How the San Jose game was my favorite

It has been a while since I have written here.  Work got so busy I was unable to continue my week to week MLS previews and predictions.  Personally I have to give it up to Denz for the great work he does week after week and the dedication he has to this site.

Tonight though was something special for me personally.  Not sure how many saw it from the stands but Will Johnson threw his jersey into our section and I was lucky enough to get it.  The jersey went to my son Nick.  He'll be 12 in just barely over a month and he plays the game.  I can tell you now he's an RSL fan 4 life.  Why wasn't he before?  More after the jump.

You see, Nick and his brother Tyler live in Vancouver, WA.  For those who don't know this is just across the river from Portland.  The Timbers are huge there, and I can't say I blame them, the Timbers have something special in that area.

Now why would this matter to the average RSL fan?  Probably doesn't.  It does to me though.  You see I don't get many opportunities to see them.  It's a tough thing that would take way too long to explain but needless to say when I do get the chance I try to make sure Nick gets at least one live game in.  He plays youth soccer, he has ability that I never did as a kid, and we all know from our own past experiences that if we dedicate ourselves at that age to something we have a chance of doing something with it.  He does.  To have Will throw that jersey up and for my kid to put that sweaty piece of clothing on and be happy to do so it makes me proud.  I'm excited that he wants it as much as he does, and I hope that with having it he puts more effort into knowing Will.

Will is a hard worker.  He doesn't score often, he isn't flashy, he isn't a superstar.  What he is though is a hard worker, a great team player, and has always been one of my favorite players.  This offseason I was greatly appreciative to find him signing a contract that keeps him here until 2014.  His work ethic is something to admire for someone so young.  

Once Nick had the jersey he went straight to the bathrooms to put it on and then handed off his team store bought jersey to his brother, who by his own admission didn't like soccer.  That changed tonight when I convinced him he'd have a good time if he came to a game.  Another fan made.

So to RSL I say "Thank you" for putting on a great show tonight with solid play.  Yes we caught a break, but how many have other teams caught against us?  

To Will I say "THANK YOU!", you made a special experience happen not only for my kid, but for me.  I had to fight for it.  Someone sitting in the row in front of me really wanted it too.  I can't say I blame him, and I appreciate him giving it up.  Even when I thanked him for doing so he kind of was a bit of a jerk, but I can forgive it easily.  

The reason it got thrown to us though I have to give credit to my friend Justin.  First he got an actual reaction out of Convey.  After yelling at him Convey yelled back and we laughed, for all of our efforts no opposing player had ever turned on us.  The second reason was because of his voice carrying as well as it does telling Will that he we appreciated his constant effort I have to think that was part of it.  

The game was great, the score wonderful, and I loved that Wondo tossed a tizzy but what I will remember even over the 4-0 line is that Will visited section 1 and did what he did.