2012 Vancouver Away #1: Point Taken

Aaaaahh it's Derby time folks! Starting off where the Sounders seized the Cascadia Cup last year, The Sounders travel to Vancouver to meet the Whitecaps for the first time in the newly remodeled BC Place. Over a 1000 fans traveled by car, bus and train to support the Rave Green.

Our trip started eary, and again we opted for the DIY method of away travel driving up the morning of the game. This time we were greeted by our good friend Benson and his two boys, Miles and Jack. Meeting up in the West End on Denman St. and strolling down Robson to the designated meeting area. We arrived at the parking lot two and half hours before kick-off, and it was already rocking. The ECS and their six bus loads of supporters made good time and were well lubricated and ready. Tickets granted by blueeyedbuddhist (Paul Cox) and we joined in the march to the match.

Benny and the boys

Nothing beats the feeling of rocking another city's stadium. As our march snaked it's way into the North entrance of BC Place, then into the concourse we were greeted by smiling concessionaires, except one as seen here:

Once in the stadium, the view was spectacular. This is one beautiful stadium, if not a bit unorthodox. The remodel included removing the inflated dome, adding a nest of suspension cables to support the canvas overhangs and the HUGE high-def big-screen hanging over the middle of the field. The screen is a gem, I remarked at the time it was like watching Fifa on PlayStation it was so crisp. With natural daylight allowed in it does make for some interesting shadows on the artificial surface. We were finally joined by our friends Eric and Beatrice also on their first away trip.

Miles, Jack, Marnye & I

The pregame entertainment was a treat - the UEFA Champions League final: Bayern Munich v. Chelsea FC.  Unfortunately the match went to overtime and had to be turned off (to boos from the crowd) to begin the pre-game festivities.  The ECS warmed up the crowd with a 10 minute extended play version of "Sky of Blue, Sea of Green" just to set the tone. Across the stadium the two or three Whitecaps banners sang nothing in response.  Undeterred more ECS standards were let loose on the filling stadium. At the next break all that could be heard were crickets.

The pre-game pageantry included a pitch-fired firework display that filled the place with smoke. I wish teams wouldn't do that it's a disaster for photographers and for TV.

Crazy shadows - but I loved the big screen.

There's some familiar faces in there! credit: ECS Photo

Once the game was underway we were beholden to our capos. No chant would not be given anything short of full voice. The stadium was ours. To their credit at a few times, the Southsiders could be heard, but they still have a long ways to go. The only real fan interaction was later int he game when the Sounders were down 2-1, a few Whitecap fans had brought their friends from that scummy town to the south and they mustered the courage to shout a few things at the Brougham Faithful. A few chants back, plus a gorgeous goal by Fredy made them quiet down quickly.

This is what "going mental after a goal" looks like

Looking back at the match, the first half was hard to watch. The home side did well to open up the midfield and put unnecessary pressure on our back line and on our keeper. Sigi made good use of the mid-game break, shifted the alignment and made an un-typical substitution from Caskey to Rose to hold the midfield. the difference was evident with better possession and some great opportunities for Fredy. The lucky bounce on a free kick got us behind, and I won't lie, the last eight minutes of the match I had visions of a Cascadia loss in my head.  Meredith's huge boot, Eddie's headed pass and some magic work by Fredy left Whitecaps center defender Jay Demerit on the ground and the ball in the back of the net.

Point taken. Match well enjoyed.