I have mixed feelings about the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs.
In one respect it’s an exciting time to be an MLS fan. The games are coming fast and furious and they all have that unmistakable “playoff” feel as we begin to dwindle down the title contenders. Entire seasons hinge on every play and the tension is palpable, even from the comfort of my own couch.
But on the other hand, I wish I wasn’t watching the postseason from my couch. Let’s face it, the pain of watching the MLS Cup Playoffs when the Revs aren’t involved can be excruciating, particularly when some of our closest rivals are taking part. I’m pretty sure I dry heaved during starting lineups for the New York Red Bulls – D.C. United game this past weekend. I’m probably not alone there, either.
This conundrum leads to an interesting question for those who strike some sort of balance between being a Revolution fan and being an MLS fan: Do you watch the MLS Cup Playoffs when the Revs aren’t involved?
If you do watch, do you actually cheer for a specific team? A specific player? Or do you just watch to see what happens?
Personally, I find myself pulling for specific players more than anything else. I’m too closely tied to the Revs to ever feel emotionally attached to another team, but I do care about the success of former Revolution players whom I crossed paths with in Foxborough. Which is why I cheered for Brad Knighton in the Western Conference Knockout Round and pull for Seth Sinovic in the Eastern Conference Semis. Then of course there’s Steve Ralston, who serves as an assistant coach in Houston. They’re good guys and if the Revs can’t win, I’d be OK if they did.
What about you? Are you cheering for any player or team in particular? Or are you pretending the playoffs didn’t even happen this year?
