MLS in Chattanooga - This Really is Football!

Even though this is primarily a music blog, it was inevitable that the Liverpool FC supporter in me would eventually have to pull out a football post!   Today I attended my first Major League Soccer game - a friendly hosted by Chattanooga FC.  With 4378 other football lovers, I sat in a bitter north wind and watched the New England Revolution win over the Columbus Crew, 2-1.



The Crew warming up in a stadium.

I mention the wind because it was miserably cold, even for early March.  The weatherman had promised a little sun and mid-upper 50s, but it was 42°F and that wind 12 mph at kickoff.  For my European readers, that puts the wind chill temperature right around 0°C.  Collegiate American football stadiums are not built to shelter anyone, after all no one plays in them past bowl season.  Chattanooga FC plays at Finlay Stadium,  home of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team.  Considered a jewel on the southside of the city, it was cold as ice today.  I felt this was appropriate for my first major league experience.   Why else would I need a scarf? 



Announcing the lineups.

 The game started impressively for the Crew.  They dominated possession of the ball for most of the first half, with several shots on goal failing to find the net.  With the MLS season starting soon, the players were giving their all to impress coaches and secure their positions on their teams.  I really thought that the Crew would connect for a goal at any moment.  Yet in spite of the Crew's control of the action, Revolution scored after winning a corner and they led at half time, 1-0.

For the second half, both teams replaced their entire rosters, allowing everyone time on the pitch.  The Revs came into the second half with better rhythm and picked up their game.  At 80 minutes they scored off a blocked shot following a corner making it 2-0.

At the 90 minute mark, the Crew's Heinemann finally broke away with the ball, stepped around the goalkeeper and found the goal making the final score 2-1, Revolution. In all it was fantastic soccer.  No! This was fantastic FOOTBALL! 

There were a few Arsenal fans in the crowd around me, including a twitter acquaintance, Matt, who came up and introduced himself and gave his congratulations on Liverpool's trouncing of Manchester United earlier today.  I am looking forward to the Chattanooga FC season and the home opener against Knoxville May 21st with all the local faithful and the chanting, drum banging, cowbell clanging, Chattahooligans.  So come on Liverpool supporters among you - please give me a wave and a shout! I want to find you!  YNWA!

For more pictures of today's friendly see the NE Revolution's photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nerevolution/5504169106/in/set-72157626211132102/