Thanks For Reading!

A little over a year ago I had the idea to start writing this little blog.  It scratches two particular itches that I often have.  The first is my love of the game of soccer, the second is my constant urge to write.  I wrote a little about sports for the school newspaper back in the day, and I've also tried my hand at fiction, though I often lack the consistency to do it effectively.  However, I love the sport of soccer so much that I've had PLENTY of incentive to write about it over the last year plus.

The name "Puddle on the Pitch" pays homage to one of the most memorable matches in Real Salt Lake's history.  Back during their 2010-2011 CONCACAF Champion's League run, RSL played Mexican giants Cruz Azul in Mexico.  The game took place in a torrential monsoon, and the two sides staged an epic battle.  Azul won the battle that day, but the effort inspired Real Salt Lake in future CONCACAF matches, driving them all the way to the final, and picking up a home win against Cruz Azul along the way.

So I embarked on this little project thinking nobody but my friend Rick, my wife Mariel, and myself would ever read it.  Last night, the blog passed 4,000 views for the 2012 calendar year alone.  I'm stunned.  Never in my dreams did I think anyone would really care enough what some amateur writer had to say about soccer.

Along the way, I've had the chance to meet some great people through the blog and my presence on social media.  Not only have I talked to folks in other US States, but I've even held soccer conversations with people in Australia, the UK, Eastern Europe, Canada, and the Middle East.  It blows my mind to think our world is that much smaller and that one simple, beautiful game can bring people together.

I want to thank a few people.  First, my wife Mariel.  She HATES soccer with a passion but has always encouraged my writing ideas.  Second, my friend Rick.  Honestly, my life over the last 12 or 13 years would really suck had I never met him.  He's not just my football friend, but my best friend, and he has given me tons of encouragement as well.  Next I want to thank Scott, Dy-Anne, and Paul.  They're fans of the Colorado Rapids, RSL's mortal enemy, but I've gotten to know these great folks through social media and it's great to hear their perspectives not only on soccer, but on life.  Plus, as far as I can tell, they're some of my earliest and most faithful readers.

Finally I want to thank the folks over at VictoryBlog. They've got a top notch blog about the Melbourne Victory and the Hyundai A-League.  Last fall, they gave me some nice mentions in social media and it really opened up the world of Australian football to me, a casual A-League fan in the USA that struggles to get the real scoop from Australia.  I highly suggest you check it out.  They've enhanced my enjoyment of the A-League exponentially. 

So there we have it, thanks so much for reading, and I look forward to many more conversations and football memories with you all in the future.