We Love You Long Tan

I was at Bell Pitch downtown tonight for the second to last game of the season where the Vancouver Whitecaps pulled off their very first back-to-back win of the season!  Thats right folks, the 'Caps won another one tonight with a score of 2-1 against DC United who were hoping to come out of this with an easy win to gain a playoff spot.  However, the Caps weren't so willing to give up this win.  The crowds were still coming in thru the doors when the first Whitecaps goal was scored by Camillo.  Thats another reason i'm glad there are TV screens up at the Gate entrances.

I was positioned at Gate A again with my volunteer partner of  3 yrs, Margo.   Together with a few Langara College interns, we gave out programs and answered questions and helped people find their way to their seats.  I met more of my Season Ticket holder families from our Swangard days and they were even saying it was like our family was reunited again!  It certainly did feel like it.

Bobby Lenarduzzi was signing autographs for his new book "A Canadian Soccer Story" on the second level and vowed to stay and autograph until the last person in line was done.  Gotta love him.

For the second half of the match, the volunteers and I went and sat in our area below the media box between Sections 204-207.  The roof was open again tonight and thank god it didn't rain.  It was extremely chilly inside however but the view of the moon right above the open roof with dark clouds shadowing it at times was beautiful to see thru the sparkling lights.  We stayed there with the Whitecaps Youth Team around us.  They get to come in and watch the games for free if they have their passes with them.  Great bunch of young guys.  The best goal of the night was obviously when Long Tan scored the second goal and what also was the winning goal of the night.  DC United came back with a goal but it was too late.

Eric Hassli substituted Long Tan towards the end of the game to a standing ovation in appreciation for Long Tan.  Then the cheers for Eric Hassli started ringing out from the Southsiders corner.  He is obviously a favorite among them.  Can't blame them.  He's had some pretty amazing goals this year.  One in particular comes to mind against the Seattle Sounders.

Close to the end of the game, we all headed back to our gates to say goodbye to everyone leaving and then headed downstairs to the East Airlock to give in our reports of the day.  The people left happy and smiling. My fellow volunteer, David and I talked to one fan waiting for skytrain who was amazed they won back to back...she said that it felt like the season had just started for this young MLS team.  Hmmmmm...maybe they should have moved into BC Place sooner.  Hopefully they can earn their last win of the season on October 22nd against the Colorado Rapids.

One thing to note is that with this win, the Vancouver Whitecaps are no longer at the bottom of the MLS League.  They have surpassed the New England Revolution for the 17th spot.  Woots!!

Can't believe there's only one game left.....feeling kinda sad now.  Come out and support your Vancouver Whitecaps at their last match of the season.  I'm sure they won't disappoint.