Sometimes God laughs at our soccer prayers

Dear Chicken Nugget,

There's a famous film director named Woody Allen who once said, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans."

I've come to believe that God also laughs at prayers during sports events.  Look around the stadium during the last at bat in the bottom of the 9th inning when the home team needs a run for a tie or a win.  There are thousands of fans praying.  Or watch the people in the stands during a penalty kick in the 90th minute when the home team desperately needs a goal.  There are thousands of fans praying.

My personal belief is that God doesn't involve himself in sports events, there are bigger fish to fry in the universe.  But, I sometimes imagine God sending a gust of wind one way or the other just to have a good laugh at fans' reactions during these nail-biting moments. 

One day I'll have to tell you about the World Cup 2010, the first one ever held on the African continent.  Especially the part about how the United States had a very dramatic First Round (which at the time of this entry isn't over). 

Just a few days ago I posted a prayer on the official NY Red Bulls fan blog at NJ.com (yes, your dad is officially a blogger for NJ.com).  I prayed:

Dear Lord, Give our boys the strength, speed, and focus to kick Slovenia back to Europe where they belong.  Amen.

You know what God did?  He laughed.  Slovenia went up 2-0 in the first half and the U.S. came back in dramatic fashion to tie the game - but no win.  So much for sending Slovenia back to Europe.

The point, Chicky, is that God has a great sense of humor; especially in sports.  If you ever need proof, become a Mets fan like me.


Te quiero siempre,

Tu papa

One day, I started a chant

Dear Chicken Nugget,

Today we're on our way to Nebraska to visit your grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousin Timothy.  But, before we fly out, I wanted to share with you that on Saturday night, your dad started a chant at a stadium.

When you're old enough to understand the impact of one person in a stadium holding 25,000 starting a chant, you'll know how big a deal it is.

I was sitting with my friend Anthony in Section 221 of Red Bull Arena watching the NY Red Bulls Home Opener and nearby was a section of Chicago Fire fans.  They had brought drums, trumpets, and fireworks and were singing the whole game.  I was starting to get tired of them and in the 75th minute started with, "Let's Go Red Bulls!"  Anthony joined in and, after a near-goal rally by the Red Bulls, the crowd joined in and soon the chant expanded to the whole stadium.

It was a brief moment but a great one.

And, the NY Red Bulls went on to win their season home opener of 2010.  If you get the chance, look up video footage of the Red Bulls' Season Opener on March 27, 2010 and listen for the crowd's chanting at around minutes 75-76.  I did that.

Looking forward to the days you and I get to start chants together.

Eternally yours,

Your papa

we've got cans of red bull in our trousers

Dear Chicken Nugget,

Your mom and I went to a NY Red Bulls game on Saturday night at the new Red Bull Arena and it was awesome.

It's a big deal because it's the very first soccer specific stadium built in the New York City area.  It's been a dream to have a solid soccer team in this area for a long time and it finally feels like we have one.

I was taught about soccer, or futbol as I like to call it, by my grandfather.  He would watch the important matches on TV and would often have matches he didn't even care about as background when he was doing something else.  When I went to Ecuador as a child I realized that futbol was the sport that made the world go round.  I hope you'll realize this too.

Often my cousins in Ecuador would get me to play a game.  In Ecuador a game can be started in the middle of the street with four rocks to make goalposts and a ball.  Unfortunately, with little practice and little athletic ability, I was awful.  But, the love for the game stuck.  I was just recently thinking that a possible dream job would involve being a sports writer focused on soccer.  How awesome would that be?!?

Your beautiful mom bought me my first Red Bulls jersey last night and I love her for it.  Someday you'll inherit my jersey if you want it - I'm sure it'll be a little retro but I hope retro will still be cool.

Well, after fifteen years of following the local NY-area team, we finally have our own soccer stadium.  Every seat is a good seat, it's got real grass, and the upper level makes incredible noise that I hope will help intimidate the opposition.  When you're old enough to handle the noise, we're totally taking you to the Arena.

I do plan on introducing you to the beautiful game as early as possible and will encourage you to play it so that you stand a better chance at it than me.  Remember, futbol is the game that the whole world plays.  At any given moment, somewhere in the world, soccer is being played.

I want to share futbol with you.  I hope that you'll love it as much as I do.  And, if someday you become a major soccer star, well, how awesome would that be?!?

Eternally yours,

Your papa