First Austin FC game. Q2. Portland. I cover concerts. I did not expect to understand a soccer crowd this fast.
Tailgates in black and verde. Drums already going in the parking lot. Inside, the supporters' section knew every chant and I did not, so I just yelled the last word with everybody else.
I cannot break down the tactics. I can tell you the whole stadium leaned in every time Austin pushed forward, and when they scored, strangers hugged and somebody's beer hit my arm and I did not care.
Portland did not roll over. It stayed tight. That helped. Easy games are boring. This one was not.
I looked at the schedule on the way out. I'll go back.
