Ending Another Weekend On A High Note
It was a long and exciting Sunday. The Sick Puppies, my Howard County Men's Soccer Team, were scheduled to play at 10am. In the afternoon, the Federal Hill Spring Block party was being held on Cross Street. The day's weather could not have been better. A barely cloudless sky presided over the entire day.
When a soccer game is scheduled, it is easy to get out of bed on Sunday. I was extremely excited for this particular game. After last weeks debacle, we needed a strong performance. I ran hard all week. I focused on hitting good passes, making runs and playing smart.
As the game began, we played well. The opposing team was a good match, but nothing we couldn't overcome. We passed more than hit and run. We even seemed to be in better shape. In the middle of the first half, I sent a cross high into the six yard box. Rob was able to get a head onto the cross. He sent it straight to the back of the net. 1-0 for the Sick Puppies. We continued to play a passing game and controlled posession. After some smart midfield play, Steven and I were through on the defense. We passed around a few defenders, and I was left alone on goal. I tucked the ball to the keeper's right for our second goal. I was so happy to get my first goal of the season.
As the second half began, the opposing team put on the pressure. They wanted to win as badly as us. I started on the bench, but I was substituted into the stopper position. I haven't played defense in awhile, and I was out of position for the first few minutes. The opposing team was able to get a few quick goals. It was very frustrating, but we held tight the rest of the game. As the game winded down tempers began to flare. Rob got into it with one of their players, and the guy was eventually thrown out of the game. We held our composure and scored the winning goal with only five minutes to play. It was a great win and timed perfectly. After last weeks thrashing, we needed a boost.
Back in Baltimore, the Federal Hill Spring Block Party was underway. The event is organized by the Federal Hill Main Street Association. The Association helps local Federal Hill business open their doors and is a great asset to the neighborhood. The event was held on Cross Street between Light and Charles. Each end of the street had a stage. Vendors lined the street, and the bars had their doors wide open. The final tally of attendees reached five thousand.
Teresa and I walked over around 2pm. We had to wait in a line that stretched from the corner of Light and Cross down to Blue Agave. It flowed quickly. Once inside, we looked at the band schedule. I was bummed to miss The Jarflys, but The Bridge was playing at 515pm. The Bridge is an up and coming Baltimore Jam band with tons of talent. I knew we had to stay until they played.
We made our way through the mass of people. The vendors hawked everything from pulled pork sandwiches to handmade silver jewelry. Of course, plenty of beer and drinks were available. We started the afternoon with a few frozen margaritas. At about the middle of the street, we saw Thomas, Michelle, AmyJo, Kevin and little Leo. Kevin and Jen were even in attendance. I was very happy to see them out and enjoying some time away from their hospitals. Everyone was in good spirits.
We ended up camping out at this spot for most of the afternoon. We had a tree for shade. The music from the Charles Street Stage was easy to hear. We could run into the Thirsty Dog for bathroom breaks. It was perfect for people watching. Baltimore has such a juxtaposition of citizens. Each provide non-stop laughter.
Before we new it, 5pm had arrived. Most everyone had left the event so, the street was not as crowded. Michelle introduced us to her friend Ian. He, Teresa and I walked closer to the Charles Street Stage for The Bridge. We were able to secure a nice spot on the sidewalk. It was high enough to see over the crowd and to the stage. The sound was excellent from this position. It was a short walk directly across the street into Nicks for large beers. We were set.
The Bridge took the stage at about 530pm and played until almost 730pm. They have a drummer, guitarist, bassist, saxophonist player and mandolin player. Their original songs are upbeat and lively. They also played some awesome The Grateful Dead covers. Most of the first few rows were dancing in the street. They wander into some tight jams, but they don't drag things out to the extreme. I much prefer this type of jam. Toward the end of the set, we moved infront of the stage to dance. Of course, we closed out the set by dancing to the last note.
The day ended with some dinner from Rafters. How else can you end a long Sunday? I was very pleased with the entire day. My first goal of the season was a great experience. I'm glad we pulled a win. Of course, the Spring Block party was fantastic. I really enjoy all the Baltimore festivals. The perfect weather only complimented the day. Its a shame that good days like this muct come to an end.
