Thursday, April 9, 2009

DC is closer than we think...

Even if it was painful, you could understand the struggle to build a Soccer Specific Stadium in the shadows of the Wasatch Mountain range. What, if anything, had the fledgling franchise accomplished in it's first few years in the league besides mediocrity (if it was that good)? Those who considered themselves die-hard soccer fans, and even occasional supporters, rose every morning with a singular purpose in starting the day...would we or wouldn't we? Downtown, West-Side, Sandy, Provo, was hotly debated amongst the fans but the local media seemed to dash our hopes at every print run. "Soccer would be a bust with the tax payers holding the bag when the league goes belly up", they said. "Why should our taxes pay for something that profits private business", was just one of the misconceptions perpetuated by the haters of the beautiful game. Then, the death blow, Mayor Caroon betrayed his earlier supportive stance armed with on an economic study from a third party. It was done. It may seem like ages ago, but the battlescars are only beginning to heal on the hearts of the RSL supporters. As we celebrate our beautiful new venue each and every week through spring, summer, and fall, we must now turn our support to our brethren from the Northeast who are waging their own struggle with the powers that be. This Saturday, Screaming Eagles, welcome to Rio Tinto Stadium, the arena that nobody wanted. Though the pain is now upon you, take comfort, it will come, after all , they can't say to you...."what have you accomplished?"