Z/Web

Cool game! This was my first MLS game not at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, and I’d definitely like to experience games at other stadiums. (Maybe I’ll go to LA for a game sometime.) Giants Stadium was not what I expected. First, getting there was easy: take the subway to the Port Authority bus terminal, then ride the shuttle bus to the stadium. We were dropped off right in front, with a shorter walk than those who parked in the parking lot! The stadium itself is a huge bowl. The seats were so vertical that they were all good, though some were in the sun or under an overhang (and hot). I was surprised by how close the field felt even though we were high above it. The game itself was great: Andy Williams scored first with a terrific power shot, followed by Diallo on a PK, and Davis with a fantastic blast from outside the box. Twellman got one for New England just at the end of the half, but it was all New York before that. Diallo got another just seconds into the second half, but the Revs didn’t give up, coming back with great goals from Steve Ralston (who pegged one from the top of the box) and Hernandez (who’s shot was the farthest of all, from maybe 45 yards out). Great stuff and an amazing display of long-range shooting. Final: 4-3 New York.

Giants stadium was cool because there were TVs everywhere so you could keep up with the action and watch replays (even at the concession stand). Unfortunately, the food was expensive and not great: $5 for a feeble excuse for nachos (a bag of chips and a little bit of cheese and salsa).

This game was part of a double-header, so we got to see Brazil’s Santo take on Scotland’s Rangers. Unfortunately, the Rangers weren’t that enthusiastic, and lost 1-0. That’s typical of exhibition games. The coach took out Flo, one of my favorite players at half-time, a sign that the game wasn’t real.