On Sunday July 22 I attended yet another historic event! Yankees Stadium was painted blue, but this time it was a different hue – Chelsea Blue. About 38,000 fans were in attendance to see the first football (soccer) match at the stadium as the Champions League winner Chelsea FC took on Paris St Germain in an international friendly.What jersey I had on? Big Blue of course!
No I did not turn my back on Arsenal. My loyalty will always lie with Arsenal but I had to support Chelsea since they are my second favorite team in the EPL. I know you’re probably saying I’m not a true Gunners supporter but I have love for the other clubs when they play against international teams. However I will NEVER, yes I said never support Man U no matter who they play.Never have and certainly never will. Funny enough I attended the game with my friend who is a huge Man U supporter.
Overall it was on an OK game.OK because I expected Chelsea’s level of play to be much higher. In the first half the players were lacking energy. For most players this is probably their vacation time after coming off of a grueling premiership season, then taking on the Champions League. A few players then went on to compete in the Euros shortly after so I completely understand if they didn’t put 110% effort into this game.
NENE knocked a goal back in the first half which seemed to silence a lot of the Chelsea supporters. Around the 39th minute I saw my faves Essien and Malouda warming up on the sidelines. Coming into the second half Chelsea had a renewed energy as players like Essien, Malouda, Ashley Cole and John Terry made their way on to the pitch. Terry got a standing ovation from most of the crowd. He still gets a side eye from me after charges of racism were brought against him. The verdict on his character is still out. It was coming down to the wire and Chelsea still didn’t score yet! Thankfully on the 82nd minute PIAZON blasted the ball in the back of the net. As Chelsea’s level of play escalated PSG matched them right back. I hoped to see another goal but after going into 3 minutes stoppage time, the score remained tied up at 1-1.
I loved the energy from the crowd that night. Lots of painted faces, raw emotion, and an overwhelming passion for this beautiful game. I can only imagine what it feels like to be in the stands for a Premiership or La Liga game. Perhaps a World Cup match trumps them both? Either way I can’t wait to find out. WorldCup2014 #bucketlist
