A Major Award

Padding. That's what I call the old-man, early morning walk to the bathroom when I don't get enough sleep. You may not be familiar with it, but it involves sore knees, a hand on the back and very slow movements. For me, it also includes the sound of my feet hitting the floor, pad pad pad, because my ankles are so stiff I can't roll heel-toe heel toe. I don't mind getting up early, but when I go to bed late I know that walk is looming and I dread it. It's a slow mournful shuffle that gives me plenty of time to reflect on life and why is sucks so much.

And yet I found myself rooting for padding. When the Sounders played Metapan in Seattle I wanted them to pad their 1-0 lead. Down in El Salvador, as they waded through the muck I wanted them to win. They couldn't pull it off but did manage to advance on aggregate score. Thank God for Alvaro Fernandez's header, it would have been humiliating to lose down there. Though if a team falls in an empty stadium, does anybody notice? I'll have to hold off on third-world jokes since they will now take on three other teams all of which may beat us. Never mind the fact that half our roster comes from "developing" nations.

Jon came over to watch the game with me. I can't say he invited himself over, it was more of an announcement than an invitation. Either way, he is always welcome. I did invite Niki and we made a "party" of it. At least as far as Facebook and soundersfc.com are concerned. They had a photo contest for viewing parties. I made the guests gussy themselves in green and pose for the camera. Scarves, shirts, flags and masks were prevalent in the award-winning shot. That's right - award winning. And not just some lame prize, a major award. I'll be receiving an autographed Nate Jaqua jersey! It's no leg lamp, but with any luck I'll be able to warm myself in the soft glow of electric yellow.

So now the Sounders advance to group play and we get six more games. Three of them will be at home, on school nights and I am thrilled. But I also know Jon and I won't get home 'til midnight and I'll have some stiff joints in the morning.