Jose next year, it’d break my heart!!! Go Orange, now and forever. :>
Comment by Martin Hajovsky — July 30, 2007 @ 4:35 pm