The Night Of Champions: Why It Changed Lives

As 61,000 strong packed into the torrential pitch known as Candlestick Park in San Fransisco, California, few realized the implications of a match up between international powerhouses FC Barcelona and Chivas de Guadalajara.

The stadium was littered with "red-and-white" and "red-and-blue" and the fans were in for a ride of a lifetime.

Thousand upon thousands of fanatics were yelling their brains out for soccer and its players? This was new to the "soccer fans" that have only witnessed the MLS in their lifetime.

International stars like Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Danny Alves, and more sent the crowd roaring on simple game introductions.

This game was unlike the games these fans had witnessed. Chants of "Chivas" and "Viva Barca" echoed throughout the stadium for a full 90 minutes. The fans erupted when goals were scored by Morales in the 49th and Bojan in the 63rd.

The crowd was more than satisfied with the 1-1 draw. But what proved to be more monumental was the impact the atmosphere of the game had on the inexperienced fans.

It was incredible to hear the chatter of people that saw all of this as new. So many, many people were shocked, stunned, and bamboozled as to how so many people could be so passionate for one game.

People were wowed by the speed of play, the quickness of feet, the talent, the instinct, the power, and more. This was all new to them, but they loved it.

They discussed how this game has "changed their outlook on the game of soccer" and how what they saw that day was " unbelievable."

People's perspectives were flipped, and international football found thousands of new fans that night. It is games like these that will skyrocket the game of football into the hearts of American fans.

That is why I would like to thank Chivas and Barcelona for giving the fans of Northern California a chance to witness firsthand the magic that is competitive football on the international level.

You changed people's lives forever.

This article was based on talks I had with numerous people following and during the match and is a tribute to them.