There were things about the moment that caused it to be unforgettable – maybe it was the chain link fence that enclosed the court, or the all out game of pick-up basketball being played on the other side, or simply the fact that we were four Chicagoans in the heart of Brooklyn playing street soccer at 2 am.

Not to mention all this was happening after our beloved Fire executed a clinical beatdown of Osorio's Red Bulls in the decaying Swamplands of New Jersey. The roadtrip had given us many reasons for us to be pumped up -- but playing our own little soccer game after that victory was perhaps the highest point of a weekend that will be talked about amongst Section 8ers for years to come.

Keep reading for a full account of a memorable weekend.

The build-up was already well known by any astute observer of MLS, the Eastern Conference in particular: El Traitor conveniently (and pitifully?) picked up a red card in the game prior to ensure he wouldn’t be on the sideline to face his thriving former team for the first time. Meanwhile, tug-of-war prize Wilman Conde looked poised for an opportunity to play in on the turf at the gridiron stadium that he so desperately tried to make his home. And Fire fans wondered if they'd have the chance to see the other Osorio orphan, Lider Marmol, suit up for the Fire's first team for his debut.

All of this was coupled with the possibility of the Fire heading to the top of the league. It set the stage for what was to be a match of memorable proportions.

At the tailgate beforehand, the talk above the food roasting on the grill or in between sips of brew overwhelmingly predicted a Fire victory. And how could it not? The Fire were in great road form; that which previously saw them dispense of two hated rivals in a combined score line of 5-0. While the talk was optimistic, few could have seriously expected that record to increase to 10-1 en route to 9 points snatched from the last three away games.

But it did happen, and all the better for the approximately 70 Fire fans who were in attendance to witness the thrashing firsthand, trumpets and drums blaring, even our Technical Director Frank Klopas and owner Andrew Hauptman stopping by as the seventy of us roared on the team from the distant mezzanine level.

The walk back to the tailgate after the barely believable 5-1 win hardly seemed as long or grueling as the death march security put us on when we first escorted to our seats. It was a lot easier floating away on clouds, aided by the smiles and cheers of the Jersey-based Blanco faithful who recognized that our trip was well worth it.

From that point forward smiles seemed to be the theme of the evening, especially after the Fire Front Office invited Section 8 On Tour to gather at their hotel for some post-match beverages and a chance to chat with the squad. The centerpiece of the weekend - complete domination by the Fire – was only enhanced by the camaraderie of Fire fans and great times in New York City.

As for the street soccer in Brooklyn – it was more than the dim lights strangely illuminating the playing surface that burned this memory into my mind. It was the childlike joy of playing the beautiful game with friends in a foreign city. All this stemming from a decision to travel a good portion of the country to see our team partake in an American soccer match.

I know that not all Section 8 On Tour trips are remembered or will turn out like this one - but I do believe that, with the presence of the right vibes and favorable circumstances, sometimes you can have your bananas and cake and eat it, too.

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BOOGLET108 June 01, 2008	Damn, that looks like it was a great time. That is what soccer is all about. FIRE 4 EVER