Hexy 2013, Round 10: The Night the Lights Went Out in Panama

I'm not even sure where to begin, but I'll try.

Hexy 2013, Round 9: Barbecue, Barbecue, We All Eat Barbecue

Kansas City. I've been here so many times over the years, mainly for two things: bowling tournaments and soccer games. Each time has been terrific in its own way; this trip has been no different.

Too Hard in Panama

American Outlaws just released their package for the last game of the Hex in Panama City. The hotel? The Panama City Hard Rock Hotel.

I like ya, AO, but it's a real shame that the AO packages have become all about not experiencing any of the country where the game's being played and all about being a stereotypical terrible American tourist.

Oh, and the package is $693 for three nights. See above.

This does remind me that I should start looking for hotels in Panama City for myself and my friend Andy. We get in Sunday night and leave Thursday morning.

Dos a Cero, Again and Again

WE ARE GOING TO BRAZIL!

I could go on and on about the experience, but there are plenty of accounts already out there.

I could go on and on about how some supporters have been crappy to each other... but I just don't feel like it. Y'all know the problem. In the words of Wil Wheaton: don't be a dick.

I had a great time in Columbus. Good local beers, good parties, great result. See y'all in Kansas City.

Hex 2013, Round 7: Well, That Hasn't Gone Well

Let's all just forget that game on Friday ever happened, eh?

I type this from a hotel room in Alajuela, Costa Rica, near Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO). It's been a terrific, albeit whirlwind, trip.

The Ineptitude of US Soccer

It boggles my mind at just how utterly useless US Soccer is when it comes to tickets for their supporters—especially when it comes to away games. Case in point: the upcoming game in Costa Rica.

Last night, US Soccer sent an e-mail to US Soccer Supporters Club members, saying that there would be a USSSC-exclusive sale of tickets to the away game this morning at 9am Central. Strike one: less than a twenty-four hour notice.

My friend Charlie, who is also planning to go, said he would take care of getting our tickets, so I didn't worry about it this morning. Right about 9, I got a text from Charlie; he was only able to get one ticket, and he did that before it was actually 9:00. Strike two: starting the sale before the stated time.

I then hopped onto the USSSC-member page to try and buy myself a ticket. At 9:03 (according to my phone), I sent a text to Charlie to say they were sold out. Strike three: getting such a tiny amount of tickets that they were sold out within three minutes of going on sale the stated sale time.

Not surprisingly, US Soccer has again struck out.

Granted, getting tickets is a bit easier these days; in 2009, you still had to fax in forms to Soccer House in Chicago. But getting away tickets during this Hex has mostly been a disaster:

• tickets for Honduras didn't get mailed out; people had to pick them up from a hotel in San Pedro Sula;
• tickets for Azteca were delayed multiple times, and arrived mere days before the Denver game;
• American Outlaws arranged the tickets for Jamaica, but were apparently given a bad batch before having them swapped out for the proper tickets.

So, US Soccer: figure it out already. I know there's some goofy game you play with the other federations about away ticket allocations; but for the sake of your supporters, please stop it. The number of fans traveling to away games—especially qualifiers, and doubly-so the Hex—has been growing. We want to be loyal and support you, at home and on the road; you're keeping us from doing that.

So now what? Hopefully AO will have some tickets for sale separate of their ground package, as we're not planning on doing that. Otherwise, I just don't know.

Guest Spot: Rocky Mountain Redux

After the fallout from my trip to Salt Lake City in June, I decided to ask one of the people who'd responded to write an entry about USA v Costa Rica at the Gold Cup last Saturday.

Brian "Bean" Mace is a local radio and podcast host from Salt Lake City. He covers college sports for LawlessRepublic.com.

The US men's national team returned to Salt Lake City for the second time in just under four weeks. As all US soccer fans are aware, the Salt Lake City crowd had their issues in the World Cup qualifier with Honduras. Many elements played a factor in the success of the Salt Lake City crowd during the World Cup qualifier, but today we are going to talk about the issues during the Gold Cup.

Oh, What a Beautiful Monday!

Not a bad few days as CONCACAF goes, eh?

On Friday, the US Gold Cup squad played a friendly in San Diego against Guatemala. Guatemala is definitely in a bit of a rebuilding phase, having not made it to the Hex nor qualified for the Gold Cup. This means that this was perhaps not a fair judge of how the US might do in the Gold Cup, but it was good to see how the "B team" would fare against the sort of team they'll see in the tournament.

The game also marked the return of Landon Donovan to the national team. I, for one, am glad to see it. The man deserved his time away; he'd been playing non-stop for a few years, and had suffered injuries for the first time in his career in 2012. I'm hoping that a good showing in the Gold Cup will see him energized for a return to qualifying in September.

As for the game itself, Guatemala put up a good fight in the first half, but the US eventually broke them down and ran away with it in the second half, winning 6-0. Cool to see Donovan score his 50th and 51st international goals; also nice to see Stuart Holden continue to look good in his comeback bid.

On Sunday, the Gold Cup started in bizarre fashion. At the Rose Bowl, Martinique beat Canada 1-0 on a stoppage-time blast. I didn't watch the whole game, but what I saw wasn't good for Canada. Martinique controlled a decent amount of play, and their miracle goal was deserved.

As if that weren't strange enough, Panama then went on to beat Mexico 2-1. Mexico has also sent a B team, while I think Panama had most of their top players; still, it's not a good sign for LOL Tri. Who knew that Mexico vs Canada in the second group game would potentially see one of those teams eliminated from contention?

Shameless Self-Promotion: Support Your Local Club

In lieu of other content (though it's been suggested I expand on my trips to Mexico, Jamaica, and Seattle), I'm taking a moment to do a little shameless self-promotion:

Four or so years ago, I had an idea for a t-shirt pop into my head: a doctored EPL logo on the front that said "support your local club" in place of the league name; on the back, the same phrase surrounding a big 09 (for the year) in the Prem's player name/number font. I showed it to a few friends, who thought that taking the idea a bit further with a website dedicated to the idea wouldn't be such a bad idea.

I registered a couple of domain names... and sat on them for years. Occasionally I'd do some development work on it, but then I'd get to a certain point and let it sit.

While going through my unemployed phase earlier this year, I finally decided to buckle down and finish the site. I retooled the code completely (mostly as a portfolio move), got all the data I wanted, and even put up some modest content. The site launched last month at http://www.supportyourlocalclub.com/.

I'd like this to become a resource for information about American soccer; as such, I could always use more information, including info on team-related blogs and supporters groups. Any help is appreciated.

An Apology (of sorts)

It would seem that my post about my experience at the last qualifier upset a few people. I can't say I'm disappointed by that; in fact, I'm glad that people took notice. It seems to me that it's about time that we as US supporters considered our attitudes and behaviors. However, a number of the reactions tell me that I should clarify some of the feelings I expressed in that post.

I'll start with issuing an apology. After re-reading what I wrote, I can see how people could get the impression that I was pointing my fingers entirely at the local Salt Lake supporters, including Salt City United. That certainly wasn't my intention; there's plenty of blame to go around; obviously, most people in the supporter end were not locals.

Hexy 2013, Round 6: The Disappointment in Sandy

So.... Salt Lake City.   Of all of the domestic stops in the Hex, it's the one I knew the least about.  What did I know?  Mormons, mountains, and RSL.

I'm not sure I know a lot more about the city itself after the trip; though I think I learned something about the RSL supporters in the process. I really only know one thing for sure:

One month. Three qualifiers. Nine points.

Playing Catchup

Despite the timing of my last post on this blog, I did not die in the insanity that was Azteca. There are a number of factors (and lame excuses) surrounding the fact that I haven't posted here in a while. Having been out of work for a couple of months, my head went into a bit of a tailspin; I won't bore you with details, but sometimes it felt a bit like this.

So, what's been going on with the national team during the last three months, then? Oh, not a lot, I guess...

¡Hola! ¡Cerveza, Por Favor! ¡Gracias!

...and now you've seen most of my knowledge of the Spanish language. Next, you can see a portion of my Monday afternoon:

I've certainly spent worse days.

Hexy 2013, Round 2: Denver

[Alright, alright... I need to write more often on here again. I have excuses, but none of them are good.]

Well, that was something else.

We All Went Down to Amster-(shh)

Ok, so I've neglected the blog for a bit since getting back from Honduras. Damn this "real life" thing getting in the way of soccer!

Since we're still a few weeks away from the next set of qualifiers, let's talk about what I was doing three years ago:

March 3, 2010
Amsterdam Arena
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Friendly: Netherlands v USA

Pro tip: If you stay up until 6am the day before an international flight in the hopes of being so tired on the flight that you can fall asleep, maybe you should just consider sleeping pills instead.

Hexy 2013, Round 1: San Pedro Sula

Last week was the opening round of the 2013 Hex; with it came my first foray into the Un-Sexy Hexy. Despite my delay in posting this, I didn't have any issues during the trip; in fact, the trip went very well... well, except for the result.

So it Begins

I'm typing this at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, waiting for my flight to Atlanta. After an overnight layover tonight, I arrive in San Pedro Sula just after noon tomorrow.

At this point, I'd say I'm more nervous than excited.

I feel like I've done as much prep work as I can: I got vaccinations; I bought a secure wallet; I'm staying in a hotel that was recommended by someone who's gone before; I've been in e-mail contact with a number of people who are going, including a few staying in the same hotel; my trip is registered with the State Department; and I've left my itinerary with my roommate and parents. I have my passport, and even have Honduran currency.

All in all, I'm sure I've done the best preparation that I can and things will be just fine. But not even Mexico City had the kind of travel warnings attached to Honduras, and I'm a big-ass gringo who stands out in a crowd here at home, never mind in Latin America.

At least I managed to score a free upgrade to first class for tomorrow's flight. I think that "mileage run" I made towards the end of last year to gain Delta Medallion status is already paying off.

Well, it's just about time to board.  Time for this un-sexy adventure to begin.

Shot in the Arm, and You're to Blame

A word to the wise (which doesn't usually include me): When traveling to Central America, check the vaccination recommendations and requirements a bit earlier than five days before you leave. At least I was able to get those taken care of this morning. I've seen a picture of my ticket, so that's one less thing about which I have to worry... providing that the holder of said ticket makes it to SPS. Also, I'm looking out the window, and it's started to snow again. Current temperature, according to Weather Underground: 4 F; it was -11 F this morning. Even with all the things to worry about when in Honduras, at least it'll be a whole lot warmer there.

Behind the Border

My fifth USMNT game was my first away game:

August 12, 2009
Estadio Azteca
Mexico City, Mexico
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Mexico v USA

Yeah, this was the big one. My friend AJ doubted me when I declared three years prior that I would be going to Azteca with him. Three years later, there I was.

On the Road at Home

My list of USMNT games continues with number four:

June 6, 2009
Soldier Field
Chicago IL
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: USA v Honduras

The problem with being a fan of the US men's national team is that sometimes the home games can feel like away games. Case in point: the qualifier against Honduras at Soldier Field.

Dos-a-Cero VII: the Wettening

It's time for another trip down Amnesia Lane. My third USMNT game was another qualifier:

February 11, 2009
Columbus Crew Stadium
Columbus OH
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: USA v Mexico

I remember this being a last-minute decision to go to this game; I had to scour the web for tickets, and ended up not being able to get rid of the second of a pair. Once again, a dozen or so First Minnesota Volunteers made the trip to Columbus.

High and Higher

U.S. MNT to Play First Home Match in Final Round of 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

US Soccer finally announced the site of the first home game of this year's hex: Denver. (Or, for the pedants: Commerce City.) I'm good with this for a few reasons:

• Denver is a nice city. I haven't been there since 2007.
• DSG Park is a nice stadium, albeit in a weird location.
• Fares for going to Denver and Mexico City in a triangle trip are not much more than just going to Mexico City alone.
• Sure, Kansas City would have been closer; however, I still suspect that KC is going to get the Mexico game this time around.

The Rum Tax

September 10, 2008
Toyota Park
Bridgeview IL
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: USA v Trinidad and Tobago

Twenty-four-hour bus trips are the best worst things ever.

Around thirty of us piled onto a bus in St. Paul on a Wednesday morning, headed for Chicagoland and a USMNT qualifier with T&T. Bruce (of duNord fame) organized the trip.

As is to be expected, we also loaded the bus with coolers filled with miscellaneous drinks. Some of the younger members of the group took the seats towards the back; the restroom was also in the back. They started imposing a bathroom tax: in order to get to the bathroom, you had to take a shot of rum. This was a good trip.

We arrived a couple of hours before the game and enjoyed milling around the tailgate. The game itself was relatively forgettable; the US cruised to an easy 3-0 win.

We then got back on the bus and headed back to the Cities. I remember it being a brutal ride back, as I started getting sick. I'd come back from a week-plus trip to Miami and Montreal two days before the game, so my body was rebelling. All in all, though, I'd probably do it all again.

The High Cost of Licking Stamps

US Soccer announced today that they have tickets available for the game in San Pedro Sula. The tickets are $44 each, limit of four per order... and shipping of at least $15 per order.

Seriously, USSF? $15 to put tickets in an envelope and send them?

At least you no longer have to fax an application...

You Never Forget Your First Time

I know when my first time was:

September 3, 2005
Columbus Crew Stadium
Columbus OH
2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: USA v Mexico

Six of us met at a friend's place in St. Paul in the wee hours of September 2 and got on the road; I didn't really know what I was in for, to be honest. I'd only been a "supporter" for a few months, which is how I met these jackasses*. Hell, the guy who was sharing driving duties in my car—known to most as Lightning Striker—made me a bit nervous. Twelve hours later, however, we arrived in Columbus with no incident.

* - Jackass is used here as a term of endearment.

There, the fun began.

About the Jackass Author

Usually an introductory post comes at the beginning of a new blog; in this case, I'm a bit late to the party (as if that's new).

So, for those of you that don't know, I'm Kevin; my friends, by and large, call me "kj". I'm a thirty-seven-year-old web developer and have lived in Minneapolis since 1997; I grew up in the St. Louis area. I'm generally considered tall—around six-foot-five—and... well, there's no sugar-coating this: fat. (Heh. "Sugar-coating".)

Love. Travel. Soccer. Forever. Intense. Passion. Obsession. USA.

[Five-and-a-half Internets to anyone who can identify the title inspiration.]

As is my wont, now that I've booked my flights to San Pedro Sula, I'm obsessing over arranging the details.

The American Outlaws' e-mail suggested the Hilton Princess, and even suggested that the team might be staying there as well. Hilton's a well-known property, it's supposedly in the nice part of town... and it's $189/night. Look, I'm paranoid about this whole thing, but I'm not made of money.

They also mentioned the Boutique Hotel la Cordillera. It's not far from the Hilton, and is $88/night; the price includes free wi-fi and the reviews I've found online have generally been very positive. After logging into BigSoccer for the first time in forever, I heard from someone else who's planning to stay there; they said they know of others who will be staying there, so I booked and got that out of the way.

Given all the warnings, I'm considering getting a security wallet or some such. After a small amount of searching, I found one I think might fit the bill. I haven't yet ordered, so if anyone has suggestions on such things, I'd love to hear them.

I had hoped that AO was going to put those that responded to their original request in touch with each other so we could coordinate things, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I'll just have to rely on my naturally-charming personality... er, maybe that's not the best idea.

I'm already nervous about getting from the airport to the hotel (and vice versa), and the hotel to/from the stadium; I suspect traveling in numbers will help issues on that front.

I also have to decide if I want to take my camera. I really want to be able to take pictures of the journey, but I'm worried about all the warnings about not showing things like that in public. It's not exactly a top-of-the-line camera, but I don't know that anyone looking to steal it is going to care about that. I'm also debating about my laptop and/or phone; I can probably do without the laptop, but if I can get a SIM card for my phone, that seems like something that would be helpful.

Excuse Me as I Hyperventilate

After getting (a little) info from American Outlaws, as well as some other sources, I've booked my flights to/from San Pedro Sula. I arrive on Tuesday afternoon and leave Thursday afternoon. I'm definitely nervous about this whole thing... but here we go.

Package Size

As I wait for American Outlaws and/or US Soccer to get me some information about Honduras (seriously, throw me a bone here; I've got time off to weasel), I've been looking at AO's package deals they've set up for the games in Mexico City and Jamaica.

I've not been to Jamaica, so I can't really speak to the alternatives that are available. I did, however, go to Mexico City for the qualifier in 2009.

AO is offering two packages: the first is for game ticket and transportation to and from the game for $175; the larger $585 package adds two nights in a hotel (double occupancy) plus airport transportation. The hotel is in the Zona Rosa, a very touristy part of the city.

Before I start breaking this down, I first want to thank AO for the work they've been putting in on getting people to US games. There were approximately three hundred US fans at the 2009 qualifier; given that Azteca has a reputation for being inhospitable, I call that a success.

That being said, I don't think the package offers what I want out of travel. Perhaps it's just because I'm cheap, but that price tag doesn't quite seem worth it.

Presenting: the Un-Sexy Hexy

2013 comes with a mission for US Soccer: Making the 2014 World Cup, to be held in Brazil.  The last hurdle to that goal is CONCACAF's fourth round of qualifying, known "the Hex": ten games against Costa Rica, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, and Panama.  The top three qualify directly to the World Cup; the fourth has to play a home-and-home qualifier against the top team from OFC (which will likely be New Zealand).

I've decided that my mission in 2013 is to go to all ten of the games in the Hex.  I'm still not sure that this is at all feasible, but I'm determined to make a go of it.  The biggest question is getting time off; I think I'll be able to make the travel reasonable if I put some effort into doing it somewhat frugally.

The first game is February 6 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Honduras being first makes me a bit nervous.  To be truthful: I've not traveled much outside of my comfort zone.  Sure, I did make the trip to the Azteca in Mexico City in 2009, but D.F. sounds like a cakewalk compared to what I've heard about Honduras these days.  Plus, it helps when you have friends going with you, including those who've gone before.

I haven't bought my plane tickets yet because I've been waiting to hear from the American Outlaws about who else is going.  US Soccer has said they'll help arrange some security for travelers, but will only be able to do that if fans will be staying at the same hotel.  (So, AO... throw me a bone here, eh?)