Goal of the Day: May 31, 2010

In the spirit of the American triumph over Turkey, I present to you a ridiculous goal by Landon Donovan. The 2009 MLS Goal of the Year.

Goal of the Day - May 30, 2010

The equalizer by Jozy Altidore in yesterday's friendly against Turkey. The build up was great, especially the overlap ball by Findley. Enjoy.

Amazing Day for Sports Fans

Just Warming Up
The day started off with a bang with the various World Cup warm up friendlies. Serbia was shocked by New Zealand, Spain had to win in injury time against Saudi Arabia, and the United States bounced back from a sluggish first half to beat Turkey.

Perfect Roy
If you looked at the schedule today, I guess it doesn't come as any surprise it was so eventful. Probably the biggest news of the day, which is trumping the others on the ESPN front page, is Roy Halladay recording the 20th perfect game in Major League Baseball history. Only weeks after Dallas Braden recorded number 19, Halladay put on a performance for the ages against the Marlins. This will probably pump some life into a struggling Phillies team. Honestly if he hadn't pitched that perfect game, they probably would have lost that game, after only recording one run during the spectacular nine inning display by Halladay.

Commencing Quest for the Cup
The Blackhawks and Flyers continued a crazy day of sports when they played Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The first period started out with a five goal first period, with Philadelphia leading 3-2 at intermission. The result of the first period was reversed in the second with Chicago tying the game up 5-5, before Tomas Kopecky scored the winner. The Blackhawks retained their home ice advantage and will look to continue their stellar run on Monday in the House That Jordan Built(United Center).

Closing it out in Style
Next up was Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference finals between the Lakers and the Suns. A lot was being made of how the Lakers had never lost a series after leading two games to nothing. They continued their streak with a nice 111-103 victory over the Suns. Much like the hockey game, the first quarter started off with a bang, both teams combining for 71 points, the Lakers winning that period 37-34. They then stormed into the halftime break with a twelve point lead. They continued to cruise through the third period, but had to fend off a feisty Phoenix side who outscored the Lakers 29-20 in the fourth, but it was all but in vain. Kobe Bryant, and Game 5 hero Ron Artest put up 37 and 25 respectively and led the Lakers to yet another finals showdown with the Boston Celtics. It may not be to the caliber of a Bird and Magic finals showdown, but Kobe's Lakers will have to put up against a very balanced Celtics squad.

Bad Blood Comes to a Boil
The nightcap, which I had been waiting a long time for, ended with Rashad Evans outpointing a rusty Quinton Jackson at UFC 114. The event was filled with surprises, questionable decisions, and the emergence of a few young stars. Rashad Evans though was the better fighter in the main event, and used his speed and wrestling advantage to get the nod against Jackson. The fight started off with a bang when Evans landed a shot that rocked Rampage. The next two rounds consisted of a lot of clinching by the fighters up against the cage, and a few take downs by Rashad Evans. The third round, and easily the highlight of the fight, was back and forth. Rampage pressed Evans and knocked him down. He followed him, proceeded to land shots, but eventually couldn't hold Evans down any longer. Rampage then proceeded to circle and let Rashad recover, which would eventually lead to a take down and Evans landing significant shots before the bell. Rashad Evans is now in line to take on the newly crowned light heavyweight champion, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, which will be a fight for the ages.

It's not very often that a day of sports delivers like today, which is what I live for.

Goal of the Day: May 29, 2010

Certainly not the flashiest goal, but Llorente saved Spain today in injury time to give them a win over Saudi Arabia.

Goal of the Day: May 27, 2010

Inspired by the comments of Zach Lascell. Daniel Agger, a monster from center back.

Group Breakdown: Group E

Holland

Key Players
G - Maarten Stekelenburg
D - Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, John Heitinga
M - Mark Van Bommel, Wesley Sneijder
F - Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie

Advantages
-Incredible Possession in Midfield
-Good Finishers
-Variety of Scoring Options

Weaknesses
-Lack of Pace in Defense
-Size Up Front
-Tendency to Choke in Big Games

Prediction
First Place in Group E

Denmark

Key Players
G - Thomas Sorensen
D - Daniel Agger, Lars Jacobsen
M - Daniel Jensen, Thomas Kahlenberg
F - Jon Dahl Tomasson, Nicklas Bendtner

Advantages
-Good Finishers
-Size
-Solid Goalkeeping

Weaknesses
-Depth
-Speed

Prediction
Second Place in Group E

Japan

Key Players
G - Seigo Narazaki
D - Yūichi Komano, Yuji Nakazawa
M - Keisuke Honda, Makoto Hasebe
F - Keiji Tamada

Advantages
-Creativity in the Midfield
-Experience
-Dangerous From Set Pieces

Weaknesses
-Lack of a Great Finisher
-Depth
-Size

Prediction
Fourth Place in Group E

Cameroon

Key Players
G - Carlos Kameni
D - Rigobert Song, Benoît Assou-Ekotto
M - Alexandre Song, Jean Makoun
F - Samuel Eto'o, Pierre Webo

Advantages
-Outstanding Finishing
-Speed in Attack
-Good Mix of Youth and Experience

Weaknesses
-Lack of Pace in Defense
-Depth
-Lack of Playmakers in the Midfield

Prediction
Third Place in Group E

Group Breakdown: Group D

Germany

Key Players
G - Hans-Jörg Butt
D - Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm
M - Mesut Özil, Bastian Schweinsteiger
F - Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez

Advantages
-Size
-Depth
-Finishing Ability

Weaknesses
-Michael Ballack's Absence
-Inexperience at Goalkeeper

Prediction
First Place in Group D

Ghana

Key Players
G - Richard Kingson
D - John Mensah, John Paintsil
M - Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng
F - Asamoah Gyan, Matthew Amoah

Advantages
-Speed
-World Cup Experience
-Location

Weaknesses
-Michael Essien's Absence
-Depth
-Lack of a Great Finisher

Prediction
Fourth Place in Group D

Serbia

Key Players
G - Vladimir Stojković
D - Nemanja Vidić, Branislav Ivanović
M - Milos Krasić, Dejan Stanković
F - Marko Pantelić, Nikola Zigić

Advantages
-Size
-Great Defense
-Variety of Scoring Options

Weaknesses
-Lack of Big Game Experience
-Speed

Prediction
Second Place in Group D

Australia

Key Players
G - Mark Schwarzer
D - Scott Chipperfield, Lucas Neill
M - Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano
F - Harry Kewell

Advantages
-Chemistry
-Size
-World Cup Experience

Weaknesses
-Lack of Scoring Options
-Speed
-Depth

Prediction
Third Place in Group D

More Heartbreak for World Cup 2010

You can add another high profile, key player to the list of injured stars during this World Cup Finals. Michael Essien has been ruled out of South Africa 2010 after having surgery to repair a knee injury. Arguably Ghana's best player, and biggest key to their success, Essien has been battling injuries over the past few years.

He joins the likes of Ballack(whose German side is in the same group as Ghana), Beckham, Charlie Davies, Gareth Barry(still up in the air), and more. It's hard to cope with not having such players in the World Cup, but it also gives promising young talent a chance to emerge on the world's biggest stage.

Ghana will have to rely heavily on Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng(the man responsible for Michael Ballack's ankle injury). Muntari is coming off a treble win with Inter Milan, and has been playing at a very high level for years. He's more than capable of taking that team on his back, but will need some help. Boateng is similar in build to Essien and plays a physical game much like Essien.

It's going to be hard for these teams to replace stars, but there are some youngsters in the wings that will more than relish the opportunity. Look for Sami Khedira to replace Michael Ballack, Milner to take the place of Barry and Dempsey to move up to Charlie Davies spot with Altidore.

It's a bittersweet thing to be without these guys, because though they're some of the best midfielders in the world, it adds a little suspense and anticipation for the young players waiting for their opportunity.

Goal of the Day - May 26, 2010

Nice goal from Ronaldinho from the 2005 Champion's League.

Goal of the Day - May 25, 2010

A wonderful goal by Fernando Torres against Blackburn.

Goal of the Day - May 24, 2010

Goal of the day was actually scored today! A nice run and great placement by Glen Johnson.

Goal of the Day - May 23, 2010

Courtesy of Hunter Wolfe, AKA Iamtoogoodtoyou

Goal of the Day - May 22, 2010

Amazing goal by Gerrard.

Goal of the Day - May 21, 2010

Arsenal fans, here you go. It's okay to cry, I think everyone misses Dennis Bergkamp.

Group Breakdown: Group C

England

Key Players
G - Robert Green
D - Jon Terry, Ashley Cole
M - Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard
F - Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch

Advantages
-Depth
-Speed Throughout Squad
-Ability to Score From All Positions

Weaknesses
-Susceptible to Counter-Attacks
-Pending Injuries

Prediction
First Place in Group C

United States

Key Players
G - Tim Howard
D - Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra
M - Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey
F - Jozy Altidore

Advantages
-Chemistry
-Great Goalkeeping
-Size

Weaknesses
-Pending Injuries
-Lack of Scoring Options
-Lack of Possession in Midfield

Prediction
Second Place in Group C

Algeria

Key Players
G - Lounès Gaouaoui
D - Nadir Belhadj
M - Yazid Mansouri, Hassan Yebda
F - Rafik Saifi

Advantages
-Speed in Defense
-Players in Major European Leagues

Weaknesses
-Lack of Scoring Options
-Inexperience
-Depth

Prediction
Fourth Place in Group C

Slovenia

Key Players
G - Samir Handanovič
D - Bojan Jokic, Bostjan Cesar
M - Robert Koren, Aleksander Radosavljevič
F - Milivoje Novakovic

Advantages
-Solid Defense
-Size
-Tough Road to World Cup

Weaknesses
-Depth
-Inexperience
-Youth

Prediction
Third Place in Group C

What to Watch for Next Saturday Night

UFC 114 takes place Saturday at 10pm est. It will culminate in one of the biggest grudge matches in mixed martial arts when Quinton "Rampage" Jackson takes on "Sugar" Rashad Evans.

The night starts off with Diego Sanchez' return to the welterweight division when he takes on English up and comer John Hathaway. Both fighters are high energy guys who love to push the pace. Diego will be looking to make an impression in his return to the 170 pound division. Expect fireworks from this fight.

The following fight is between Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Jason Brilz. The original fight was between Nogueira and Forrest Griffin, but Griffin had to pull out due to a shoulder injury. Look for Nogueira to dominate wherever the fight goes, before finishing him late in the first round.

Heavyweight prospects then go to war as Todd Duffee takes on Mike Russow. Both are very powerful heavyweights that show a lot of promise. Duffee is coming off a seven second knockout of Tim Hague and Mike Russow is coming off of a three round battle with Justin McCulley. Once again expect fireworks.

Michael Bisping and Dan Miller will both look to get back to their winning ways. Bisping will need to keep it standing, while grappling ace Dan Miller will want to take it to the mat immediately. Experience and quickness on the feet may spell victory for Michael Bisping.

In the main event, a non-title fight with the most animosity of any pairing in some time. Rampage Jackson will take on Rashad Evans in a match that should have happened months ago. Both fighters look great in their camps as shown on the UFC Primetime series. Rampage is taking his training "seriously" for the first time and Rashad is training like crazy as usual. There's so much bad blood that you won't want to blink. Both fighters have great power and possess great chins. Look for this to stay on the feet and fists to fly for three rounds. Also don't expect this to be a rivalry that gets squashed in the post fight.

Also remember to tune into Spike TV for the preliminary bouts. Amir Sadollah takes on Dong Hyun-Kim and Efrain Escudero takes on Dan Lauzon.

Goal of the Day May 20, 2010

One of the great displays of footwork by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Goal of the Day May 19, 2010

One of the best goals of the 2006 World Cup Finals, Joe Cole against Sweden!

Group Breakdown: Group B

Argentina

Key Players
G - Mariano Andujar
D - Gabriel Heinze, Martin Demichelis
M - Javier Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez
F - Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez

Advantages
-Incredibly High Powered Attack
-Strong Defense
-Great Possessors in the Midfield

Weaknesses
-Coaching
-Inconsistent Squads
-Lack of Pace in Defense

Prediction
First Place in Group B

Nigeria

Key Players
G - Vincent Enyeama
D - Joseph Yobo, Taye Taiwo
M - Mikel John Obi, Dickson Etuhu
F - Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins

Advantages
-Great Finishing
-Physical Midfielders
-Recent Tournament Success

Weaknesses
-Lack of Pace in Defense
-Lack of a Dominant Goalkeeper
-New Manager

Prediction
Second Place in Group B

Korea Republic

Key Players
G - Lee Woon-Jae
D - Cha Du-Ri
M - Park Ji-Sung, Lee Chung-Yong
F - Lee Dong-Gook, Park Chu-Young

Advantages
-Explosive Midfield
-Great Playmakers on the Wings
-Longstanding Manager(Relatively Speaking)

Weaknesses
-Lack of a Great Finisher
-Size
-Inexperience

Prediction
Third in Group B

Greece

Key Players
G - Kostas Chalkias
D - Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Giourkas Seitaridis
M - Alexandros Tziolis, Giorgos Karagounis
F - Theofanis Gekas, Angelos Chariteas

Advantages
-Size
-Experience in Defense
-Set Pieces

Weaknesses
-Lack of Pace in Defense
-Lack of Recent Big Game Experience
-Lack of Playmakers

Prediction
Fourth Place in Group B

Goal of the Day - May 18, 2010

Today's goal is a Michael Essien twofor!

Goal of the Day - May 17, 2010

So as you guys have probably noticed on my Facebook page, I tend to go a little crazy when I see a good goal scored. So I'm going through every day and posting a new goal every day. Post your suggestions as well!

Group Breakdown: Group A

I've decided to start looking at each group in this year's World Cup Finals, and giving my insight on each team.

Group A

South Africa

Key Players
G - Itumeleng Khune
D - Matthew Booth
M - Steven Pienaar
F - Benni McCarthy

Advantages
-Home Field
-Quickness
-Counter-attack

Weaknesses
-Lack of Experience
-Lack of Size Ahead of the Defense
-Lack of Impact Players

Prediction
Fourth in Group A

Mexico

Key Players
G - Guillermo Ochoa
D - Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio
M - Giovanni Dos Santos, Gerardo Torrado
F - Guillermo Franco, Cuauhtémoc Blanco

Advantages
-Experienced Defenders and Midfielders
-Ability to Possess for Long Periods in the Midfield
-Speed on the Wings

Weaknesses
-Slow Defenders
-Inexperienced Finishers

Prediction
-3rd Place in Group A

Uruguay

Key Players
G - Juan Castillo
D - Diego Lugano, Diego Godin
M - Cristian Rodriguez, Alvaro Pereira
F - Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez

Advantages
-Experience Up Front
-Great Finishing
-Good Pace

Disadvantages
-Fail to Impress in Big Games
-Sometimes Rely Too Much on Star Players

Prediction
1st Place in Group A

France

Key Players
G - Hugo Lloris
D - Patrice Evra, William Gallas
M - Franck Ribery, Jeremy Toulalan
F - Andre-Pierre Gignac, Thierry Henry

Advantages
-Great Pace on the Wings
-Great Playmakers
-Great Scoring Capability

Disadvantages
-Terribly Inconsistent
-Bad Coaching
-Defenders Push Forward Too Often

Prediction
2nd Place in Group A

UFC 113 Recap

Tonight we got to witness some interesting fights and results. A lot was proved tonight, and the light heavyweight belt changed hands, or waists if you will.

In possibly the most devastating knockout in his career, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua proved all doubters wrong and knocked the previously unbeaten Lyoto Machida out cold in the first round. It wasn't exactly the most dominant performance. For the whole three minutes or so it lasted, Machida was checking those leg kicks that plagued him in their first bout and was countering, and even took Shogun down twice. Maybe Shogun felt the need to pressure, and did just that, landing a glancing blow to the top of Machida's head and mounting him after he hit the mat. He teed off on Machida until referee Yves Lavigne stepped in to stop it, making him the new undisputed UFC Light Heavyweight champion. Barring a significant health setback, or suspension, Rua will defend against the winner of UFC 114's main event between "Sugar" Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

Another impressive performance tonight was from the middleweight Alan Belcher. He stood and banged with Patrick Cote, and proved to be the more well rounded striker and grappler for that matter. He traded with him and when it came down to it, ended up slamming Cote and locking up a rear naked choke. He's proving to be a very well rounded fighter, and even called out Anderson Silva in his post fight interview. I don't think that will happen anytime soon, but look for him to take on the winner of either the Nate Marquardt and Rousimar Palhares fight or the Wanderlei Silva and Yoshihiro Akiyama fight. I've expected big things from this guy since he head kicked Jorge Santiago to sleep, but he's now really starting to realize his potential.

The most disappointing part of the night had to have been the fight between Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley. Trash talk, not touching gloves, and bad blood is one thing, but to act on it outside of the fight is ludicrous. Daley did just that, frustrated after being controlled on the ground for three rounds, he threw a punch and hit Josh Koscheck. I'm sure Daley had to have some pent up aggravation, especially after Koscheck faked getting hit with an illegal knee, and milked it, but this is exactly what separates the professionals from the amateurs, or even UFC fighters from say, Strikeforce fighters? Expect steep disciplinary action for Semtex, perhaps even a straight release from his UFC contract. And Koscheck will now be coaching against Georges St. Pierre in the next installment of the Ultimate Fighter reality series.

Another fighter may be seeing a lengthy layoff. Kevin Ferguson, or as most of the public know him, Kimbo Slice, took a beating to his legs. My sister works in a physical therapy clinic in Ft. Lauderdale, and has seen Kimbo come in for treatment. He has well known issues with his knees. Mitrione knew that, and went for his knees with leg kicks all fight long. He could barely stand, and therefor couldn't deliver any power in takedowns or in throwing punches. The way he took punishment on his knees in this fight, with his history, I can see that taking a big toll on his recovery period. As for Mitrione, he really impressed with his quickness and boxing. I see him fighting someone like Stefan Struve or perhaps a rematch with James McSweeney.

The Montreal crowd was ruckus as usual, and proves Canada have some of THE best fight fans in all of the world.

Results - Results courtesy of Sherdog

Security Concerns

While I sat in Little John Colisseum waiting for one of my best friends to walk and receive his degree from Clemson, I passed the time beforehand reading some ESPN Soccernet articles. One really stood out, and revolved around the security concerns heading into the World Cup.

I figured it wouldn't be too shocking hearing about security issues, after all, it is South Africa. But the security concerns they talked about had to do with the potential visit from Barack Obama to the tournament. He's been indecisive on whether or not he will actually attend, but it seems as if the US make it to the knockout stages it's almost certain the president will make the trip.

One of the officials interviewed in the article talks of how the South Africans have a "famous prayer" that the United States won't advance to the knockout rounds. I'm not so sure they should be concerned with the US, as much as their own team making it out of their group, which will be hard with the likes of Mexico, Uruguay and France in the same group.

Another security concern was the German team getting shafted and having to reside in an "unlicensed" hotel, which one official kept referring to as an "illegal residence." It seems sad that they can't even secure a safe residence for a national football team.

It starts to beg the question, as I posed in a previous post, was this the right venue? So far signs are pointing straight at no. Hopefully the South African police force can prove us wrong.

Been a While

It's been a while since I've posted about one of my real passions in sports, mixed martial arts.

A lot has gone on in the past few weeks. We've seen champions defend their titles, dethroned, criticized, and even involved in post fight brawls. None of it expected, yet none of it truly surprising when you sit and think about it.

Controversy

First off, the biggest story for me was BJ Penn, one of the sports most dominant champions, maybe ever, being dethroned by upstart New Jersey product Frank Edgar. The fight took place over in Abu Dhabi, and went to a decision. The judges weren't commissioned by an athletic commission, rather by the UFC. The scores were a bit shocking, one judge having it 50-45. I watched the whole fight, and there was no way that Frank took all five rounds. But nevertheless the rematch is being set up as we speak, and is rumored for UFC 118 in the promotion's first show in Boston.

Scrutiny

On the same night, the sport's all time greatest middleweight tried all match to make a fool of fellow Brazilian Demian Maia. He danced, taunted, and altogether disrespected Maia. He embarrassed UFC President Dana White, who was extremely vocal against the match in the post fight press conference, even promising fans something in return for that stinker of a match. It looks as if the fighter's biggest critic will be his next challenger, American middleweight Chael Sonnen. The trash talk has been epic from Sonnen. To see some just Google "Chael Sonnen trash talk," you won't be disappointed.

Disgraceful

After the biggest event in Strikeforce's history, a post fight brawl really take the spotlight away from a night of impressive performances. The Caesar Gracie camp was once again involved in a post fight scrum, when Mayhem Miller came in to challenge Jake Shields. He didn't go about it the best way, and decided to interrupt Jake during his interview with Gus Johnson. This incited a riot so to speak, when the Caesar Gracie guys, including Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, and even Jake Shields, decided to jump Miller. All parties contracted by Strikeforce are being disciplined by CEO Scott Coker. Miller was taken off from his bout with Lawler, and Nick Diaz taken off his upcoming fight for Strikeforce. It was a sad display that really puts a bad light on an amazing sport.

Success

On a lighter note, the WEC put on their first ever pay per view show. I must say, I was reluctant about them doing it, but it was an extremely successful night. It featured maybe one of the greatest fights of the year, if not of all time, in the preliminary card, when Leonard Garcia and Chan Sung Jung swung for the fences for three rounds and somehow survived each others' onslaughts. It also put the sport's fastest rising star, Jose Aldo, on display. He demolished former longtime featherweight champion Urijah Faber in a five round technical display of Muay Thai. Aldo will most likely take on a very hot Manvel Gamburyan, who also destroyed a former featherweight champion, in Mike Thomas Brown. This fight has all the makings of a classic if Zuffa does indeed put it together.

Anticipation

With all that said, we still have a lot in store for us in the summer. This weekend starts a great string of mixed martial arts with one of the most anticipated rematches of all time when Mauricio "Shogun" Rua once again challenges the undefeated light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida.

The next card features yet another long anticipated match between heated rivals, or even enemies, Rashad Evans and Quinton Jackson.

It's going to be a great few months of mixed martial arts this summer, and I for one, can't wait.

New Experience

So yesterday I witnessed my first game seven in person. My brother, friend, and I attended the Hawks and Bucks game yesterday. We bought our tickets at the stadium, and the ticket vendor told us we only had two options, either the upper deck "nose-bleed seats," or mid level seats. We sprung for the lower level seats, which are a little further away than we are accustomed(I've been spoiled by my brother's occasional corporate tickets).

From when we sat down, until probably the middle of the second quarter, most of the stadium was sparsely populated. It was shocking, and a little annoying. Usually the place is quite ruckus, and wild. Maybe it was because it was a Sunday afternoon, or that there was a Braves game going on at the same time. But when the Hawks had built a nice double digit cushion, I looked around again to see the place filled. It wasn't as color coordinated as the Oklahoma City games, where I'm pretty certain they just hand out blue t-shirts, but there was a considerable amount of white throughout the crowd, but not enough for me to consider it to be a "white-out."

The place really started to explode in the second quarter as they built a twenty point lead. Everyone was getting into it, including us. I don't normally do the "D-Fense," chants and such, but we were screaming myself hoarse. A vendor even came by all the rows and handed out noisemakers to boost some crowd involvement. Needless to say, we tried to distract the Bucks foul shooters with them. But as quickly as the crowd got into it, the air was sucked out of the stadium in the last two minutes of the first half when the Hawks had a defensive lapse, and the Bucks closed the gap.

The Hawks came out after halftime and dominated throughout the rest of the game. The crowd was loud and even proved adversarial to a cheesehead Bucks fan sitting a few rows down and to the right from us. They kept showing him on the big screen, and the crowd rained down boos on the man. I have some respect for that fan, because whether he came from another state, or lived in Atlanta, he still showed a lot of heart in a hostile environment and supported his team through thick and thin, holding up a "Fear the Deer" sign even down twenty in the fourth quarter.

It was an amazing experience, and for those of you who are fortunate to have the opportunity to go to a playoff game, do it! You won't be disappointed.