DC United @ The Soccerplex?!?

Yes. DC United played the Chicago Fire last night at the Germantown Soccerplex. It was quite ridiculous and loads of fun. It was for the US Open Cup. (I have tried to understand what that is, but I'm afraid I am still a wee bit confused. Sorry Anthony!) It was packed. There were few seats in the small stadium and many were sitting on the grassy knoll.

The first half was a little boring and the crowd seemed disinterested at DC's horrible play. Chicago scored pretty early in the half and with the addition of DC playing bad things did not look good. DC played most of their starters with the exception of Jaime Moreno and Peralto on the bench. We are not sure where Gallardo is, but my bets are that he is in the Argentinian mafia. Halftime soon approached with the score being 1-0, Chicago.

On a side note, Ben Puckett was working a frozen ice stand throughout the entire game. The second half was MUCH better. DC stepped it up and newcomer Francis Doe of Liberia scored his first goal. He played really well and proved to be a great addition to the team. The rest of the half was ruthless. Cards were thrown this and that and fans got anxious to see Chicago star Blanco warming up on the side. The 90th minute ended with the score being 1-1. It was overtime time. Woooo!

Brian Namhoff scored pretty early during the first half of overtime, but it was a long ways from being over. Blanco had entered the game at the start of overtime and was out for some blood. I really cannot stand him. He is a mean old man looking to start fights. Kind of like this guy:



During the second half of overtime Blanco did, in fact, use his old man skills and get a removed from the game by getting a red card. DC United player Marc Burch got one as well. The funny thing is, neither player was involved in the initial incident that caused the huge fight. Clyde Simms got a yellow card for a high kick and Blanco went off (even though he was not the player who got kicked.) He punched Simms and that started a whole mess. Everyeone was fighting! It was right in front of us. Anthony was in soccer heaven, my friend Sarah was thinking, why have I not come to more games, and I was wanting to throw something at Blanco. Marc Burch eventually got a red card for giving Blanco a little shove. I've never been so proud of a DC player.

So it was 10 vs. 10 and the United were able to hold back the Fire and win 2-1. It was an awesome game.

What is the best fight you've seen at a sporting event?