MLS Road Trip: A Crazy Start

Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed

By Evan Ream / MLSRoadTrip.com

Wow! What a crazy start to my journey. It is 2:41 a.m. CST and I am typing this 20 miles east of Bismarck, ND. Our photographer, Dan Perlea, has been driving for 17 hours straight so that we can make Chicago without wasting too much time. We are all hopped up on Golazos and Nature Valley Bars, but remain upbeat. Last week, we met some amazing people and did some crazy things that we would like to share:

Saturday 6/16 - We took in the Chivas USA vs. Real Salt Lake game with Black Army 1850, one of the Chivas USA supporters groups. Dan snapped an amazing shot of Black Army President Angel Mendoza showing his support for diversity by waving both the rainbow American Flag and colorless American Flag at the same time. Check out the Black Army tailgate, in-game experience, and how we got free Black Army scarves.

Sunday 6/17 - Dan, our photographer, almost got kicked out of the Home Depot Center for the LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers FC game, but spent the second half on the field taking pictures of the most famous players in MLS.

Tuesday 6/19 - Half of the crew went ahead to the Pacific Northwest to get a private tour of JELD-WEN stadium in Portland.

An amazing panoramic photo taken by Jake Coburn.

Wednesday 6/20 - After checking out Pike Place Market we headed to Golazo Energy HQ in Seattle where we made this "mix tape" that will probably end my career as a journalist before it really starts. After this, Jake went to go cover the Emerald City Supporters while I went to go talk to Gorilla FC. Check out this amazing footage that Jake got before and during the game:

What's on tap (pun intended):

Friday 6/22 - SLEEP! Yes, technically I'm typing this on Friday. But I think for the first time this trip, we are actually going to try to get eight hours of sleep (at least) in a night.

Saturday 6/23 - We will attend the Section 8 tailgate and then the Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew game, hopefully it isn't going to rain like it has been in Chicago lately.

Monday 6/25 - A certain member of our team is having a certain birthday and we're celebrating by pub crawling in Chicago and then attending the Cubs vs. Mets game (where I will be wearing a soccer jersey).

Wednesday 6/27 - For my first voyage out of the country (ever!) MLS Road Trip will be taking in the Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC game at Stade Saputo in Montreal. Look for posts in both English et en Francais aussi!

Meet: Manny's Pale Ale

It was Wednesday and I still didn't have a beer review done, so I took the chance to order the beer of the day over brunch at the Pike Place Bar and Grill: Manny's Pale Ale. The first thing I noticed about this Georgetown (Seattle) Brewing Company beer was the color. The picture I took really doesn't do it justice; it was a beautiful golden orange, almost like honey. As I mentioned last week, I'm not a huge fan of bitterness in beers, and this beer is no exception. For a pale ale, it isn't that hoppy, and overall has a smoother taste, but less flavor. This beer went amazing with the salty, buttery flavors scampi that I enjoyed with it.

Tags: Major League Soccer, MLS Road Trip

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