A Tale of Two Cities

Walking to the Sydney Football Stadium I heard an almighty roar coming from fans on their way to the match. But it wasn't from members of Sydney supporter group The Cove. A few hundred traveling Melbourne fans were on their way inside, a decent effort for the start of season clash. They were in full voice as I quickened my pace and veered my body - donned in Sydney FC attire - around them.

The jovial atmosphere created by the Victory fans continued as I entered and took my seat inside the Stadium. There was a definite air of excitement in the seating banks, as if something special was about to occur. The fireworks, the singing from both The Cove and the Victory away fans enhanced this feeling. Despite the low attendance, it didn't feel empty in the SFS tonight. The A-League has truly begun.

The stunning football played at times by Sydney FC, the constant booing for the 'evil' Kevin Muscat, the 2 goal advantage held by the Sky Blues, the come-back by Victory, and another classic Shannon Cole freekick to finally equalise - all made this night a spectacle. Not a spectacular one, but a spectacle nonetheless.

It should be a game that has all attending Sydney supporters go home to their families, into their workplaces, out to the pub, singing the praises of what they witnessed, nay, discovered, and advising these family, colleagues, and drunkards to come along to the next A-league spectacle in the Harbour city.

But will it have such an affect? For a football fan it would be a dream come true to see the next home match - against Central Coast Mariners on the 28th August - double in attendance. It is unlikely, at least until AFL and NRL season end, to occur. All that can be done until this next date with the Sydney Football Stadium is romanticize tonight's game, and pray for good weather.

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