That was fun

Thanks to my friend, and occasional frequent reader, DF, i ventured into the wilds of Cary last night to watch the Railhawks U-23s take on Burnley FC at whatever it is that they're calling the soccer stadium these days.

Burnley play in the Championship, which is the old Second Division in English football, and are expected to contend for promotion to the top flight this coming season.

So i was quite surprised that the U23s not only held their own, but scored two wonderful goals in the second half to win the match 2-1. Not surprisingly, though, the N&O relied on a press release from the Railhawks for their coverage of the match, while the Herald-Sun didn't even know it happened.

Great pictures and commentary, however, at the Burnley site. I couldn't agree more with this sentiment:

The issue of goal music at Turf Moor remains a moot one. You either love it, or hate it.
However, for travelling Clarets fans I spoke to - and aficionados of the good old days - the musical offerings at the Cary RailHawks game were certainly cause for debate!
During a tuneful 90 minutes we had organ music at free kicks, the Addams Family theme tune at one random moment during play - and even the instantly recognisable score from 1974 film Jaws as the RailHawks lined up a free kick.
The game in America is constantly gaining in popularity and clearly there is a focus on family entertainment, on and off the pitch.
But does providing a constant soundtrack to the unfolding action help to widen the US game's credibility and appeal outside America?
From early evidence in Carolina, the game here is more than good enough to evolve naturally. It's a personal view, but I don't feel it needs these forced gimmicks.

Oh, and add Joey Gudjonsson to the Snickers All-Name Team.

And more photos and video here.