This is a little late coming, but there was no way I could focus on writing about a sporting event immediately after Flight 3407. So, a few days late, here's a diary of my trip to Columbus for the United States and Mexico in the hexagonal stage of World Cup Qualiftying. Hope you enjoy.

"Oh when, the Yanks... go marching in. Oh when the Yanks go marching in. Oh, Lord, I want to be in that number... when the Yanks go marching in... USA!" - crowd chant, 02/11/09, Columbus, Ohio.

Imagine driving through a parking lot, filled with fans of the opposition, singing and chanting in Spanish.

Mexican flags all over the place.

Commemorative sombreros being bought up like Hannah Montana dolls at Toys R' Us.

Spanish phrases hurled about where the only words you can recognize are terms for Americans and women's body parts.

Then come the sounds of brass, and hundreds of US supporters, clad in mostly red, marching over a hill outside the stadium and into the parking lot, playing American anthems and chanting USA. Now imagine this sea of red meeting at the front gates of Columbus Crew Stadium, and chanting face-to-face with Mexican supporters, fighting to see whose voice could be louder, whose patriotism more uproarious.

The best part? No fights.

I was taught by the fine folks in UB's English department not to use absolute terms like "always, never, and ever." I don't feel like I'm letting them down by saying that Wednesday's match was the best sporting event I've ever attended.

I had to take a picture after my new friend Jesus, from Old Mexico, traded jerseys with me, "FIFA Fairplay" style. It's the only time you'll see me wearing the colors of El Tri, but it will be framed on my "Maniterium" wall.

Jesus emailed me a couple days ago and asked if I remembered him. Of course, I did. I told him that my friends and I were thinking about heading down to Azteca for the US at Mexico game this summer, but changed our minds when we heard of the dangers, which include a police escort to and from the stadium, two hours before and after the event.

He wrote back, "It won't be dangerous if you're with me."

But will there be Modelo Especial, Jesus?

Email: nick@wgr550.com

P.S. One of Jeremy White's best friends from college caught a game ball and somehow managed to get it out of the stadium, and several members of "Sam's Army" caught the players' game-worn jerseys after the final whistle... so at least there are ways for my US Soccer experience to improve.

Other trips worth considering, if you are thinking of heading down:

April 1 - US vs. Trinidad & Tobago, 7:45 EST at LP Field in Nashville
June 3 - US at Costa Rica
June 6 - US vs. Honduras at Soldier Field (Hondurans play dirty)
Aug. 12 - US at Mexico in Mexico City (be brave)
Sept. 5 - US vs. El Salvador at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utaj
Sept. 9 - US at Trinidad & Tobago
Oct. 14 - US vs. Costa Rica at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC.

Some historic venues in there, and a sweet new one as well. I left out the trips to Honduras and El Salvador, the former because I don't want you to die, and the latter because it's in a month.

P.P.S. My long-time buddy Nick plays rugby for Buffalo, and said seeing rugby on an international level is a pretty big thrill, too. I've seen pictures, and it looks legit, but it's missing something... a rivalry with Mexico or Canada.