I grew up attending San Francisco Giants baseball and spent most games toting my mitt in anticipation of that random foul ball. Baseball was cool like that. When the ball went into the stands it was yours to keep. Never mind that at 8 years old you were more likely to duck for cover when the line drive came soaring your way. Soccer is typically different in that there is an unwritten etiquette of returning any balls that are kicked into the stands back on to the field. I suppose this is one of the small elements that keeps the on field action flowing (little or no time spent looking for another game ball). WPS manages to deliver the best of both worlds.
Not only do you get to keep any balls that are kicked into the stands but the players actually start the second half off by purposefully kicking balls to the stands. Just such activity took place on On May 8, 2010: the Bay Area's FC Gold Pride and Chicago Red Stars of WPS played and I quote "the best game ever".....according to my daughter. Clearly WPS is special for at least one young fan. From the vibe at Castro Valley High School Stadium, she is not alone.
Perhaps it was the excitement of getting all decked out in the Pride's team colors, including a wig acquired in the inaugural season. In fact, the Pride were sporting special red kits in honor of the American Heart Association, but that didn't stop the Pride's mascot Pounce from giving the black and gold wig a test fit.
Perhaps it was the post half time event: like clockwork the Pride stroll out onto the pitch with shiny new Puma WPS balls. As luck would have it, my daughter catches one. When asked why she proclaims this to be the best game ever, it is the ball she seems to mention first: "I caught a ball, the Gold Pride won, Kelley O'hara scored her first WPS goal..." One thing is for certain that acquiring this official WPS ball somehow inspires her to play like a WPS player. Magically she demonstrates new found speed, skill and enthusiasm with her dribbling. The difference is clearly a kick of inspiration that the whole package of WPS introduces, represented by the ball. Who would have thought? All those drills with the agility ladder at practice and all she really needed was to catch the game ball.
Reportedly, Kelley Ohara's goal in the 78th minute would be the game winner, but I would argue the real winner was my daughter....... and every other young WPS fan like her. Next home game in June 5th. Go Pride!
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