… zany acts explained in songs for GUSL aborted 2009 finale
By Gary Tim
New York (SMS) — In 1989, a new jack ballad burst onto the charts with a common title: ‘In the Heat of the Moment’.
Exactly 20 years later, that title is spinning veils around explanations for deeds that ruined the finale of the Guyana-USA Soccer League (GUSL) 2009 season in New York.
The game ended, prematurely, in favour of defending champions Linden United after their
opponents goalkeeper, Neil Sailin was given a red (ejection) card for verbal abuse on referee Colin ‘BL’ Aaron following a free-kick in the 24th minute that scored United’s second of two goals against Beacons FC.
Ultimately, United’s rapture was met by Beacons’ ire, as the latter performed a boorish intermezzo seeking justification for the expulsion. It was a loutish, unified account of the song’s “There comes a time in every man’s life you’re gonna’ do wrong, I made a mistake … just let me explain”.
But, Beacons’ ‘save Sailin’ recital hit a perilous crescendo. A barrage of pleas coloured by derisive assailing to retract the card went deafly on Aaron. He blew off the game.
“It’s terminated,” he said after Beacons refused to continue the match and slugged off the turf like an exhausted ensemble. It reminded of the song’s “I cant’ believe it, although I did it”.
Recognizing the impact of Aaron’s response to his conduct, Sailin, an honors-roll college student, belted the song’s hook: “I lost my head, I lost my mind, didn’t know what to do…” But, he had already aggravated his team’s fortunes, as well as the Napoleonic FIFA-certified official.
To the wee, but spirited Aaron it was time to mumble a few bars of the song: “I’ve always thought I was a faithful kinda’ man, I never thought I would be tempted in the heat of the moment”. Aaron explained that the offensive, insulting and/or abusive language (OFFINABUS) was sufficient misconduct to warrant his decision.
But a Beacons coach, George Nichols, refuted Aaron’s claims. He alleged that his team was unfairly treated, in light of what should be obtained in a game of this status. “This is a league final, and if it’s verbal abuse as the referee claims then why a red card first up instead of a caution, a yellow or something other than ejection.”
Nichols, himself, was the subject of dissent in a regular season game last year when he offered refereeing services. Like his club, he too prematurely ended his involvement. “I know what abuse is. I know when it’s at the critical stage. My player didn’t deserve such a sentence.” Sailin was his subject of empathy, so Nichols vouched some more, to the point of further exploiting the song’s verses: “But you were the best I ever had, Right now I’m going through some changes”. He knew Sailin’s character and ability would be missed guarding the old onion bag. “This is a `keeper who tried out for US Soccer League (USL) teams. He would question stuff, man-to-man, but not overstep his marks.”
But, GUSL Commissioner Garth Nelson countered, “We will not tolerate such actions without remorse against the rule of law. We are serious about avoiding conditions that can throw the league into disrepute.”
Following the on-field fiasco, the runners-up (Beacons) trophy was blatantly destroyed amidst scores of spectators in the presentation area. This, after the club’s manager had accepted the prizes of behalf of his players. Then, a collection of medals also meant for the team, was strewn on the ground near the podium, in an obvious expression of disgust. It is yet unknown who were the culprits of these acts, but it is believed to be member(s) of Beacons.
Nelson said disciplinary actions will be taken against the club, and cited that there maybe exemptions for some players. “We are considering a ban, as well as fines for the destruction committed.” He decried the after-game actions, saying they compound with the walk-off to send a dire message to fans and, especially, sponsors. “Imagine what people who support this league and its participants are going to go away with when they see such disrespectfulness.” Wanting to have an unsullied final, Nelson is moving to safeguard his league in the face of this year’s untimely end.
His part of the song: “Now that I’ve done it, Oh how I want it, but I’ve gotta be a stronger man … And I can’t lose my baby ‘cause … I’d lose everything I have, Don’t want to go thru no more changes”.
Incidentally, Nichols said his club and “some others had previously protested Aaron’s presence and requested that he don’t referee any of our games”. But, the league paid no mind. Attempting to save face, Beacons sub striker Quincy Jordan said he was embarrassed over his colleagues’ action. Even he could claim a drone from the song: “I must admit I wasn’t with it”.
The league which prides itself as New York’s “newest and fastest growing” has not been without incidents in its 39 weeks of competition in the two years. Last year, a semi-final involving Camptown FC and Guyana Juniors saw a trivial squabble between a goalie and a striker escalate into a ‘Wrestlemania tag-team event’. It took timely intervention by diligent security officials and supporters to quell the fracas, and prompted the league bosses to threaten a cessation of play for any further infractions.
Moreover, the GUSL mission is to act as a conduit for channelling players to the Guyana national teams – Golden Jaguars. Also, it is to promote, educate and develop the Guyanese brand of football in the United States while instilling integrity, discipline, organisation and leadership to participants. Such laudable guide has, in the main, brought out sponsors such as Mike’s Tire Shop, Mr. Copy King, Patty Plus, Yes We Can Auto Repairs, Sip N’ Chat Bar.
On the flip, United, the repeat champions of the two-year old league, have, again, given visibility to their sponsors – Citizens Int. Realty and NuWave Cultural Hair Salon.
Their player-coach, Rawle Hensford admonished the league to tighten some area of organization. “It’s a pity we couldn’t give this nice crowd more, but the league has potential and if we have something good we have to take the necessary steps to keep it good”. So, come 2010, United can be envied with the song’s “But here you are again temptin’”.
Meanwhile the league is advancing plans for a special Appreciation Gathering this month. It is to be held at “one of Brooklyn’s finest social places yet to be named”. There, homage is expected for sponsors, fans and clubs for their involvement in the 2009 season.
Hopefully, there can be harmony from all the voices gathered to sing a melody of pacification to take the league into its third season, next year. For as the song ends: “Cool your heels, from now on I promise I will be a better man. Now, I know that you know that we can’t carry on like this … stop, just stop … I said right now, right now ‘In the Heat of the Moment’.”
