As you, our loyal New England Revolution supporters, enjoy hours upon hours of World Cup coverage each day (because whether it’s a viewing party with friends at a local bar, sitting on your couch, or stealing away from your desk, I just know you’re finding a way to watch as much soccer as possible) have you found yourself daydreaming about what it would be like to be in the midst of the party in South Africa? I know you have, because I most certainly have.

For those of you who can’t make the trek to South Africa, never fear, for we have answered the question “What’s it like to be a Revolution fan at the World Cup?” During the tournament, we will be receiving and posting first-person accounts from Revs fans in South Africa as they enjoy the games, culture and atmosphere. You’ll be fully immersed with written entries, video and photos.

Today, we have part one of our series. Enjoy.

New England: It’s way better than old England
By Prairie Rose Clayton

I bought a t-shirt with that on it last year; it got several compliments from the coaching staff at last summer’s Meet the Revs. Brought it with me to South Africa, where the US’s first game in the 2010 World Cup was against none other than Old England.

Okay, it’s not the “better than Old England” shirt, but it’s representing NE something fierce.

Good thing we had a player who cut his teeth in New England on the field to make sure we didn’t lose to regular England. Oh, sure, plenty will blame England’s goalie, Rob Green, for making a terrible error, but it was Clint Dempsey’s shot that he dropped, and that’s good enough for me.

If you’re a regular viewer/attendee of Revs home games, you probably know some of the people in this photo:

L-R: Kaela, Mike, me, Rand, Monty, Brock (holding Ark of Covenant)

That’s a representative sample of the Fort. Not as many as we’d have liked, as several others had to opt out of the trip for various reasons, but we’re still making sure there’s some Revolution representation here in South Africa. Of course, this extends to the standard of support you’ve come to expect from us clowns in 143, such as singing songs, painting faces (and donning luchador masks, natch), teasing opposing fans, cheering on our players, and just plain enjoying the heck out of the game that brings us all together.

VIDEO COMING SOON …