As I sit in Chicago’s Midway Airport awaiting my final leg home, I cannot help but reminisce about this past weekend’s festivities.  Out of all the creative (or corny) titles I could have used (e.g., “David and Goliath”; “East is Be[a]st”; “Dancing with the Stars”; “Cinderella’s Final Dance”, etc.), I believe the current one best reflects my mood at the present time.

Indeed, I have watched and attended previous MLS Cups, but for the first time, Red Bull New York fans could call this MLS Cup “their own.”  While we did not succeed in winning the cup, our boys were out there battling for it.  The angst of 13 years of futility was translated into unconditional pride and passion from sections 117 and 118 in the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

 A diversified group of supporters, Empire Supporters Club, Garden State Supporters, First Row Idiots, and of course, RagingBullNation came together to applaud the final push for the MLS Cup; something none of us thought would have happened this season.  Therein lies the rationale behind the title of this BULLog update.  Special thanks to Corey Vezina from ESC who took on the age-accelerating task of coordinating travel, lodging, tailgating, and stadium logistics.  Truly, Corey, I feel your pain . . .

As perhaps the only RBN National who was able to follow the team’s travels throughout the playoffs, I would be lying if I did not wish that more of our Nationals and Diplomats could have “made the rounds.”  Of course, there are scheduling and financial challenges to this strategy, especially these days.  Nonetheless, it was great to have our “International ManBeast of Mystery” (a legend in HIS own mind), Johnny Toro Rosso at my side, as well as season-ticket Fans #1 and #2, Herb Weltig and Gene Ryknowski, respectively.  Lastly, Caro and ‘Los were there sporting the old “MetroNation” scarf . . .NICE TOUCH!

Each made their own sacrifices to be there, and I believe we can all say that it was worth it.  Yes, it could have been just a LITTLE BIT better, but the experience of being there for YOUR TEAM (certainly, for the first time) was incredible.  Another beneficiary of all the excitement was “Flat Jared,” whom you will see scattered in some of the photos from my travels during the 2008 MLS Playoffs.

Flat Jared is my 7-year-old nephew’s 2nd-grade class project, which is based on the Flat Stanley concept.  Let’s just say Uncle Marc made the most of this opportunity. ;-)  Consequently, all of us basked in the glory of being active participants, including the New York Red Bulls, in MLS’ consummate competition, the MLS Cup Final.

I do wish that Keli Sorrentino (aka “Mama Bull”) and her family (John, Christopher, and Thomas) could have been there to share the experience with us.  Indeed, I believe she earned it, especially after picking up the ball and assuming leadership responsibilities for RBN this season.  I speak from personal experience when I say that is a role that you love to hate and hate to love . . . think about that for bit.   I will not pine too much as The Sorrentinos are cruising the Carribean, I believe.  It’s a toss up folks! 

So, this most special of all Red Bull seasons finally reached its life expectancy, instead of being cut drastically short.  Again, we will all decompress, recharge, and reconvene in April for another MLS Cup campaign, which should not seem like such a “fantasy” anymore, but perhaps an achievable reality!  As a result, there will be lots to do in the off-season, especially as we anticipate the scheduled christening of Red Bull Arena.

Keep up with all the off-season drama here at www.RagingBullNation.net (Thanks, New York Times for screwing that one up), www.nyredbulls.com/, and www.mlsnet.com/.  Either way, there is more drama to be had come Opening Day in April, when MLS will welcome another franchise, Seattle Sounders FC.  As the indomitable Commish, Don Garber, has repeatedly emphasized, 2008 was a special year for MLS, exceeding many if not all expectations . . .

TAKE HOME MESSAGE:  Keep it in perspective . . . There’s a lot more to look forward to from the Red Bulls and MLS going forward in the long run.  See you all next season!

 YIRB
CT