Fantasy Football Weekend - Liverpool vs. Westham

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Liverpool vs. Westham - May 9, 2009

One of the very few things we had planned before leaving Canada on this trip was to go see a Premier League game. I had searched for tickets all over the place for a few months prior to leaving. Sometime in March, through a friend of my brothers, who is a season ticket holder at Westham United, we managed to score three tickets to Westham vs. Liverpool on May 9th. I had been looking forward to this day since then!

We arrived at Upton Park with only a few minutes spare, after a tube ride which made us feel like sardines in a can. We had some of the cheapest seats in the stadium, sitting on the goal line across the main stand. Nonetheless, the seats were awesome, giving us a great view of the action ahead. The Westham crowd was singing and going nuts at kickoff, but as I predicted, were quickly silenced by a Steven Gerrard goal only two minutes into the first half. Shortly after, Liverpool doubled their lead when Gerrard converted a spot kick after a penalty was awarded to Fernando Torres. I have been watching football games for years now, and this one was not one that would stand out in my mind had I not been there live. Liverpool was simply too strong a team for Westham, dominating from start to finish. To add to the fans woes, substitute Ryan Babel added a third goal in the second half to seal the deal. I really hoped to see Westham score at least one goal to see the crowd erupt, but I guess the Liverpool defence had other plans... oh well.

I had recently been to a Maple Leaf game, and was shocked at how silent the crowd was, this, on the other hand, was a sight to behold, 36,000 fans singing at once... amazing!

Posted a few clips of the match on Youtube... turn up the volume!!!

Liverpool vs. Westham - Kick-off

Liverpool vs. Westham - Torres Header

Liverpool vs. Westham - Gerrard Penalty

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Photos

Westham vs Liverpool
May 9th, 2009

Westham vs. Liverpool
Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres await the opening whistle.

GOAL!!!!
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard celebrates his first goal only two minutes into the game.

FOUL!!!
Liverpool striker Fernado Torres is fouled in the penalty box leading to Liverpool's second goal.

Almost...
Dirk Kuyt blasts an effort on goal forcing a nice save from the Westham goalkeeper.

Fernando Torres
Goes for goal...

After the game
Me and my Dad at Upton Park