Soccer Watch
By Nick Barbaro, Fri., Dec. 5, 2014
Supporters Social #1 (and MLS Cup watch party), is a "first effort to bring together members of the various Austin supporters groups to chat, discuss ways to collaborate, and other topics." It's put on by Supporters Union, a nonprofit network of Austin soccer supporters clubs, with a mission to help build the local fan base. Reps from various fan clubs, and the "soccer curious," are invited to meet and talk starting at noon Sunday, Dec. 7 at The Tavern (12th & Lamar), and continuing through the 2pm MLS final (see below). Reps from the Austin Aztex will be there as well, likely to elaborate on their plans for their first pro season, kicking off in March.
Two thrilling MLS semifinals last weekend set the table for Sunday's MLS Cup final. First, the New England Revolution squandered the advantage they had earned with a first-leg road win, before rallying to a 2-2 draw that sent the NY Red Bulls home, and Thierry Henry into a likely retirement. Then the LA Galaxy avoided a similar fate for themselves and Landon Donovan, losing a lead, then coming from behind to shock – but never silence – a raucous Seattle Sounders crowd Sunday night... You know, Portland's cool, and some of the South American band-box stadiums have a feel all their own, but the atmosphere in Seattle's CenturyLink Field is absolutely electric; it's always fun to watch a game there, even on TV... The MLS Cup – and Donovan's finale, win or lose – is this Sunday, Dec. 7, 2pm, on ESPN.
One of Austin's own hopes to play a big role in the NCAA Women's College Cup this weekend: Texas A&M, in their first final four appearance ever, is led by SEC Tournament MVP Bianca Brinson, a senior out of Lonestar Soccer Club. A&M plays Virginia Friday at 4pm, with Florida State-Stanford at 7pm, and the final Sunday at noon; all live on ESPNU.
European Champions League group stage finishes this Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 9-10, with five of the 16 spots in the knockout round still up for grabs. Featured games on Fox Sports are Liverpool-Basel on Tuesday, Roma-Man. City Wednesday, both at 1:45pm... Also on Fox Sports: the draw for next summer's Women's World Cup in Canada, live from Ottawa at noon Saturday, Dec. 6.
