by Ethan Johnson
May 20, 2007

Unfortunately, this game was not televised (as far as I'm concerned) so I don't have my recorded safety net to fall back on. Here are my rough observations, and if you really want to know what goes on in Pepperoni Park, I can give you the number to a great FC Dallas account rep. My camera was working OT anyway, so let's re-live the exciting in-game action:

Some "ball kids" waiting for the game to start:

The starting XI introductions. I know my audience, and chose my shots wisely.

After weeks of threats, a few smoke bombs were unleashed in Secion 116. Koff, koff.

Some exciting first-half action. Juan Toja (ladies...) at left, Carlos Ruiz (personal physicians...) in the foreground/right.

More random first-half action. If this were the "other" kind of football, that would be holding. Or something. Nothing that the ref felt like calling a foul on in this version of football.

Just so you know, Juan Toja (ladies...) is fookin' insane. I mean, Superman and the Flash have nothing on him. He's on the far right of the field. The the left. Then a sliding tackle somewhere else. And so on. Which played hell with my so-called "good" camera. Here's a nice blurry action shot for you.

My favorite account rep Kevin made an appearance this time. Hi Kevin!

GOOOOOOOOL FC Dallas! No idea how it happened, but hooray!

Pablo Ricchetti is one of the newest members of the FCD gang. The larger resolution pic might make nice computer wallpaper for anyone who is into that stuff. Contact me if interested.

And now a word from the forum I have been spending way too much free time in. Shout-out to the forum goons, and nice meeting you, Warren!

So anyway, Shaka who...?

The instant I saw this on the sideline I had to get this shot. It just cries out "caption contest", doesn't it? It does indeed. Kenny Cooper gets warm-up assistance from Shaka Who.

Freddie Adu (RSL's star player) in a calm moment with Juan Toja. Adu drew chants of "over-rated!" Brilliant.

Dario Sala working the crowd after a save.

GOOOOOOOOOOL FC Dallas otra vez! Un otra gol para FC Dallas!

Dario Sala calling for NOISE in the final moments of the game.

Dallas wins 2-1. #1 in the West! Yah hoo!!

FYI, visual evidence that the Frisco police know their surroundings and have found them to be tame enough. They didn't flinch when smoke bombs were ignited, and amazingly didn't freak out when someone lit road flares. It's pretty amazing that the cops are so relaxed (apparently) but on hand as needed. Just a little something for you MLS teams with less tolerant security.

Ready for the next home game on June 9? <EM>

(Much, much more virtual ink has been spilled by me about Major League Soccer. The fledgling but growing MLS article archive may be found here.)