Anticipating springtime in Columbus -the game after the season opener 2009

A year later, it seems possible that the anticipation for this year's trip to Columbus has such a rosy glow that it colours memories of 2008. Sure it was a great time, but the result was horrible (TFC losing 2-0) and the team was more question marks and dead ends than future contributors. The memory cells are not what they once were, but starting strikers were Collin Samuel and Jeff Cunningham weren't they ? It was the debut of Marco Velez and Brian Edwards. Did Carl Robinson play or was he away on International duty ?? I recall seeing Brennan, Marshall and Edu, with either Tyler Hemmings or Tyler Rosenlund in the mix.
When the first half penalty shot was missed, you sensed trouble ahead. The view I took on the upcoming season, while driving down the interstates, was that although Crew 2007 had missed the playoffs they had a better record than TFC and therefore they were the team that Toronto had to overtake to demonstrate progress in 08. I am a MLS genius, in a complete backassed way. Overtaking the Crew is certainly a lofty goal for 09, but this is the time of year for optimism.
I do recall that we fans were not happy with the offseason activities (or lack thereof) of Mr. Mo. A few draft picks and a few players brought in on trial that did not make the team. Losing in Columbus sparked many player moves ( Robert, Guevara, Ricketts, Tebily). By game's end on that sunny day in Ohio, TFC had nowhere to go but up.
So I am counting the weeks and days to this rematch. Toronto will have played a game in Kansas City a week before the Columbus game. I salute those who are attending that one, but Columbus will be the first time I lay eyes on TFC 09 in the flesh. See you there.