WELL, gutted is the word. We are officially out of the play-offs now. After our excellent result in San Jose we were in pole position for the home match. But as usually happens in football, nothing is surprising, and that’s what came our way.
We lost by 3-1 at home after an entertaining game, as our missed chances came back to haunt us. All credit to San Jose Earthquakes, who came out and attacked us and got the result as our season sadly ended.
Much has been made of the format of the play-offs, but we were number one seed and San Jose number eight. Seedings mean nothing in play-offs and so it proved.
It also showed up as Columbus Crew were beaten by Colorado and reigning champions Real Salt Lake were beaten by Dallas. Los Angeles also booked their place with a win against Seattle.
It will be strange not being involved but no doubt I’ll keep a keen eye out.
What next for me? Well as at the end of every season changes happen and we all have our meetings with the manager. I have mine this week, before my return to the UK next week. It will be a good chat as I look towards decisions for next year, whether here or back home.
I still feel very good in myself and want to keep on playing, while finishing my coaching licenses. Since my return from my knee injury in July I have not missed training or matches so that’s a good sign.
On Sunday I went to watch the NY Marathon as my good friend was running. What a special event it was as watching everyone going through pain for their own reason.
Some to win, some for pleasure and most for charity. More than 45,000 people were running and the race was screened everywhere.
It was great to see so many British people doing it and I’ve come to the decision that I am going to be running next year’s as I have some special charities that I want to help. Most of all is the research for cancer, to help find cures that maybe one day will help avoid the sadness that my family and thousands of others go through. Total respect for all runners.
It was also good to see the Chilean miner that was trapped underground for months running, and finishing the race in just under six hours.
David Haye versus Audley Harrison this weekend promises to be a fantastic event. An all-British fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.
All money on Haye, but look out for Audley’s left hook! I will be finding a New York bar to watch the fight for sure.
Finally I must mention the big South Wales derby from last week. As always it was full of drama and passion as Swansea upset Cardiff City at Ninian Park.
It was a massive result for the Swans and I have to say they thoroughly deserved it.
Brendan Rodgers had his tactics spot on as a single goal won it.
I just hope that both teams are up there come the end of the season in the race for the Premier League.