Great turn out of Akron fans. Kudos to all who attended.
Great little tailgate with 4 friends prior to the match. Enjoyed talking with some of the Timbers fans who wandered by, and happy to see some of my friends get copies of the Timbers Army chants for the match.
Went in as soon as the gates opened. Talked with Wil and Chad as soon as they came out of the tunnel for warm ups. I can't thank Wil and Chad enough for taking the time. Chad's parents then came down to say "hi" and we proceeded to catch Pablo Moreira (who is now a video analyst for the Timbers), Michael Nanchoff, and Darlington when they came out.
Great to be there for Wil Trapp's debut. A group of his high school friends were sitting behind me. I chimed in with the "Wil Trapp fan club" when he was announced and throughout the match. In the first half, Wil and Darlington were battling a number of times on my side of the field. Wish I'd have been able to get some good pictures, but it doesn't really matter...I was there.
So much fun to eventually see 5 former Zips on the field together and Caleb Porter coaching from the visitors bench. It was fun to see Darlington, Ben, and eventually Michael Nanchoff go up against Wil and Chad. What an awesome day in Columbus. When the match was over, Caleb came over to say hi to someone else he knew in the stands a few feet away from me. He noticed me and shook my hand. I really wish I could get to Portland to see a Timbers match at Jeld-Wen. Down a man and the Timbers held their own on the road. I was torn between the 2 sides, kind of hoping for a tie, but happy for Chad and Wil in the end.
I also caught up with a number of Rowdies after the game, talked with Wil Trapp's parents, and a number of other Akron alumni.
This was a special game which I was really happy to attend. I hope the Crew keep starting Wil and Chad...I'll keep going.