Emotional Evening Ends With 1-1 Draw

Thursday, August 16, 2012

By: David Burgin

Tributes for Kirk Urso could be seen in every conceivable shape and size last night. From banners with the number 15 to jerseys and flags, the Columbus Crew rookie, who tragically passed last week, was as much a part of The Black and Gold’s match against the Galaxy as anyone in attendance or playing on the field.

Songs, bagpipes, and even a moment of silence during the 15th minute accompanied the tributes throughout Crew Stadium. Perhaps, and only perhaps, the greatest tribute occurred when the opening whistle sounded. Only then did the part of Kirk we all share grace the field.

The game which took place tonight, one initially dominated by LA and then taken over by The Crew, was perfect. Not because it was of high standard. Not because professionals strove for victory. Not because The Crew opened the scoring through Jairo Arrieta. Not because Andy Gruenebaum once again proved he is one of the top five goalies in Major League Soccer.  No, the game which took place tonight was perfect, because it was a game, simply… a game.

And so, I add my own tribute below and dedicate it to Brian and Brian; two soccer playing teens taken much too early, but always and forever a part of the beautiful game, me and each of us who dares to touch the dream.

The ball rolls

We crawl

On hands

On knees

To touch the dream

The ball rolls

We fall

Then get

Back up

To touch the dream

The ball rolls

We run

Fast as

The wind

To touch the dream

The ball rolls

We shine

Bright soul

Bold gift

To touch the dream

The ball rolls

We slow

In body

Not mind

To touch the dream

The ball rolls

We stumble

Laugh loud

And true

To touch the dream

The ball rolls

We watch

With friends

With child

To touch the dream

The ball rolls

We cry

Think dream

Not won

Deceitful lie 

The ball rolls

And we

Without

Knowing

Create the dream

The ball rolls

And we

Who strive

To touch

Join all before

The ball rolls

And we

Merge self

And dream

Small piece by piece

The ball rolls

And we

Who ache

To shine

Become the dream

The ball rolls

And we

Who are

The dream

Forever live