Lyndsay Radnedge/Center Line Soccer

I apologize for not having written anything sooner, but my heart has been very heavy since Wednesday’s match.  I have not even been able to muster up the courage to watch the recorded game, having been at Buck Shaw and witnessed the devastation in person.  The bodies strewn across the field at the end of 90 minutes says it all.  Our boys in black and blue gave it all they had this season, just falling short at the very end.  Analysts have been waiting for this moment all season–the moment when the Goonies would finally dig themselves a hole too big to climb out of.  Unfortunately, it happened at the worst possible time, against the worst possible team.

Don’t get me wrong, I give the LA Galaxy all credit for coming in as strong as they did.  They played a good game.  The Quakes, on the other hand, did not play their best game by a long shot.  Much of this can be attributed to the loss of Victor Bernardez early on due to injury.  The defense was disjointed and Ike Opara was simply unable to fill the void left by the big Honduran center back.

That’s about all I can provide in terms of analysis.  Many who are more qualified than I and less emotionally attached have already provided plenty, no doubt (I also haven’t had the heart to read any match reviews).  All I can give you right now are some of the scenes from Wednesday night.  A tearful Wondo being comforted by fans.  Jon Busch getting a big hug from his wife.  The 1906 Ultras waiting in the VIP parking lot, singing their hearts out for their team as the players walked to their cars.

No one expected it to end so soon, especially in this way, against a fierce rival who has been unable to defeat us in the 4 previous attempts.  There was a general sense of shock in the stadium.  But Goonies never say die.  This team will come back with a vengeance next season.

I want to finish on a happier note, remembering the great accomplishments of this season.  I mean, the Quakes won the Supporters’ Shield, for crying out loud.  That is no small feat.  If our league worked like the Premier League, they would be the champions.  Wondo won the Golden Boot, tying a 16-year old record in the process.  The club finally broke ground for their new stadium.  There is much to be proud of this season.  No doubt there will be a period of mourning, but then the team and fans will pick themselves back up and start working toward next season.

Come on you Quakes!