Moment 8:
“We’re just Crazy Supporters who Drove Down From Attleboro”
At
the time of our first trip to Piscataway, New Jersey we were thanking
our lucky stars that the Breakers would face the then one-win Sky Blue
FC club four times before the end of the season. Looking back now, it
is obvious that we were a bit foolish, but hey even the Sol failed to
give them respect. We’re simply a supporters club.
The
first trip was on a Sunday in May, a day which made attracting traveling
interest more than difficult. We ended up with three distinctive Riptide
cars in New Jersey, sprinkled in amongst the high numbers of Breakers
friends and family that also made the trip. We knew it would make for
an interesting day when the general manager of Sky Blue parked his SUV
between two vehicles loaded with Breakers and Revs gear. They say what
happens in Jersey stays in Jersey…
After
being turned away from the gate with our drum, the wind seemingly was
out of our sails. That being said, many Sky Blue fans were surprised
to see us cheer our team before there was a score in the match. The
team’s hired drummer made it difficult to start any chants simply because
he could not keep a beat. Breaker fans will remember this is the match
where Kelly Smith began her 2009 knee problems. The final score of 2-1
is yet another reason why this moment is not higher on the list. The
five hour drive back does not need any further discussion…
Trip
number two was scheduled for July 4th. Apparently this is
a very big barbecue day in the United States (ha) and as such we had
only four members piled into the Buick Century. When we arrived, it
appeared that we were the only fans at the match. The lot at Yurcak
Field was nearly empty save for security and other stadium personnel.
Yet again we were asked by Sky Blue folks, including some players, if
we were related to any of the Breakers players. This is where the headline
quote originated. This time we were allowed entry with our drum and
the four members present did the group justice with its vocal effort.
We had an entire section to ourselves and even met a member who is from
the NY/NJ area. The chant highlight of the match, in this writer’s opinion,
was the 76th minute singing of America the Beautiful. It
was one of those chants that once started, had to be completed, no matter
how awful the singing voices were.
The
match itself was another regrettable affair. Heather Mitts got bloodied
and the Breakers lost yet again on their travels to Rutgers. The holiday
also marred the club’s attendance which was under 2000. Despite all
that, the trips were (mostly) a good time had by all, including the
Sky Blue General Manager. We fully intend to have much greater representation
on our future trips to New Jersey.