The One Where We Won at Home

It has been a minute. Actually, 76,140 minutes between Lou City’s home wins (July 29th and September 19th). Say what you will about AI, but I got that answer in 3.8 seconds from Google thanks to AI, so I poured a cup of water on my phone in gratitude.

We needed this win. It helped in our standings (we moved up a whole spot!). It helped the player moral. It helped stall some of the unwarranted (IMO) talk about needing a new coach. Now the talk has moved to leadership on the pitch. Fans are noticing how Aiden McFadden is stepping up. With Big brother Davila missing this match, the midfield could have devolved into chaos but Aiden seemed to keep things running smoothly. The backline was missing Sean Totsch, and so Aiden started the match with his jersey tucked in as a nod to his fellow defender. Or maybe he just forgot to untuck it before the line-up.

Meanwhile, Quenzi Huerman was all over the pitch making plays. It’s always disappointing when the Man of the Match is awarded to one of the scorers when the one who set up the goals is overlooked. We see you Q. But Serrano did a little dance number featuring the running man so he gets the MOTM.

Let’s check out some highlights from the match that are guaranteed* to make you smile.

*Guarantee only good for 30 days. If you’re interested in an extended warranty, then I’ll have someone call you 12 times tomorrow.

Before we start our vigorous cardio workout, let’s warm up with the boys in purple. And pink and blue and orange and yellow.

Last on the pitch warming up was Aiden, running his kicking drill. Or scoring drill. Or drilling drill.

I don’t know why everyone was complaining about the heat last night. Lou City players wore the black uniforms to absorb more heat from the sun and then set fire to the pitch. Warm enough for you, Quenzi?

We’ve all been there. The new guy or gal at work. Visiting a new church. Returning to the starting line-up after a lengthy injury. And you hear those dreaded words. “If you’re starting for the first time in several matches, would you please rise and introduce yourself.”

To tuck, or not to tuck, that was never the question.

Loudoun’s captain trying to bring main character energy.

Kevon Lambert is smoldering on the pitch. Or maybe that’s leftover firework smoke.

Manny Perez fights off Loudoun player for the last open seat in musical chairs.

Schewe with an early save-wave. I tried something, it didn’t work. Kyle Adams is not amused.

Let’s see if the Loudoun keeper can handle a softball. Not a literal softball, but a figurative one. I bet he doesn’t know the difference anyway. Nice try, Manny! Let’s keep it going.

This match was a rare one in that it didn’t feature many set pieces. Lou City was, however, able to debut a new type of offense that they’ve been practicing with the help of the Grounds Crew. It’s an in-your-face approach to offense.

Once you get the grass seed out of your eyes, you can enjoy that amazing Lynn Family stadium sunset.

Midfield collision. Where’s that Alex White guy you need him?

Pausing for the wow. Gorgeous. Also check out that sunset!

Here we go. Huerman is making his move. Is Serrano ready?

I believe you already know the answer to that. Check out that rocket!

What’s that, Loudoun keeper? Something you want to say before we check in on Ray?

Get it, Ray! LFG!!!! (Let’s Friggin’ Go!!!!!)

LCT!!! (Let’s Celebrate with the Team!!!)

Now let’s see those sweet dance moves, Ray! (Please enjoy these pictures to the tune of Tim McGraw’s “I like it, I love it, I want some more of it” or a second option is Song 2 by Blur.)

“I gotta get me one of them goals” - Donny

No arguments here. No pushback from Loudoun either.

Did they have time to reload the cannons with purple, sulfur, and old eggs? Maybe not. Manny asks if he can get in on this one since he sacrificed his celebration time in the last match in the interest of playing time. Of course Chris Donovan is happy to share the love.

Also, my autocorrect kept changing Loudoun to lowdown so no judgement but I settled for Loudon in one pic. Just keep it on the downlow.

Anyone catch the score at the half?

Let’s check in with the fans.

Second half! Trying out a new setting on my camera called “Try to keep up with Brandon Dayes” and it almost worked!

I didn’t even try the “Try to Make Aiden Look Calm” setting. But he was in total control of the match.

Time to appreciate the Quenzi face. My next calendar. I have enough pictures for an 18-month version.

Speaking of faces, this look from the Loudoun defender is just evil. And oh look, he has a warning for women everywhere on his shoes.

Manny looks like he saw a ghost. Or a predator.

Davila the Younger enters the match in search of his brother.

Way behind on my Kyle Adams quota…

Also lacking on my Jake from State Farm entries tonight.

What a block from Dayes to preserve the lead for Lou City!

Okay you can’t see it here, but Serrano had the most unbelievable stop & kick but I just got the kick part. You’ll have to use your imagination on the stop.

Serrano comes out but he tells Tola to keep trying to score. “Swear!” “Pinky swear?” “Of course.”

Coach encouraging defense over offense. He also wants to know if anyone wants anything from Subway. Match is almost over.

Looks like Tom Brady got a hold of this ball at some point. Or maybe Tola’s head is just that hard. The ball looks like it was transformed into one of those dumplings.

After the 2-1 win, Sean Totsch makes his way to the refs to say hello. I think they were surprised to get a friendly greeting. Pretty sure I heard the center ref asked for an autograph before the tall ref tried to issue a yellow card.

Warm exchange between the Davila brothers.

My first sighting of Danny Faundez since the potentially season-ending injury. Glad to see him on the pitch, even in street clothes!

Final huddle to celebrate the wi- wait. We’re all wearing the same jersey. Where’s the keeper? Did he lose his Sche-way? (That one was better, right? I’ll get it eventually.)

Okay! All present and accounted for. Huddle, take 2.

The One Where We Won at Home

The One with the New Guy