After a year of attending the Missouri Journalism School, one thing I’ve taken away is that real world experience is the only way to improve in the journalism world. So, in order to keep working on my writing skills, I am going to try to publish a few columns each week about whatever sporting topic is relevant and on my mind. This might be more Cincinnati sports focused, since I am back in the 513 for the next few months, but I will also throw in sports thoughts from around the country.
I went to my first game at TQL stadium last Wednesday night as the Orange and Blue took down Montreal 3-0 with ease. TQL stadium is state of the art and the outside lights give it a new and modern edge. The stadium was on full display Saturday night in the “Hell is Real” rivalry. Even watching on the Apple TV stream, which I’ll get into later, you could feel the energy in the stadium, especially from the Bailey.
The win over Columbus means FC remains at the top of the MLS table, which I don’t understand why they can’t just call them the standings, but I guess soccer has to be different. Their 9-3-1 record is better than any MLS team by over TWO games. For a city that loves their sports teams (and I know the Orange and Blue have a large, passionate following), I am a little disappointed that this doesn’t seem to be bigger news. I had no idea of how dominant they have been until I was doing research to write this. In my opinion , this is the front page of the Enquirer sports page worthy and should be promoted heavily on social media, especially to grab the younger audience's attention. This would be like if the Bengals were leading the AFC by two games, which no one would be able to shut up about. I know FC is still relatively new to the city, but this is something we should all be super pumped about and the more it’s talked about, the more the following for the team will grow.
My first experience watching the MLS on Apple TV left me less than impressed. The shots of the crowd did not capture the full atmosphere, the graphic box was as simple as can be, and the announcers would have put me to sleep if the game were not so exciting. Could someone please explain to me what a “dirty run” is, because I heard that at least twenty times. The announcers had no chemistry between them, and the commentary did very little to add to the viewers experience. I know I sound very nitpicky, but after just dipping my toe in the broadcasting world at Mizzou, I feel like professionals should be performing a little better than what I heard Saturday night.
This tweet raises a very valid question: Is Cincinnati becoming a top 5 sports city? Between the recent success of FC Cincinnati, the Bengals, UC football, and Xavier basketball, there is a strong argument to be made. Obviously I am biased, but I think the passion of our fans, the location of all the stadiums downtown, and the environment in each arena, put Cincy as a strong candidate. The only thing missing is the Reds…
Great American Ballpark had its best attendance since opening day in this weekend series, but that is mainly due to half of the ballpark being full with the visiting Yankees fans. I am disappointed in my local Cincinnatians that there are so many Yankee fans among us. To me, a Yankees fan is the football equivalent of a Dallas Cowboys fan (this is not a good thing in case you were confused).
Not only were there too many Bronx fans at the games, but brooms were out as the Yankees swept the Reds. None of the games were blowouts, one even went into extra innings, but the Reds still failed to pick up a win. I am beginning to wonder if it is time to be concerned that Hunter Greene has yet to pick up a win. Matt McClain has been a brighter spot among newbies and keeps finding ways to get on base, but this alone can not make up for many other holes on the team. .
In the NBA, where I must admit I am only a playoff fan, the conference finals have been a bit of a snooze fest. Both the Nuggets and Heat have 3-0 leads and look well on their way to sweeps.
Well, that was all the thoughts I had from this weekend. Thanks for reading and come back later this week for more!
Welcome home, Megan!