Sam Donnellon: Union fans are a real bunch of SOBs

"All in all, they're pretty good guys," said Tom Sharp, the club employee in charge of keeping order in Sections 138 and 139. A former bouncer in a strip club, Sharp looks more threatening than most SOB members, and sometimes has to act that way. But despite his ZZ Top beard and long, graying hair that suggest long Sunday motorcycle rides, Sharp is affable and compromising.

Wednesday was a particularly grueling one for him, because of the international element. A "friendly" match is the ultimate oxymoron, especially when fans of the opponent - in this case, Mexico's most successful club team - show up in droves. During the Union's 1-0 shocking upset, players on both teams delivered Chris Pronger-like checks, dropping guys like bowling pins at midfield or sending them airborne along the sidelines. Chivas fans on either side of the River End - the official name of the Sons cheering section - were serenaded with all types of sonnets.

Some were vulgar, some were not, some were in Spanish.

There were a few feeble attempts to return fire.

Sharp, who had to move some Chivas ticketholders out of the end zone before the game to keep the peace, kept a nervous eye on it all. Even after it was over.

"Only three ejections in nine games," he said as fans of both sections walk peacefully out. "Pretty good."

James, meanwhile, negotiated with a club employee for future games, which include tomorrow's match with Kansas City. He's looking to trade fewer blue-streak chants for a few more smoke bombs. Nothing like dropping a fog over the opposing goalie. Even when it literally blows up in your face - which I can attest that it, in fact, did.

Once when the Union scored. Once when the game ended.

"More smoke bombs," I said in jest, mimicking "Saturday Night Live's" "More Cowbells" skit.

"Hey," Concannon said. "You've just given me another idea for a shirt." *

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