From one final to another, and everything in between, an MLS Cup, Crew journey

Photo by Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesFive years and six days ago, I sat down with my brother on the east side of MAPFRE Stadium to cheer on the Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final against the Portland Timbers. It was an ideal spot to witness the most important moments of the match. To tell you the truth, I don’t remember much after the first 18 minutes outside of the final whistle. But in those first 18 minutes, I remember everything. I remember Steve Clark’s blunder for Diego Valeri’s goal. I can still see the ball go out of bounds before Portland’s second. And I can see the Nordecke’s response, flinging beer cans at the celebrating Timbers players. After Kei Kamara’s goal, I don’t remember much else. But those first minutes are seared into my memory.

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