Bicycle Sighting in Chicago

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 05:35:43 GMT

Note to R.S.: I hope that you were watching the Fire-Wizards game tonight.

Since the World Cup began nearly a month ago, I've seen a handful of attempted bicycle kick goals and passes. But to see one of these nearly impossible maneuvers successfully executed, to see a live, in-the-flesh, bona fide bicycle kick goal, all I needed to do was attend the Chicago Fire-Kansas City Wizards game tonight at Toyota Park.

Chicago's Andy Herron was the hero, scoring the game's only goal shortly after the start of the second half. I can't even remember exactly how the ball came to him in the box, nor the precise way that he came to control it above his head as he fell with his back to the goal...It was regrettable that our seats were pretty far down toward the other end of the field, as it would have been even more amazing to have watched it happen right in front of us (our seats were in the 8th row) in the first half. But who's complaining?

I could have taken some great pictures tonight, had I not been such a softy about letting the The Girl slither out of her promise to loan me her camera for the game. You see, she was going off with some friends to picnic and watch fireworks and it was, after all, her brand-new birthday gift. So I went camera-less yet again and missed some great shots of the Barnburners' wild celebrations of the goal. They were in their customary block behind the east-end goal, drums pounding, vast flags waving, scarves twirling above their heads, in full voice for nearly the entire game. I could have photographed the Fire players as they walked across the pitch toward the Barnburners after the final whistle, acknowledging & applauding their most loyal supporters. C.J. Brown even made a special trip to greet some fans in the corner just a few rows down from us.

Seems like the Fire have settled in to their new home quite nicely, doesn't it?

About that other game today...

The outcome was a disappointment, but certainly not in a league with the US and England's departures from Germany. And of course, Germany will not depart from Germany. We'll see them again (mit Torsten Frings), on Saturday in the consolation game. It was an entertaining game, made more so by a referee who wasn't taken in by any, ahem, playacting. Full marks must be given to the Italians for maintaining a stingy defense and a resilient offense. Maybe the Azzurri deserve credit most of all for being undaunted by the sea of German supporters as well as their host's long unbeaten streak in Dortmund. Whatever. Fabio Grosso's goal was more than worthy to be the winner of a World Cup semifinal game--it was audacious and dazzling.

And the look of wild, astonished joy on Grosso's face after he scored was worthy of a World Cup semifinal too.

Soccer Orb: Chicago Fire

Bicycle Sighting in Chicago