The match was like a mini-version of the Super Bowl.  There were fireworks during the singing of the Star Bangled Banner followed by two F-18 fighter jets out of Oceana Naval Air Station in Norfolk buzzing the stadium.  Half-time was highlighted by a concert by Jimmy Eat World.  

The first half was fairly quiet.  New England was the only team to score in the first half.   Eventually Houston scored the final two goals.  The second half became a lot more interesting as the clock ran out of time.  There were at least 2 yellow cards in the 2nd half  and one should not have been even given (63rd minute).   This second yellow card was given even after the ridiculous attempt by Houston’s Craig Waibel to look like he had been seriously injured by Khano Smith of the NE Revolution.  The last twenty minutes also had lots of goal shots taken and some were very close to producing a goal.  We were all hoping for a tie but we were not actually sure the tie would be settled (since sudden death was eliminated from MLS matches in 2004).

Our seats were amazing.  We were 4 rows back from the dugout and could easily see all the action.  It was very cold but we were out of our seats every few minutes when the shots looked like they might mean a goal.  Both team supporters had very large sections of seats.  Each team had drums, flags, smoke, confetti, and other forms of distraction for the players.  Overall, it was a very cool event and one we intend to repeat the next time DC hosts a MLS Championship Cup Match.