Baltimore World Cup Soccer @ Slainte Pub

I would have to say that this weekend(Saturday for me) at the pub was pretty legend.

Aside from the show the Chelsea boys put on – there was a last minute goal to get the Gooners hopping,  Sunderland beating Tottenham to give Liverpool a better chance and move City to it’s rightful place in the top 4. And then there was the City slaughter of Burnley at Turf Moor. All this happened in one day and lead to lots of laughs and a general great time for all.

I think one of the best things were the times when we were all outside at half – and people walk by to read the breakfast menu – and sometimes we lure them into the pub – and EVERY TIME those people say along the lines of the same thing: “I can’t believe a place like this exists. It’s awesome.”

I have recently been bringing my friend Chris down to the pub. He’s new to the entire Soccer world – but if there’s one thing I know about Chris – when he likes something he gets pretty wrapped up in it. And to see his face there this weekend for a good ole’ classic Slainte Row between 2 power houses at 7:45 AM – I think he became an official convert. As a matter of fact I know he did – we’ve been going to sporting events since we were teenagers and I know now – he’s been converted as an official evangelist of Baltimore’s best kept sports secret – Soccer at Slainte -

It is the ONLY place in Baltimore where you show up at 7:45 AM, have a pint, and see truly knowledgeable and excited fans that represent every team (not just one team in particular *wink at that other place). The chants, the food, the regulars, and just the entire atmosphere were really on point this weekend.

As a matter of fact – we had two happenstance moments:

1. A Chelsea fan got up at 6 AM to drive to Baltimore because he “would never ever find a place like this in Harrisburg.” and it is “completely worth it.” -

2. A friend of mine who is a United fan – had his friends enjoying breakfast at Koopers run over to see if a short, fat guy in blue with a paper boy hat on was making a fool of himself – and of course I was – and of course it was predictable that they would find me.

All of the things above make the pub that we all adore that much more inviting to return to over and over again. Cheers to all the lads and ladies! Top time as always.

Later this week - look forward and I mean – REALLY LOOK FORWARD to my review of the upcoming City v Birmingham game and… I would love to see some of you fans out there that can string 3 words together- get on here and really round out the field for opinions and entertaining stories. Contact Willy or myself so we can sort you out.

Onwards and upwards – especially in the table – B

Oh and cheers to Frenchy II (Seb) for coming in and taking photos -

So… the game EVERYONE is talking about for SATURDAY is OBVIOUSLY the City v Burnley match. I expect all the hardcore fans to sit around until 12:30 to view a team’s battle for 4th and another’s battle to avoid relegation.

Burnley are getting their captain back in Caldwell – who may be the missing man since Burnley haven’t won a game since Turkey season – even their 1-0 win over the lowly Rovers haven’t spurred their return to the safe zone. Burnley have also been city doormats forever – City having won 6 in a row there – but we actually tied 3-3 earlier this year – - in a game – at the pub with Irish Dave – that could be only be described as “The Day I almost got Banned from the Pub” – I was so mad – Dave had to take me for a walk…

City will be missing the usual suspects in Petrov, Johnson, Zabaleta (cards), Ireland and Lescott. City need EVERY game. There is no wiggle room the rest of the year – with Birmingham next week and then United and Arsenal at home – Turf Moor has to be a do or di 3 points – ManCity projected lineup for City -

Richards – Kolo – Onuoha – Garrido

Johnson – Kompany – Barry – Bellamy

Tevez

Adebayor

Also – if you haven’t seen him play yet – the new magic left foot of the EPL has landed – in Adam Johnson –

Visit the Baltimore City’s Best Soccer Bar SlaintePub.com – for all the schedules – and specials!

Prediction – a bit of drunkenness since I will have been there with my trusty sidekick Chris for almost 6 hours – he is in charge of keeping the whiskey away – but the score -

City 83- Burnley 1 – actually 84 – 1 – SWP with a Brace… everyone else with 7 or 8 a piece

Prediction for the Chelsea – United game – Chelsea 3- United 1

COME ON CITYY!