After much debate and fence-hopping, I decided to stay home for last night’s Timbers debut vs. Colorado. While I had every intention of going out somewhere (anywhere) to witness history with my fellow TA faithful, I think my need to thoroughly observe the entire TV presentation undisturbed took over. I blame it on my nerdy marketing background and past involvement with TV (30+ years of watching it, plus many years of working within the medium).
I watched the Fox Sports Northwest (soon to be known as Root Sports) feed in HD, and I can say with full conviction that the entire supporters scene within MLS was officially put on notice. Between the constant soundtrack of chants over the broadcast, the enthusiasm (despite to 3-1 COL result), and the excellent shots of the TA during lulls in the gameplay, the TA did a fantastic job of showing American supporters groups at their finest. If you were at the game, give yourself a pat on the back. (And if you’re 107ist Board Member Joanne Couchman, get yourself an agent because you may qualify for some kind of union membership with the amount of face time you got last night.)
How good did we look? The sports section in this morning’s Oregonian featured our presence at last night’s match as the top story, whereas the story on the actual match itself was placed below it. (Obviously the TA has a few strong opinions on the O’s recent coverage of all things Timbers, but that’s for another blog entry.)
Granted, this was our MLS debut in a city that wasn’t too far away for us. The next couple matches are pretty far from Portland, and nobody expects over 400 TA in the stands at each one of those, but those watching last night’s match got the perfect teaser of what the TA brings to MLS. Expectations for the home opener on April 14th are very high, just as they are for nearby away games along the west coast this season.
I’m not expecting the TA to suddenly employ media trainers and a makeup-and-hair team to maintain our positive appearance streak. But I hope that those lucky TA who suddenly find themselves with a TV camera in their face remember that as soon as the red light turns on, enthusiastic index fingers represent us much better than enthusiastic middle fingers.
Keep up the good work.
PS – the broadcast team of John Strong and Robbie Earle is a winning combo. Strong has the chops, and the addition of Earle, a non-homer, provides excellent balance. Looking forward to many games with those two.
