March 14, 2006
Though Manchester's worldwide soccer reputation was established with Manchester United, the Manchester City team is also really good, being in tenth place in the Premier league. It's hard to get Manchester United tickets if you are not a season ticket holder, and they're very expensive. Manchester City tickets can be purchased the day of the match. My seat behind the goal was 20 pounds and it was a great experience. Chants at American games are pathetic compared to the roars at an English soccer match. Even before the game started, we could hear the fans of the opposing team, Austin Villa, singing at the top of their lungs. We couldn't actually see them, however, because a huge metal gate in the refreshment area separated Man City fans from Villa fans. Though being behind the goal made viewing the game on the other side of the field an optical enigma, the seating had unexpected perks. We were seated right next to the section designated for Austin Villa fans. A long row of attentive gaurds separated the sections, due to England's history of holigans and violence. But that night everyone was merry. Fans from opposing teams would constantly shout organized taunts to each other, giving each other all sorts of great gestures. I saw 7-year-old kids joyfully giving Austin Villa fans the finger. None of this was malicious, it was just all in the fun of the game. Every time it looked like Man City was close to scoring, all of the fans would stand up. I can't believe my luck, for when I ran to go to the bathroom, the first goal of the game was scored by Man City. After that fans chanted to Austin Villa, "Shall We Sing....Shall We Sing....Shall We Sing a Song for You-ou-ou...Cuz You're Not Singing Anymore-ore-ore" Thankfully, I was there for Man City's second goal. Once again, the crowd exploded. The last 20 minutes of the game were really exciting, for Austin Villa scored, and both teams had lots of opportunities.

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