R - S - L - 0 - 9

Soccer came back into season in the US at the latter end of March. RSL opened its season in Seattle, facing an expansion side that didn't look or act the part. The 2-0 thumping might have been an unexpected result before the first kick, but it didn't take RSL fans long to lower their expectations.

Less than a week later, a sparse but vocal crowd of RSL fans braved cold temperatures and threatening skies to support their squad at the home opener, hosting the defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew. The RSL faithful in attendance were rewarded with an offensive exhibition the likes of which had never before been seen at Rio Tinto Stadium. Robbie Findley owned the night with a perfect hat trick - a first for RSL in regular season play. Nick Rimando allowed only one goal and Kyle Beckerman's header completed the rout as rain, like manna from heaven, poured down upon players and fans in the final minutes of the match. The confidence emanating from the boys in claret and cobalt was unlike anything I have ever seen in four plus years of watching RSL soccer.

Late in the game I realized that I had my camera with me. I quickly turned it to the action on the field. This is the first shot I took:Kyle Beckerman's header slips just past Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer. GOOOOOOOOAL!