The LD Factor

Iggy's, downtown, has officially become the coolest eating establishment I have ever visited. For the game they gave our group of between 30 and 40 their main room with a big screen and four smaller monitors. This in itself was sweet, but just before kickoff the manager came out and informed us that they had just purchased Direct Kick, which would allow them to show all televised RSL matches! Any place that goes that far to accommodate fans deserves businesses from anyone who enjoys soccer. If you have never been, I recommend it. And if you do go be sure to thank them for supporting RSL. There, I've done my advertising for this segment. And I didn't even need to use a split screen to do it.

There is something about watching a game in a large group. Every moment is amplified exponentially with the emotions of all those around you. You could feel the stomach pit of your fellow neighbors when LD scored the first goal. The eruption of elation when Kreis' shot hit the back of the net caused the ground to quake and increased when you realized you were screaming at full capacity, and couldn't even pick your voice out of the crowd. The disappointment steamrolled the room as Countess fished the ball out of his net twice more before it was over.

I have to admit that I may have been wrong about my preseason analysis of Kreis and Mathis. The two will be a lethal pair, but it may be Kreis with all the goals. Every time Mathis receives the ball he has at least two defenders, and usually three, ready to shut him down. With all the attention sucked to him, that frees Kreis. Who, by the way, scored goal number 92 of his MLS career. Nice work Kreisy, and to Dipsy who set him up with a great initial shot that caused Hartman to make a save and give Jason enough space to bring joy to the RSL faithful.

The LD factor proved me wrong. He made the difference for the Galaxy on Saturday night. He was involved in all three goals for the home side. But, at least we're tied with Chivas.