…or Pat Onstad, for that matter.
Yesterday’s game was everything a Dynamo fan could have hoped for. It was what the game is all about: hair-pulling despair and nail-biting nervousness in the first half, rewarded with an explosive, manic jubilance in the second. Any game that can give me goosebumps for almost two straight hours is a good game by me.
God bless our boys — their heart, hard work and determination are unmatched by any team in the league. And I mean team. We don’t have — and don’t need — any huge stars or bloated salaries, just a great group of guys, teammates who know how to work together and get the job done. And God bless our supporters — the Texian Army and El Batallon, who took buses and planes and cars and did whatever it took to get up to RFK and be the 12th man for our guys. If yesterday didn’t prove to the world that we have the best team and the best supporters in the league, then I don’t know what will.
Pat’s amazing save in the second half nearly stopped my heart. It kills me to know that this is his last year, but his presence will endure on the pitch. He’s a great player, a good sport, a big brother to the other players, and is incredibly humble and kind, especially to his fans. Pat will definitely be missed next year.
And DeRo. The man took his beautiful family with him to the press conference afterwards, with his little boy trailing along and carrying his dad’s MVP trophy behind him. While DeRo didn’t have the best season, technically speaking, he pulled it out in the end and that’s all that matters. And how can you not have mad love for a true family man and proud papa?
And, finally, my favorite picture of the game — hometown boy Stuart Holden leaping into the crowd of Houston supporters after the game. This picture captures everything I love about the Dynamo: the exuberance and vivacity of the players, the way they embrace the fans and the supporters’ stalwart solidarity. Felicidades Dynamo!
And if you want to see other bloggers’ opinions on yesterday’s match, check these guys out:
All photos courtesy of James Nielsen.
Chelsea Hotel No. 2 