Newcastle United at Columbus Crew






















Since I had some time off, I went to Columbus yesterday to see Mr. and Mrs. Mix and the dogs. Because I enlisted Mr. Mix to attend the international soccer friendly between the Columbus Crew and Newcastle Utd. of the EPL.

It was my first entry into Crew Stadium, the first venue built strictly for soccer in the U.S. Although, Journey and Brad Paisley are playing there soon. I think this vision was the one co-opted by the Wolsteins, when that soccer stadium was being considered along Route 8. Of course, that didn't happen and we still do not have a team.

First live soccer match for me in a long time. But the Magpies are a mid-level English team and this was their third of three preseason matches in the U.S. before their kickoff against Arsenal in two weeks. They had played two 0-0 ties, the last against Sporting KC.

I was hoping to get a glimpse of Joey Barton, the notorious Newcastle midfielder and a fave of mine. But, alas, Joey was denied a visa for the U.S. tour because of his criminal record. Damn, he's gotta be trouble-free for two more years. So, he went to the Netherlands for training and will join Newcastle for their upcoming match with Leeds.

We had seats on the east side of the stadium. They have bleachers with backs for most of the seating. Actually the last row of the lowers on the aisle. Quick jaunt to get beer. Two on tap were an RFD Lager and a Hudson Street beer, I guess made for the Crew.





















As you can tell, not a huge crowd showed up for this one. Although it was a fairly comfortable evening, considering what we've had to work with lately, only 11,224 showed up for this one. Lots of Newcastle fans, too. Newcastle went ahead early with a goal in the 9th minute. And controlled much of the action.

Then, at the stroke of halftime, there was a play where the Crew keeper went way off his line, out of the penalty area, and was tagged with a deliberate handball call. Not sure that really happened. Anyhow, he was sent off with a red card and the Crew had to play with 10 men for the second half.

Their keeper in the second half was the MLS pool goalkeeper. Yes, he's the Eddie Money of Major League Soccer. He just sits by the phone and when a team, any team in the league needs him because of an injury or suspended goalkeeper, well, he answers the call.

And, of course, at halftime, you must get the youth involved.






















The Magpie defense was pretty stout throughout. Newcastle added two goals in the second half. The prettiest one was a nice bender by Haris Vukcic to close it out right near the end.

On second thought, maybe it wasn't Newcastle so much as a pretty nondescript offense by the Crew. They only had one shot on goal for the game and for a team in midseason, looked inept at times with the ball.





















Regardless, a good time had by all.