I started this entry on March 11, 2021 a full year after a global pandemic was declared. I’ve been a little slow to post it, but hey that’s just where we are right now. In previous posts I’ve noted that 2020 was a difficult year for almost everyone in our community, particularly for underrepresented and marginalized community members. The murder of George Floyd, the protests that followed, the contentious 2020 election and failed insurrection that followed in January all occurring in the midst of a global pandemic. As I’ve noted before soccer has been largely secondary or really further down the list of priorities. Still as symbolic as collective action can feel in sports, sports, impact and are impacted by society. There is a deeper history at the intersection of sport and social change, one that deserves a much longer discussion and it’s a topic I look forward to exploring as this blog progresses.
For now, since I believe we can do multiple things at once, it’s time to take a step back and welcome the MLS season that is upon us. Of course, I’ve been following my EPL forever team, West Ham United bring together a magical year (Champions League or Bust!). Yet, as thrilling as they have been to watch across the pond, it doesn’t quite compare to sitting at Alliance Field listening to the chats of “Minnesota Black and Blue” serenade throughout the stadium. Then a post here, a schedule there, a little bit of signing news everywhere and it hit me. We are only a month a WEEK away from the opening of the MLS season!
The Loons will open with a repeat of the 2020 Western Conference Championship rematch against the Seattle Sounders. Last year’s match ended up being thrilling, but also sad as the Loons just fell short losing 3 to 2 to the Sounders who went on to lose to the Columbus Crew. The Sounders have retooled and I see that the odds makers in Vegas are currently slotting the Sounders just behind LAFC to win MLS Cup in 2021. Playing in Seattle, against the Sounders in April is a tough hill to climb, though in recent years the Sounders have started slow in the spring before beginning their steamroller-like roll into the fall.
For now, I’m just happy to be back, paying a little more attention to the Loons and thinking about when I’ll get back to the stadium, or at least the Black Hart for a game. Welcome back Loonies, spring is around the corner with maybe one more orange ball game in our future before May.
12th Loon 