Following Soccer in Person and on TV

Last night (6 July) found me at World Wide Technology Soccer Park (https://www.saintlouisfc.com/SOCCERPARK) for the St. Louligans (http://stlouligans.com/) tailgate. They had burgers and hot dogs on the menu, along with Schlafly (http://www.schlafly.com/) Ale d'Or on tap.

My friends and neighbors, Paul and Laura Trelford, their daughter Lilly, and our friend Tom Mantych came by the tailgate. We got to chat for a few minutes before I marched into the stadium with my fellow St. Louligans. The Trelfords and Mantych had tickets elsewhere in the stadium.

We then marched into the stadium to cheer on Saint Louis FC (https://www.saintlouisfc.com/), was hosting Loudoun United FC in USL Championship (https://www.uslsoccer.com/usl-championship) action. Loudoun took the lead late in the first half, and scored again early in the second half. Saint Louis didn't give up, though, as they scored twice to earn a 2-2 draw. It was disappointing not to have won and get the three points, but at least we got one from this match.

Soon after the match, there was a fireworks display at the Soccer Park. It was a nice show, lasting about five minutes. At least I got to see some fireworks in person this year.

This morning, I was home to watch on television the USA women (https://www.ussoccer.com/) play the Netherlands in the FIFA Women's World Cup (https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/) Final in Lyon, France. After a scoreless first half, the Americans scored in the second half to win the match, 2-0, and win the Cup for the second tournament in the row and fourth time overall. There was some real quality women's soccer on display during this tournament, and the USA showed their complete class over the competition.

About an hour or so after the trophy presentation in Lyon, I headed to Barcelona Tapas Restaurant (https://www.barcelonatapas.com/?fbclid=IwAR3RcIuR3x8GzZGjD-JbwF8IUJmaib0rxPvg5SzdmL7noedzaLS7bvKvZqQ)in Clayton. It hosted a watch party for today's CONMEBOL (http://www.conmebol.com/) Copa America Final in Rio de Janeiro, between Brazil and Peru. I joined with some Brazil supporters at the bar to watch the match on the TVs there. The local band Samba Bom (http://sambabom.com/) played samba music before and after the match and at halftime. It was a good atmosphere there to watch the match. Brazil defeated Peru 3-1 to win the Copa America, and the Brazil supporter (including I) were most happy.

Tonight, the USA Men play Mexico in the CONCACAF (https://www.concacaf.com/) Gold Cup Final in Chicago. I have an early wake up call for work tomorrow, so I will follow the match here at home.

Later.

High Heat and the 4th of July

From the end of June to yesterday (7 July), I spent much of my free time inside, watching the FIFA World Cup (https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/). I was pulling for Brazil (https://www.cbf.com.br/), and was disappointed when they lost in the quarterfinals. It should be fun with the semifinalists set now: France vs. Belgium on Tuesday, England vs. Croatia on Wednesday.

I braved the heat on a week ago yesterday (30 June) to cheer on Saint Louis FC (https://www.saintlouisfc.com/) against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. After enjoying a nice dinner at the St. Louligans (http://stlouligans.com/) tailgate, I marched into Toyota Stadium for the match. It ended as a scoreless draw.

Work has gone well, with the Independence Day holiday (4 July) falling on a Wednesday this year. It was rather busy early in the week with rentals before the holiday.

I was glad we were closed for the holiday, as it was very hot. Temperatures hit 100 degrees F (38 degrees C), with the heat index reaching 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). I stayed at home rather than go to any Fourth of July celebrations.

Work the next day (5 July) was--mercifully--fairly slow, as the high heat continued. We got through the day just fine. Same for Friday, which was a bit cooler.

This weekend, I mostly spent it at home, watching yesterday's World Cup quarterfinals on TV, and starting work on this month's IPMS/Gateway (http://www.ipms-gateway.com/) (https://www.facebook.com/IPMSGateway/) (https://plus.google.com/109625362829756697296) newsletter, which I want to get out this week.


Later