I love how it seems like every city in the U.K. has its own team with a whole mess of loyal fans who faithfully support those teams each time they take the pitch, regardless of which league they find themselves competing in that year. It was awesome to see Wembley Stadium completely full while these two teams I'd never heard of played for the right to move up and play in the most famous sports league in the world.
While the announcers were giving us the starting line-ups and outlining the formations that each team would be playing, I decided that Swansea City was my team. And, forward Stephen Dobbie (who I immediately took to calling Dobbie the House Elf), was my favorite player. If Swansea were to win, they'd move up to the Premier League for the first time in their history.
Swansea dominated the first half, jumping out to 3-0 lead and Dobbie put in the third goal. The "Jacks" ended up winning 4-2 and, by lunch time, I was online learning all the Swansea chants, making requests for Swansea gear for Father's Day, and watching old YouTube videos of Swansea fans from the early 1990's battling their hated rivals from Cardiff. I'm even trying to learn Welsh.
We'll see how long this fascination lasts. But, for now ...
Swansea, O Swansea, O city said I
I'll stand here on the north bank until the day I die
Take me to the Vetch Field way down by the sea
Where I will follow Swansea
Swansea City