Travel Day 1: CFC Azul vs. Boston Victory

I'm not what you'd call a "planner." At least not in the classical sense. Perhaps in the post-modern sense. But certainly not classical.

Case in point: I planned - or more accurately, hastily sketched out on a napkin - my first trip for this blog for the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend.

I never said I was the sharpest tool in the shed.

Before I knew it, I was on the road. And in a rare instance of mother nature providing the appropriate metaphor for my severely nearsighted disposition, I was met with a shroud of murkiness as I approached the on-ramp to I-95 in Providence.

Though heavy traffic was promised, it wasn't long before I was greeted by this sight.

Yes, the bright lights of East Haven High School Field. And let's be honest for a minute here: is there not a more welcoming sight in sports than the shining light towers? Seriously? Am I wrong?

With about two hours until game time, I decided to take a couple of more shots.

#swag

After checking out the scene, and catching up with former Revolution midfielder Ryan Kinne and coach Dave Kelly, I meandered toward this eye-catching display.

Let me just say this: scarves that include the phrase "til I die" - especially at the fourth division level - is exactly what makes this journey so awesome. Don't get me wrong: everyone is entitled to root for the team of their heart's desire. But when that team happens to play within a short drive/bike ride? America wins.

Speaking of enthusiam, I was fortunate to be able to chat with members of the visually-referenced Blue Militia. Here they are, in pre-game mode.

These guys meant business. I mean, they've got a bullhorn. You don't mess with a guy carrying a bullhorn. That's a rule.

Anyway, after chatting with them about the team and their obvious pride for for all things Azul, it was almost time to take in a game. And what a night it was for soccer!

From my perch in the pressbox, it was all you could ask for: seasonable weather, great soccer from the home team (who went up 2-0 early thanks to former Revolution midfielder Ryan Kinne, whom I interviewed prior to the game (video coming...promise!), but more importantly, scored two goals inside of ten minutes. Needless to say, the Azul faithful were pleased. Very pleased. See...and see...

From there, it was everyone's favorite time: MASCOT TIME!!!!!!!!!!

Sadly, I did not catch the anthropomorphic soccer ball's name. But much to my delight, he entertained the kiddos, most of whom were cheerfully blowing into their vuvuzelas for much of the game.

Meanwhile - there was a game in progress! Of course, I dutifully followed it along all the while taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas that encompassed the stadium. But the game itself was howler - 6-0 in favor of the Azul.

Of note: the 6-0 win was the first in Azul history. Of course, this may or may not have been attributable to my presence. Historians will likely debate this for centuries.


But before I knew it, the show was over. After conducting post-game chats with Coach Kelly, Ryan, Mario DiMecili and owner Steve Coxon, it was time time to depart.

It'll be hard to top this trip, first one off the list. Although the Azul will play at four different stadia this summer, the experience was great.

The Azul people are super friendly, the on the field product looks like it's capable of putting together a solid season, and a legit supporter's group at any fourth division club is always a huge plus. Free vuvuzelas were distributed to the kiddos, and although I didn't make it to the concession stand, I'm not going to argue with the sandwiches provided.

In closing, it looks like fourth division soccer is alive and well in the Nutmeg State. And it's about time!

No, it was not by accident you stumbled here. It was fate.

Welcome to the blog that loves soccer. Specifically, soccer in New England. So much so that it decided to create itself for the sole purpose of documenting the sport in the unspoiled land that is Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Yes, this blog is a sentient being...

OK, so maybe it isn't.

Anyway, the reason why I created this blog is two-fold. The first reason is to document, first-hand, the soccer landscape within the region. After all, the Revolution aren't the only ticket in town. Second, it gives me a good excuse to watch more soccer. And who doesn't like more soccer?

Before I go any further, I'd like to thank two people who inspired me to undertake this project.

The first is Ben Hill of Ben's Biz Blog fame, one of the most utterly awesome sports blogs in the universe. Seriously, I'd gladly trade my autographed 1994 Topps card of Tony Meola in a New York Jets uniform if I could write as colorfully as him.

The next is Steve Bayley, who currently publishes the Deep in the Pyramid blog. After faithfully reading all of his posts at least five times each, I've slept better knowing that my fascination with lower division soccer isn't something to be ashamed about.

Anyway, I welcome you to kick back, relax, and allow me to be your guide for an exploration of the beautiful game in the part of the country where it first flourished.