Things were looking up going into this game, with RBNY leading 1-0 after the first game of a two leg playoff. But from the beginning it seemed like this was not meant to be. 6 minutes in, San Jose leveled the playing field. The Earthquake then went up a goal later in the second half. But just as all hope seemed lost, it finally happened. Finding a cross from Juan Agudelo, the 17 year old looking to replace the captain up top after this season and filling in for an injured Thierry Henry, Angel buries his first goal of the playoffs to break his scoreless streak and brought the crowd to its feet for the very last time of his tenure as captain. It was truly a magical moment, while for the minute it happened, it seemed like our captain wouldn't allow his team to go quietly, despite his future being in question. He made the stadium shake like it's never shook before. The nervously, quiet stadium awoke in jubilation and the Red Bulls had life.
Sadly, the new life literally lasted 3 minutes before the Earthquake struck back. But I'd rather not think about that, because the moment 3 minutes prior was so special. Angel went out like a champion. His team, not being unlike themselves, could not back up the message he was trying to send. But being the great leader he was, he'd never point a finger, place blame on his teammates or blame his coach for late substitutions. He takes it all in stride and leaves with his chin held high, grateful, not bitter. That, if nothing else, should garner some respect. So to Juan Pablo Angel, a truly great example of what a captain should be. A class act, a leader, and most of all, a winner. We thank you.
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