On the First Austin FC Game We Ever Got to See

It’s preseason of Austin FC’s debut into MLS, and yesterday, at long last, we got to see the team in action. Actual home kits (though without names on the back), on an actual grass field (though without stands, let alone fans in them), against an actual top-level opponent (though it was just Houston, in a glorified friendly).

There are a lot of aspects of this first-ever “gameday” experience to consider, and we’re giving the organization the benefit of the doubt … Read the rest “On the First Austin FC Game We Ever Got to See”

On the McKalla Concessions Announcement

Austin FC has announced their local-forward food concession plans, based on a new “hospitality team” brand collaboration with the Levy company: 512 Food Co.

When doors open in June 2021, Q2 Stadium visitors will have a breadth of local favorites available throughout Q2 Stadium. 512 Food Co. is committed to partnering with the Austin restaurant community, and it will continue to identify future opportunities to work with small businesses of all cultures and tastes.

Their initial roster of more … Read the rest “On the McKalla Concessions Announcement”

Jadon Sanch goal celebration: "Justice for George Floyd"

“Justice for George Floyd”

(and a yellow card for Borussia Dortmund’s English forward, Jadon Sancho)

Something to tide us over until that NWSL tournament: that little league in England may be back in a few weeks. Man City v Arsenal and (the big one) Aston Villa v Sheffield United “set to be played on a Wednesday night before a full round of action on 20 June.”

Houston Chronicle: Why Aren’t the Dynamo Bigger?

empty seats at BBVA stadium

Interesting article in the Houston Chronicle last week, wondering why the established team there isn’t better supported: Dynamo know they should be bigger in Houston:

Attendance issues have mirrored the club’s on-field struggles. After ranking in the top 10 from 2006-15 and placing fourth as recently as 2012, the Dynamo fell to 17th in 2017. According to the Sports Business Journal, the Dynamo only topped five teams in 2018 average attendance in early August.

An Aug. 3 match between

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Relocation Grudges Past & Future

Historic USA Map

by Chris G.

I hated Orlando after the Aztex (“1.0”) moved there. I hated Orlando a lot. I wished nothing but the worst for that team, top to bottom. I wanted that owner and his greedy and misguided plans to not just fail, but to fail spectacularly. Here’s a bit of what I wrote at the time on my blog, The Aztexan:

I hope Orlando The City Beautiful City Soccer City Club SC or whatever the fuck

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This is it! #WorldCup FINAL DAY! As a last #AWCHQ preview for #FRACRO, here’s what that FourFourTwo guide I bought said about these teams. First, alphabetically, Croatia:

Most Likely To… – Fail to live up to a billing of dark horses. Croatia are long shots to be long shots.

What Croatia Hope Will Happen – Apart from to match the achievement of Croatia’s bronze-winning heroes of ’98 and win back the nation’s hearts…?

What Will Happen – If they don’t

Read the rest “”

WHAT a gameday. #URU v #FRA & #BRA v #BEL in quarterfinals. South America v Europe, fought on two fronts! Too bad I have to “work”; I’ll be sneak-watching #URUFRA & time-shifting #BRABEL. What does this amazing #WorldCup have in store today? #AWCHQ ⚽️

Probably long past the point of spoiling today’s games, but: both of today’s games were good, and the 2nd (#BEL v #JPN) was amazing. Just rewatched the 2nd half: no bunkering, no fouling, no crying for fouls, just attack, attack, attack. So fantastic. #AWCHQ ⚽️