And here’s why there’s a delay @GilletteStadium right now. @NERevolution v @HoustonDynamo #NEvHOU #NERevs #… https://t.co/5uvZwLCzNa
— NESoccerToday.com (@NESoccerToday) August 16, 2015
Sometimes the unexpected and the abrupt can be fun.
Nothing epitomizes that sentiment more than what took place at Gillette Stadium on Saturday night and early Sunday morning, when horrid rain and lightning forced two weather postponements, totaling around three hours of delay, before the Revolution finally beat the Houston Dynamo 2-0.
Now I totally understand that this past weekend wasn’t a happy experience for everyone. All of the 21,723 that attended the game got wet. Many were irked by the long delays and decided to clear out before the game ended just after 1:00 a.m. on Sunday. Some, no doubt, had to console children who were stir crazy and frightened by the ongoing thunderclaps.
But there was evidence of enjoyment, unsinkable team spirit, and resilience on the part of the fans, many of which stayed in Foxborough from the opening kick-off just after 7:30 p.m. all the way to the final whistle. To be sure, it was a small percentage that remained. But the roar that came from the stands when Jose Goncalves opened the scoring in the 68th minute was louder than all the rolls of thunder—and that was special.
If you want some proof of how committed Revolution fans are, check this out:
@NERevolution honestly this was the best part of the last delay ???? pic.twitter.com/qPmii3xgOU
— Jess (@jessr3018) August 16, 2015
The Gillette Stadium press box was certainly an interesting place to be while all this was happening. You’re humbled, safely seated in doors while fans “bless the rains” and face the chaos, either by huddling close in the Gillette Stadium concourse or by choosing to make the treacherous drive home.
My press box seat is next to that of my very good friend and mentor Frank Dell’Apa, a long-time Boston Globe writer who is a bevy of soccer knowledge. I grew up as a Revolution season ticket holder that would attend games on Saturdays and then read Frank’s account of the games in Boston Sunday Globe. It’s always kind of surreal to be in that press box seat now, next to him, watching games unfold and listening to his commentary.
It was especially surreal on Saturday—and not only because of what was going on around us. Let me explain: my favorite Dell’Apa game story is that of the U.S.’ 1-1 tie with Italy in the 2006 World Cup. Frank and I agree that that was probably one of the wackiest games we’ve ever seen. The U.S. was starting that tournament the way they started the 1990 World Cup: a gutting loss to the Czechs and then falling behind 1-0 to Italy. The game also featured an own goal, three red cards, two goals disallowed for offside, and a Kaiserslautern crowd that included a huge concentration of American troops from nearby Ramstein Air Force Base cheering like mad for the Yanks.
This weekend was my U.S.-Italy match in Kaiserslautern. It was a rain-soaked, thunder-filled, topsy-turvy affair, but it was certainly one to remember.
Here are a few extra notes:
- The Revolution’s press corps and team communications staff were struggling to figure out when the last weather delay at Gillette Stadium was. Originally, we thought that this had been the first. But surprisingly—and actually quite scary, too—the game was being played on the eve of the 12th anniversary of the last weather delay at Gillette Stadium: Aug. 16, 2003.
The Revolution tied the San Jose Earthquakes 1-1 that day. Ronnie Ekelund opened the scoring with a free kick early in the first half, then Taylor Twellman knotted it up in the second. Back then there was overtime, if you can believe that. The game was postponed for nearby lightning for 26 minutes before play restarted. Thank you to Justin Pearson of Revolution communications for remembering that key date.
- Saturday/Sunday’s game may have been the latest final whistle in an East Coast game in MLS history. The final whistle blew just after midnight on Sunday.
- Additionally, this may have been the first MLS game in which goals were scored in two separate days. I apologize for saying “may.” Statistics on this stuff are hard to come by.
- With all the focus on the weather delay, it was lost on many that it was Jay Heaps’ bobble head night. Jay Heaps had no comment on what he’s going to do with his bobble head.
- Jermaine Jones got the start on Saturday, playing 45 minutes. Word is he could have played 60. With another bye-week coming up, he’ll have more time to get closer to match fitness.
- The Revolution has 10 games left, all against Eastern Conference opponents. Matches against NYCFC, Orlando, and Toronto are the most crucial.
- Guy who should have scored this weekend, but didn’t? Lee Nguyen.
That said, Nguyen did an incredible job working through the midfield and setting up both goals.
- During the delay, Frank and I were doing Revs Trivia. We talked about how three weeks ago, all three of the Revolution’s goals against Toronto were off a set piece.
Only one other time in history have the Revolution scored three goals off set pieces in the same game. Can you name it? Prize if you do.
If you want to reach Julian email him at julianccardillo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @juliancardillo
