The best things in life are worth waiting for, as the old cliché goes. 'The best things in life' entails various and differing experiences unique to each person. There are probably very few people, certainly in Ireland, who would put Major League Soccer into that category.
However, thousands of dedicated 'soccer' fans in Frisco, Texas considered it worth the two hour rain delay to witness the clash between Supporters' Shield-chasing FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo. After just four minutes, referee Kevin Stott called a halt to the action and, from the video below, one can understand why. The unfortunate players trying to control the ball on the swamp-like turf resembles a bunch of bored schoolkids kicking about a deflating balloon.
In the Premier League, the match would, in all probability, have been called off and the fans and players alike freed to go home, have a cup of tea and watch the latest episode of 'Laochra Gael' on TG4. Not the hardy souls involved in the MLS. An hour and fifty-three minutes later, the brave Hoops and Dynamos trudged back onto the pitch and, a few quick stretches and press-ups later, were back in action.
Incidentally, the game turned out to be a highly enjoyable one, peppered with agonising misses from Dynamo and featuring a quite stunning long-range effort from midfield wizard Ricardo Clark before ending in a well-fought one-all draw.
You can watch the highlights of the absorbing clash here.
