The Houston Dynamo – Kickoff
Monday, March 30th, 2009
The 2 MLS Trophies
The 2009 MLS season has begun, which doesn’t really seem like it should be a big deal in Texas, where football is king. Well, here at Stanandlou we are some excited about fútbol.
One of our new clients on the roster is the Houston Dynamo, Houston’s very own Major League Soccer team. I, for one, was very excited about the new addition, being that I am Dynamo-crazy.
Pat Onstad
My first experience with the Dynamo was their 2007 playoff game against F.C. Dallas. They went on after that game to win the 2007 MLS Championship. I was hooked. I never considered myself a soccer fan, but the atmosphere was amazing. The Texian Army and Batallon (imagine an entire section of fans, jumping, chanting, playing instruments, throwing streamers for 90 minutes) lifted the energy of the entire stadium. I knew that Dynamo games were going to become a regular part of my life here in Houston.
Last year I spent learning all the players names, brushing up on soccer penalties and rules, and toying with the idea of sneaking into the Batallon’s section. This year is going to be the best year yet. How could it not be? It started off with a bang: the Kickoff Luncheon.
Dynamo Diesel was there, hanging out with the players and Dynamo Girls. Brandy scored a hug. How cute, right?
The luncheon opened with a silent auction of all kinds of cool Dynamo gear – signed jerseys, signed soccer balls, T-shirts, etc. There were also things up for grabs like lunch with Stuart Holden or Oliver Luck.
They introduced the roster - there are a few new players this year – Julius James, Danny Cruz, and Tyler Deric. Each table had one of the guys sitting at it. We got to sit with the Assistant Coach, John Spencer, a veteran soccer player turned coach.
During the lunch, there was a Q&A section with the players. Questions ranged from strategy to “what is your favorite video game?” The players all were good sports about the whole thing. They seem like a great group of guys.
After the luncheon was coming to an end, I swallowed my pride and ran to get autographs. I managed to get pictures and autographs from some of my favorite players: Pat Onstad, Brian Ching, Stuart Holden, Chris Wondolowski and Corey Ashe. I even got pictures with them! I was so excited/nervous my face was bright pink!
I am looking forward to the rest of the season. The homeopener was a great success. Over 16,000 fans turned out March 21st, one of the larger attendances for a homeopener this year in the MLS.
I will be Forever Orange!
