Timeline of my Soccer Interest

Here's a small diversion, a timeline of myself as a fan of soccer, and the particular events and games.

• 2000ish - Downloaded and played some Soccer management Sim from HotU.  Started my obsession with Soccer management sims, which persisted throughout this entire timeline.


• 2002 - Nigeria vs Sweden at World Cup 2002, caught it on late night TV and became interested by the prospect of international (non-Olympic) sports.  A concept unheard of in most American sports.


• 2003 through 2004 - Catch the occassional games on ESPN2 before going to classes on weekdays.


• May 2005 - Liverpool defeats Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final.  Completely drawn into the game.


• May 2005 - Liverpool comes back from a 3 goal deficit to defeat AC Milan in the Champions League final.  Some call this one of the greatest soccer games of all time.  And after watching Liverpool beat Chelsea I was an absolute fan of the Reds.  Their comeback was amazing and sealed my love of the team, and of the game.


• 2006 - Closely followed both the English Premiership and European continental club competitions.  Watch as many games as I possibly can.


• Summer 2006 - World Cup 2006 in Germany.  Based on the huge coverage and exciting atmosphere of the event I converted friends and family alike to the game of soccer.  At least on an international level.  Italy beat France in the final, which wasn't as entertaining as Netherlands vs Portugal or England vs Portugal.  Ghana vs Brazil, USA vs Italy, Trinidad & Tobago vs Sweden, Argentina vs Mexico, were just some of the other great matches.


• 2007 - Disheartened after AC Milan get revenge for 2005 in the Champions League final by beating Liverpool.


• Late 2007 - Purchase FIFA 08 and PES 2008.  SC Busaiku is born.


• 2008 - Hate Cristiano Ronaldo as he wins everything for Man United.


• October 2008 - Go to England!!  Miss the chance to go to England vs Kazakhstan, but wander around London on matchday and see a million people in England shirts (I buy one for $10).