| 2010 |
| Date visiting team home team sport 1/2/10 Cleveland Cavaliers 94 New Jersey Nets 86 NBA 1/2/10 Cincinnati Bearcats 65 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 58 CBB 1/3/10 Indiana Pacers 89 New York Knicks 132 NBA 1/6/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 52 West Virginia 86 CBB 1/7/10 Charlotte Bobcats 93 New York Knicks 97 NBA 1/9/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 81 Providence Friars 94 CBB 1/10/10 Tampa Bay Lightning 4 New Jersey Devils 2 * NHL 1/12/10 Detroit Red Wings 0 New York Islanders 6 NHL 1/13/10 Syracuse Orange 81 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 65 CBB 1/14/10 Ottawa Senators 2 New York Rangers 0 NHL 1/16/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 64 South Florida Bulls 73 CBB 1/17/10 Montreal Canadiens 2 New York Rangers 6 NHL 1/18/10 Detroit Pistons 91 New York Knicks 99 NBA 1/19/10 Tampa Bay Lightning 2 New York Rangers 8 NHL 1/20/10 Villanova Wildcats 94 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 68 CBB 1/22/10 Montreal Canadiens 3 New Jersey Devils 1 NHL 1/23/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 63 Georgetown Hoyas 88 CBB 1/26/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 59 Marquette Golden Eagles 82 CBB 1/27/10 Los Angeles Clippers 87 New Jersey Nets 103 NBA 1/28/10 Toronto Raptors 106 New York Knicks 104 NBA 1/29/10 Washington Wizards 81 New Jersey Nets 79 NBA 1/30/10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 73 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 74 CBB 1/31/10 Philadelphia 76ers 83 New Jersey Nets 79 NBA 2/2/10 St. John's Red Storm 72 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 84 CBB 2/3/10 Washington Wizards 85 New York Knicks 107 NBA 2/6/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 60 Louisville Cardinals 76 CBB 2/9/10 Caldwell College Cougars 62 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 70 CBB 2/10/10 Philadelphia Flyers 3 New Jersey Devils 2 (OT) NHL 2/13/10 Tampa Bay Lightning 4 New York Islanders 5 NHL 2/14/10 Georgetown Hoyas 68 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 71 CBB 2/16/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 68 DePaul Blue Demons 64 CBB 2/17/10 Miami Heat 87 New Jersey Nets 84 NBA 2/19/10 Toronto Raptors 106 New Jersey Nets 89 NBA 2/20/10 Connecticut Huskies 76 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 58 CBB 2/21/10 Memphis Grizzlies 104 New Jersey Nets 94 NBA 2/22/10 Milwaukee Bucks 83 New York Knicks 67 NBA 2/23/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 76 Seton Hall Pirates 70 CBB 2/27/10 DePaul Blue Demons 62 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 71 CBB 2/28/10 Washington Wizards 89 New Jersey Nets 85 NBA 3/2/10 Chicago Blackhawks 3 New York Islanders 5 NHL 3/3/10 Xavier Musketeers 82 Fordham Rams 56 CBB 3/4/10 Seton Hall Pirates 85 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 74 CBB 3/5/10 Orlando Magic 97 New Jersey Nets 87 NBA 3/6/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 54 Pittsburgh Panthers 83 CBB 3/8/10 Atlanta Hawks 98 New York Knicks 99 NBA 3/9/10 DePaul Blue Demons 49 South Florida Bulls 58 + CBB 3/9/10 St. John's Red Storm 73 Connecticut Huskies 51 + CBB 3/9/10 Providence Friars 106 Seton Hall Pirates 109 + CBB 3/9/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 68 Cincinnati Bearcats 69 + CBB 3/10/10 South Florida Bulls 49 Georgetown Hoyas 69 + CBB 3/10/10 St. John's Red Storm 55 Marquette 57 + CBB 3/10/10 Seton Hall Pirates 56 Notre Dame 68 + CBB 3/10/10 Cincinnati Bearcats 69 Louisville Cardinals 66 + CBB 3/11/10 Georgetown Hoyas 91 Syracuse Orangemen 84 +& CBB 3/11/10 Marquette Golden Eagles 80 Villanova Wildcats 76 + CBB 3/11/10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 50 Pittsburgh Panthers 45 + CBB 3/11/10 Cincinnati Bearcats 51 West Virginia 54 + CBB 3/12/10 Georgetown Hoyas 80 Marquette 57 + CBB 3/12/10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 51 West Virginia 53 + CBB 3/14/10 Philadelphia Flyers 1 New York Rangers 3 NHL 3/16/10 Montreal Canadiens 3 New York Rangers 1 NHL 3/19/10 Philadelphia 76ers 88 New York Knicks 92 NBA 3/20/10 FC Santos 1 New York Red Bulls 3 ! MLS 3/21/10 Houston Rockets 116 New York Knicks 112 NBA 3/23/10 Denver Nuggets 104 New York Knicks 109 NBA 3/25/10 New York Rangers 4 New Jersey Devils 3 (SO) NHL 3/27/10 Cal Poly Pomona 65 Indiana (Pa.) 53 # CBB 3/29/10 San Antonio Spurs 84 New Jersey Nets 90 NBA 3/30/10 New York Rangers 4 New York Islanders 3 NHL 4/2/10 Chicago Blackhawks 2 New Jersey Devils 1 (SO) NHL 4/5/10 Florida Marlins 1 New York Mets 7 MLB 4/6/10 Boston Celtics 101 New York Knicks 104 NBA 4/7/10 Florida Marlins 7 New York Mets 6 (10) MLB 4/8/10 Florida Marlins 3 New York Mets 1 MLB 4/9/10 Philadelphia Flyers 3 New York Rangers 4 NHL 4/11/10 Miami Heat 111 New York Knicks 98 NBA 4/12/10 Washington Wizards 103 New York Knicks 114 NBA 4/16/10 Texas Rangers 1 New York Yankees 5 MLB 4/17/10 Texas Rangers 3 New York Yankees 7 MLB 4/18/10 Texas Rangers 2 New York Yankees 5 MLB 4/24/10 Scarlet 16 White 7 $ CFB 4/30/10 Chicago White Sox 4 New York Yankees 6 MLB 5/1/10 Chicago White Sox 7 New York Yankees 6 MLB 5/2/10 Chicago White Sox 3 New York Yankees 12 MLB 5/19/10 Tampa Bay Rays 10 New York Yankees 6 MLB 5/20/10 Tampa Bay Rays 8 New York Yankees 6 MLB 5/25/10 Philadelphia Phillies 0 New York Mets 8 MLB 5/26/10 Philadelphia Phillies 0 New York Mets 5 MLB 5/27/10 Philadelphia Phillies 0 New York Mets 3 MLB 5/28/10 Cleveland Indians 2 New York Yankees 8 MLB 5/29/10 Cleveland Indians 13 New York Yankees 11 MLB 5/30/10 Cleveland Indians 3 New York Yankees 7 MLB 5/31/10 Cleveland Indians 2 New York Yankees 11 MLB 6/4/10 Florida Marlins 3 New York Mets 4 MLB 6/5/10 Florida Marlins 1 New York Mets 6 MLB 6/6/10 Florida Marlins 6 New York Mets 7 MLB 6/15/10 Philadelphia Phillies 3 New York Yankees 8 MLB 6/16/10 Philadelphia Phillies 6 New York Yankees 3 MLB 6/17/10 Philadelphia Phillies 7 New York Yankees 1 MLB 6/18/10 Seattle Storm 92 New York Liberty 84 WNBA 6/22/10 Detroit Tigers 6 New York Mets 14 MLB 6/23/10 Detroit Tigers 0 New York Mets 5 MLB 6/24/10 Detroit Tigers 6 New York Mets 5 MLB 7/5/10 Cincinnati Reds 8 New York Mets 6 MLB 7/6/10 Cincinnati Reds 0 New York Mets 3 MLB 7/7/10 Cincinnati Reds 3 New York Mets 1 MLB 7/16/10 Tampa Bay Rays 4 New York Yankees 5 MLB 7/17/10 Tampa Bay Rays 10 New York Yankees 5 MLB 7/18/10 Tampa Bay Rays 5 New York Yankees 9 MLB 7/27/10 St. Louis Cardinals 2 New York Mets 8 MLB 7/28/10 St. Louis Cardinals 8 New York Mets 7 (13) MLB 7/29/10 St. Louis Cardinals 0 New York Mets 4 MLB 8/8/10 Boston Red Sox 2 New York Yankees 7 MLB 8/9/10 Boston Red Sox 2 New York Yankees 1 MLB 8/13/10 Philadelphia Phillies 0 New York Mets 1 MLB 8/14/10 Philadelphia Phillies 4 New York Mets 0 MLB 8/15/10 Philadelphia Phillies 3 New York Mets 1 MLB 8/16/10 Detroit Tigers 3 New York Yankees 1 MLB 8/17/10 Detroit Tigers 2 New York Yankees 6 MLB 8/18/10 Detroit Tigers 5 New York Yankees 9 MLB 8/19/10 Detroit Tigers 5 New York Yankees 11 MLB 8/21/10 Pittsburgh Steelers 24 New York Giants 17 ! NFL 8/24/10 Florida Marlins 5 New York Mets 6 MLB 8/25/10 Florida Marlins 5 New York Mets 4 MLB 8/26/10 Florida Marlins 11 New York Mets 4 MLB 8/27/10 Washington Redskins 16 New York Jets 11 ! NFL 8/30/10 Oakland A's 5 New York Yankees 11 MLB 8/31/10 Oakland A's 3 New York Yankees 9 MLB 9/1/10 Oakland A's 3 New York Yankees 4 MLB 9/2/10 Norfolk State Spartans 0 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 31 CFB 9/11/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 19 Florida International 14 CFB 9/12/10 Philadelphia Phillies 3 New York Mets 0 MLB 9/13/10 Pittsburgh Pirates 0 New York Mets 1 (10) MLB 9/14/10 Pittsburgh Pirates 1 New York Mets 9 MLB 9/15/10 Pittsburgh Pirates 7 New York Mets 8 MLB 9/16/10 Pittsburgh Pirates 2 New York Mets 6 MLB 9/19/10 New England Patriots 14 New York Jets 28 NFL 9/20/10 Tampa Bay Rays 6 New York Yankees 8 MLB 9/21/10 Tampa Bay Rays 3 New York Yankees 8 MLB 9/22/10 Tampa Bay Rays 7 New York Yankees 2 MLB 9/23/10 Tampa Bay Rays 10 New York Yankees 3 MLB 9/24/10 Boston Red Sox 10 New York Yankees 8 MLB 9/25/10 North Carlolina Tar Heels 17 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 13 CFB 9/26/10 Tennessee Titans 29 New York Giants 10 NFL 9/29/10 Detroit Red Wings 1 New York Rangers 5 ! NHL 10/1/10 Ottawa Senators 4 New York Rangers 5 (SO) NHL 10/2/10 Tulane Green Wave 17 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 14 CFB 10/3/10 Chicago Bears 3 New York Giants 17 NFL 10/8/10 Connecticut Huskies 24 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 27 CFB 10/9/10 Dallas Stars 5 New York Islanders 4 (SO) NHL 10/11/10 New York Rangers 4 New York Islanders 6 NHL 10/11/10 Minnesota Vikings 20 New York Jets 29 NFL 10/15/10 Toronto Maple Leafs 4 New York Rangers 3 (OT) NHL 10/16/10 Army Black Knights 20 Rutgers 23 (OT) % CFB 10/17/10 Washington Wizards 90 New York Knicks 92 ! NBA 10/18/10 Texas Rangers 8 New York Yankees 0@ MLB 10/19/10 Texas Rangers 10 New York Yankees 3@ MLB 10/20/10 Texas Rangers 2 New York Yankees 7@ MLB 10/23/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 21 Pittsburgh Panthers 41 CFB 10/27/10 Atlanta Thrashers 6 New York Rangers 4 NHL 10/29/10 Montreal Canadiens 3 New York Islanders 1 NHL 10/31/10 Miami Heat 101 New Jersey Nets 78 NBA 11/1/10 Chicago Blackhawks 2 New York Rangers 3 NHL 11/3/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 27 South Florida Bulls 28 CFB 11/5/10 New York Rangers 3 New Jersey Devils 0 NHL 11/6/10 Philadelphia Flyers 2 New York Islanders 1 NHL 11/7/10 Philadelphia 76ers 106 New York Knicks 96 NBA 11/9/10 Washington Capitals 5 New York Rangers 3 MLB 11/10/10 Golden State Warriors 122 New York Knicks 117 NBA 11/12/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 73 Princeton Tigers 78 (OT) CBB 11/13/10 Syracuse Orange 13 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 10 CFB 11/14/10 Edmonton Oilers 2 New York Rangers 8 NHL 11/14/10 Houston Rockets 104 New York Knicks 96 NBA 11/15/10 Fairfield Stags 53 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 68 CBB 11/17/10 Boston Bruins 3 New York Rangers 2 NHL 11/20/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 38 Cincinnati Bearcats 69 CFB 11/21/10 Houston Texans 27 New York Jets 30 NFL 11/22/10 Calgary Flames 1 New York Rangers 2 NHL 11/23/10 Norfolk State Spartans 59 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 83 CBB 11/24/10 Calgary Flames 1 New Jersey Devils 2 (SO) NHL 11/26/10 Louisville Cardinals 40 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 13 CFB 11/26/10 Norfolk State Spartans 56 Fairfield Stags 91 ? CBB 11/26/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 70 St. Joseph's Hawks 76 ? CBB 11/27/10 Atlanta Hawks 99 New York Knicks 90 NBA 11/28/10 Jacksonville Jaguars 20 New York Giants 24 NFL 11/29/10 Pittsburgh Penguins 3 New York Rangers 1 NHL 11/30/10 New Jersey Nets 100 New York Knicks 111 NBA 12/1/10 NJIT 54 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 66 CBB 12/2/10 Montreal Canadiens 5 New Jersey Devils 1 NHL 12/4/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 14 West Virginia 35 CFB 12/5/10 Ottawa Senators 3 New York Rangers 1 NHL 12/6/10 Minnesota Timberwolves 114 New York Knicks 121 NBA 12/7/10 Marist Red Foxes 48 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 64 CBB 12/8/10 Toronto Raptors 110 New York Knicks 113 NBA 12/11/10 Auburn Tigers 54 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 63 / CBB 12/12/10 Miami Dolphins 10 New York Jets 6 NFL 12/14/10 Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 56 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 79 CBB 12/15/10 Boston Celtics 118 New York Knicks 116 NBA 12/16/10 Washington Wizards 89 New Jersey Nets 97 NBA 12/17/10 Miami Heat 113 New York Knicks 91 NBA 12/18/10 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 79 Monmouth Hawks 56 CBB 12/22/10 Oklahoma City Thunder 98 New York Knicks 112 NBA 12/23/10 St. Peter's Peacocks 52 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 55 CBB 12/25/10 Chicago Bulls 95 New York Knicks 103 NBA 12/27/10 New York Islanders 2 New York Rangers 7 NHL 12/28/10 North Carolina Tar Heels 78 Rutgers Scarlet Knights 55 > CBB 12/30/10 Kansas State Wildcats 34 Syracuse Orange 36 = CFB 12/31/10 Atlanta Thrashers 1 New Jersey Devils 3 NHL * Game was resumed from 1/8/10 with Tampa Bay leading 3-0 with 9:12 left in the second period. + Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden & Joined in Progress ! Exhibition game # NCAA Division II men's championship game in Springfield, Massachusetts $ Annual Rutgers Scarlet-White football game at Rutgers Stadium % Game played at New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ @ American League Championship Series = Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium ? Game played at the Palestra, Philadelphia / Game played at Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh > Game played at Madison Square Garden Back to sports page |
| Strange facts from 2010 |
1. The game on January 31st represents the first time I've seen the Philadelphia 76ers play a game in East Rutherford, NJ
against the New Jersey Nets since December 16th, 1988. The game in 1988 was my first-ever NBA game attending as a
media member. The game this year was slated to be the 76ers last game ever at the Meadowlands as the Nets are set to
move to Newark in the fall of 2010. The 76ers went 2-0 in the two games I saw them play in East Rutherford.
2. November 26th of this year was the first time I had been to the Palestra in Philadelphia since the 1994 Atlantic 10
tournament.
3. This year was the first time since 1997 I did not go to either an NHL or NBA playoff game.
against the New Jersey Nets since December 16th, 1988. The game in 1988 was my first-ever NBA game attending as a
media member. The game this year was slated to be the 76ers last game ever at the Meadowlands as the Nets are set to
move to Newark in the fall of 2010. The 76ers went 2-0 in the two games I saw them play in East Rutherford.
2. November 26th of this year was the first time I had been to the Palestra in Philadelphia since the 1994 Atlantic 10
tournament.
3. This year was the first time since 1997 I did not go to either an NHL or NBA playoff game.
| Top 5 sporting events from 2010 |
5. December 15th, 2010 -- Boston Celtics 118, New York Knicks 116: The rejuvenized Knicks were probably on
their greatest roll in over a decade, having won 13-of-14 games. So, this game was a showdown of sorts to see how
they could compete with the big boys. The Knicks led by seven points after the third quarter, but the Celtics showed
their muscle by scoring 35 in the fourth, including a step-back jump shot by Paul Pierce with .4 seconds remaining which
broke a 116-116 tie. The excitement, though, was on the Knicks final possession, when Amar'e Stoudemire took the
inbounds pass and hit a three-point shot which was originally ruled good, but replays clearly showed it was too late.
4. March 20th, 2010 -- New York Red Bulls 3, Santos FC 1: This must be the first time an exhibition game made it
to my top 5. On an absolutely perfect day weatherwise, which is saying something because this was late March, not
early May, the Red Bulls played their first game in their new building. And, unlike games played at the Meadowlands,
the place was packed, and there was an excitement which didn't exist before at home games. The Red Bulls scored their
three goals in the first half, and after each goal was scored, there was an aura that hadn't existed before. The arena, or
stadium (whatever is more proper to call it), sits 25,189 and was sold out. It's uniqueness (besides seeing all the seats in
the arena filled at a Red Bulls game) is that all the seats are under cover, although the field isn't.
A few kinks still needed to be worked out. When leaving the building, the line of fans to get on the PATH train was
big-time backed up and didn't look like it would ever move. And there is a huge grass field stretching about the length of
two city blocks between the Arena and the main street. I got to imagine those will eventually be parking lots, but right
now the field is completely fenced in and not being used for anything.
3. March 25th, 2010 -- New York Rangers 4, New Jersey Devils 3 (SO): The Rangers, at this late stage of the
season, had put themselves in a position where they needed to gain every point they could if they hoped to make the
playoffs. And, this game was the first of a six-game road trip. For one of those games in which I had to show up six
hours before it started, it didn't disappoint. The Rangers tied the game at 1-1 in the second period, then it got a little nuts
in the third. Artem Anisimov tied the game for the Rangers at 2-2 with 10:20 left in the third period, but the Devils would
re-grab the lead on a goal by Jamie Langenbrunner less than three minutes later. The Rangers would have to bring on an
extra attacker before finally tying the game for the third time with just 16.8 seconds left on a goal by Chris Drury. That
goal, along with Erik Christiansen's goal in the shootout -- the only goal scored in the shootout by either team -- would
set the wheels in motion for a Rangers playoff run that went down to the final moment of the final game of the regular
season. In the meantime, the Rangers left this game three points back of the final playoff spot.
2. April 9th, 2010 -- New York Rangers 4, Philadelphia Flyers 3: The key part to the final score of this game is
that it didn't go to OT. The Rangers, two points behind the Flyers for the final playoff spot heading in to this contest,
needed to win in regulation in order to tie the Flyers and set up a likely winner-take-all game on Sunday between these
same two teams. And it was an emotional back-and-forth type of game that resulted in the Rangers accomplishing their
mission. It didn't look good early when Mike Richards scored an unassisted goal for the Flyers on a wrist shot just 40
seconds after the opening faceoff. Then things looked wonderful when the Rangers scored three straight times to go up
3-1 with 6:58 left in the second. Then it got perilous again when the Flyers tied the game with two goals, including the
second goal of the game by Richards, less than eight minutes later. The Rangers then gave themselves a reprieve by
re-taking the lead late in the second on a wrist shot by Marian Gaborik. That turned out to be the final goal of the game.
But, the excitement was in the third period, where the Rangers had to hold on to their one-goal cushion and especially
withstand an offensive onslaught by the Flyers (which took place right in front of me) with about five minutes to play while
shorthanded. The Flyers also had their chances with the extra attacker on in the final minute of the game, but Rangers
goaltender Henrik Lundqvist would stop all 10 shots the Flyers peppered him with in the third period.
Unfortunately for Rangers fans, the final regular-season game on Sunday would be won by the Flyers in a shootout,
sending the Rangers home for the summer that quickly, and vaulting the Flyers in to the playoffs, where they would come
back from an 0-3 deficit to defeat the Bruins in seven games, and eventually lose in the Stanley Cup Finals.
1. November 21st, 2010 -- New York Jets 30, Houston Texans 27: The ending of this game put a cap on one of
those weekends that I'd like to avoid more often, but sometimes you just can't. The night before, I was in Cincinnati for
a Rutgers football game, and thus didn't get home until about 4 a.m. That same morning, I had to get to MetLife Stadium
(thankfully less than a 10-minute drive from my home) at about 8:30 a.m., with a lot of equipment, no less. Well, I
survived the short turnaround (though clearly felt like my instincts should a situation had come up during this Jets game
were a little slower than they should've been) and was rewarded with quite a contest. The Jets looked like they were on
their way when they had the ball about five minutes in to the first quarter and leading 23-7. But Shonn Greene fumbled
on the Houston 41-yard line and the Texans recovered with 9:22 left, and then seriously went to work. On the very next
play, quarterback Matt Schaub hit Joel Dreesen (originally drafted by the Jets) for a 43-yard touchdown pass. Then,
Houston regained possession of the ball three minutes later and would take nearly four minutes off the clock and score
another touchdown on a seven-play drive. Arian Foster would get the TD on a one-yard run, and the Texans suddenly
had a 24-23 lead with 2:18 left.
The Texans still weren't done. On the second play of the Jets ensuing drive, Kevin Bentley intercepted Mark Sanchez
with 1:52 remaining and the Texans were in firm control, taking over at the Jets 10-yard line with a one-point lead. But
conservative play calling would cost them. Foster would run up the middle three straight times, the Jets stopped them,
used their timeouts, and the Texans settled on a Neil Rackers 22-yard field goal with 55 seconds left.
So, now all the Jets had to do was drive the field for a touchdown. And, of course they did. It took them only five
plays, the key one being a 42-yard pass play from Sanchez to Braylon Edwards. Santonio Holmes caught a six-yard TD
on the very next play with a whopping 10 seconds to spare and the Jets had themselves a three-point win.
After the game, I went home and went to sleep.
their greatest roll in over a decade, having won 13-of-14 games. So, this game was a showdown of sorts to see how
they could compete with the big boys. The Knicks led by seven points after the third quarter, but the Celtics showed
their muscle by scoring 35 in the fourth, including a step-back jump shot by Paul Pierce with .4 seconds remaining which
broke a 116-116 tie. The excitement, though, was on the Knicks final possession, when Amar'e Stoudemire took the
inbounds pass and hit a three-point shot which was originally ruled good, but replays clearly showed it was too late.
4. March 20th, 2010 -- New York Red Bulls 3, Santos FC 1: This must be the first time an exhibition game made it
to my top 5. On an absolutely perfect day weatherwise, which is saying something because this was late March, not
early May, the Red Bulls played their first game in their new building. And, unlike games played at the Meadowlands,
the place was packed, and there was an excitement which didn't exist before at home games. The Red Bulls scored their
three goals in the first half, and after each goal was scored, there was an aura that hadn't existed before. The arena, or
stadium (whatever is more proper to call it), sits 25,189 and was sold out. It's uniqueness (besides seeing all the seats in
the arena filled at a Red Bulls game) is that all the seats are under cover, although the field isn't.
A few kinks still needed to be worked out. When leaving the building, the line of fans to get on the PATH train was
big-time backed up and didn't look like it would ever move. And there is a huge grass field stretching about the length of
two city blocks between the Arena and the main street. I got to imagine those will eventually be parking lots, but right
now the field is completely fenced in and not being used for anything.
3. March 25th, 2010 -- New York Rangers 4, New Jersey Devils 3 (SO): The Rangers, at this late stage of the
season, had put themselves in a position where they needed to gain every point they could if they hoped to make the
playoffs. And, this game was the first of a six-game road trip. For one of those games in which I had to show up six
hours before it started, it didn't disappoint. The Rangers tied the game at 1-1 in the second period, then it got a little nuts
in the third. Artem Anisimov tied the game for the Rangers at 2-2 with 10:20 left in the third period, but the Devils would
re-grab the lead on a goal by Jamie Langenbrunner less than three minutes later. The Rangers would have to bring on an
extra attacker before finally tying the game for the third time with just 16.8 seconds left on a goal by Chris Drury. That
goal, along with Erik Christiansen's goal in the shootout -- the only goal scored in the shootout by either team -- would
set the wheels in motion for a Rangers playoff run that went down to the final moment of the final game of the regular
season. In the meantime, the Rangers left this game three points back of the final playoff spot.
2. April 9th, 2010 -- New York Rangers 4, Philadelphia Flyers 3: The key part to the final score of this game is
that it didn't go to OT. The Rangers, two points behind the Flyers for the final playoff spot heading in to this contest,
needed to win in regulation in order to tie the Flyers and set up a likely winner-take-all game on Sunday between these
same two teams. And it was an emotional back-and-forth type of game that resulted in the Rangers accomplishing their
mission. It didn't look good early when Mike Richards scored an unassisted goal for the Flyers on a wrist shot just 40
seconds after the opening faceoff. Then things looked wonderful when the Rangers scored three straight times to go up
3-1 with 6:58 left in the second. Then it got perilous again when the Flyers tied the game with two goals, including the
second goal of the game by Richards, less than eight minutes later. The Rangers then gave themselves a reprieve by
re-taking the lead late in the second on a wrist shot by Marian Gaborik. That turned out to be the final goal of the game.
But, the excitement was in the third period, where the Rangers had to hold on to their one-goal cushion and especially
withstand an offensive onslaught by the Flyers (which took place right in front of me) with about five minutes to play while
shorthanded. The Flyers also had their chances with the extra attacker on in the final minute of the game, but Rangers
goaltender Henrik Lundqvist would stop all 10 shots the Flyers peppered him with in the third period.
Unfortunately for Rangers fans, the final regular-season game on Sunday would be won by the Flyers in a shootout,
sending the Rangers home for the summer that quickly, and vaulting the Flyers in to the playoffs, where they would come
back from an 0-3 deficit to defeat the Bruins in seven games, and eventually lose in the Stanley Cup Finals.
1. November 21st, 2010 -- New York Jets 30, Houston Texans 27: The ending of this game put a cap on one of
those weekends that I'd like to avoid more often, but sometimes you just can't. The night before, I was in Cincinnati for
a Rutgers football game, and thus didn't get home until about 4 a.m. That same morning, I had to get to MetLife Stadium
(thankfully less than a 10-minute drive from my home) at about 8:30 a.m., with a lot of equipment, no less. Well, I
survived the short turnaround (though clearly felt like my instincts should a situation had come up during this Jets game
were a little slower than they should've been) and was rewarded with quite a contest. The Jets looked like they were on
their way when they had the ball about five minutes in to the first quarter and leading 23-7. But Shonn Greene fumbled
on the Houston 41-yard line and the Texans recovered with 9:22 left, and then seriously went to work. On the very next
play, quarterback Matt Schaub hit Joel Dreesen (originally drafted by the Jets) for a 43-yard touchdown pass. Then,
Houston regained possession of the ball three minutes later and would take nearly four minutes off the clock and score
another touchdown on a seven-play drive. Arian Foster would get the TD on a one-yard run, and the Texans suddenly
had a 24-23 lead with 2:18 left.
The Texans still weren't done. On the second play of the Jets ensuing drive, Kevin Bentley intercepted Mark Sanchez
with 1:52 remaining and the Texans were in firm control, taking over at the Jets 10-yard line with a one-point lead. But
conservative play calling would cost them. Foster would run up the middle three straight times, the Jets stopped them,
used their timeouts, and the Texans settled on a Neil Rackers 22-yard field goal with 55 seconds left.
So, now all the Jets had to do was drive the field for a touchdown. And, of course they did. It took them only five
plays, the key one being a 42-yard pass play from Sanchez to Braylon Edwards. Santonio Holmes caught a six-yard TD
on the very next play with a whopping 10 seconds to spare and the Jets had themselves a three-point win.
After the game, I went home and went to sleep.
| Honorable mentions |
1. February 14th, 2010 -- Rutgers Scarlet Knights 71, Georgetown Hoyas 68 -- The Scarlet Knights wouldn't tell you this
was any big upset, so we won't call it that. Nevertheless, Georgetown was ranked #7 at the time, though Rutgers would
walk away with its third win in four games. Jonathan Mitchell scored 24 points to give Rutgers its first win over a top-10
team in seven years.
2. March 10th, 2010 -- Marquette Golden Eagles 57, St. John's Red Storm 55 AND Cincinnati Bearcats 69, Louisville
Cardinals 66 -- I needed either Marquette or Cincinnati to win in this Big East Tournament "Round-of-12" day in order to
work at the Big East Tournament the next day. It turns out they both won, coming back from second half deficits, so I got
to work two games in the quarterfinals. The Cincinnati win was the more surprising result, considering it had to squeak out
a win on the first day of the tournament and was a heavy underdog against the Cardinals.
3. March 11th, 2010 -- Georgetown 91, Syracuse 84 AND Marquette 80, Villanova 76 -- The Georgetown win, in front
of a packed, pro-Syracuse sell out crowd at MSG was surprising, considering the Orange were the #1 seed in the Big East
Tournament that year. Marquette gained revenge over Villanova after a stunning last-second loss from a year ago. Just
like in 2009, Marquette was seeded fifth, Villanova 4th, they met in the quarterfinals, and I worked Marquette's
broadcast. But the final outcome this time around was not deja vu and it allowed me to work the semfinals.
4. July 28th, 2010 -- St. Louis Cardinals 8, New York Mets 7 (13) -- This was one of those baseball games that would
never seem to end. You get a few of those a year. The Cardinals raced out to a 6-0 lead in the first inning off Johan
Santana, but would need an Albert Pujols go-ahead RBI Single in the 13th inning to finally provide the winning margin.
5. October 8th, 2010 -- Rutgers Scarlet Knights 27, Connecticut Huskies 24 -- The Scarlet Knights scored 10 points in
the last four minutes of the game for a comeback victory. San San Te's 34-yard field goal with 13 seconds left provides
the winning margin. It winds up being Rutgers only Big East win of the season, while UConn would wind up gaining the Big
East's BCS bid at the end of the season.
6. December 30th, 2010 -- Syracuse Orange 36, Kansas State Wildcats 34 -- The first Pinstripe Bowl ends with a little
bit of controversy. With Kansas State down by eight, the Wildcats score a touchdown with 1:13 remaining in the game.
However, Adrian Hilburn, who scored with a 30-yard catch, did a salute to -- well, somebody or something -- and was
flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. This made the Wildcats two-point attempt to tie the game a little bit harder, and
unsuccessful, allowing the Orange to hold on to the final two-point margin.
was any big upset, so we won't call it that. Nevertheless, Georgetown was ranked #7 at the time, though Rutgers would
walk away with its third win in four games. Jonathan Mitchell scored 24 points to give Rutgers its first win over a top-10
team in seven years.
2. March 10th, 2010 -- Marquette Golden Eagles 57, St. John's Red Storm 55 AND Cincinnati Bearcats 69, Louisville
Cardinals 66 -- I needed either Marquette or Cincinnati to win in this Big East Tournament "Round-of-12" day in order to
work at the Big East Tournament the next day. It turns out they both won, coming back from second half deficits, so I got
to work two games in the quarterfinals. The Cincinnati win was the more surprising result, considering it had to squeak out
a win on the first day of the tournament and was a heavy underdog against the Cardinals.
3. March 11th, 2010 -- Georgetown 91, Syracuse 84 AND Marquette 80, Villanova 76 -- The Georgetown win, in front
of a packed, pro-Syracuse sell out crowd at MSG was surprising, considering the Orange were the #1 seed in the Big East
Tournament that year. Marquette gained revenge over Villanova after a stunning last-second loss from a year ago. Just
like in 2009, Marquette was seeded fifth, Villanova 4th, they met in the quarterfinals, and I worked Marquette's
broadcast. But the final outcome this time around was not deja vu and it allowed me to work the semfinals.
4. July 28th, 2010 -- St. Louis Cardinals 8, New York Mets 7 (13) -- This was one of those baseball games that would
never seem to end. You get a few of those a year. The Cardinals raced out to a 6-0 lead in the first inning off Johan
Santana, but would need an Albert Pujols go-ahead RBI Single in the 13th inning to finally provide the winning margin.
5. October 8th, 2010 -- Rutgers Scarlet Knights 27, Connecticut Huskies 24 -- The Scarlet Knights scored 10 points in
the last four minutes of the game for a comeback victory. San San Te's 34-yard field goal with 13 seconds left provides
the winning margin. It winds up being Rutgers only Big East win of the season, while UConn would wind up gaining the Big
East's BCS bid at the end of the season.
6. December 30th, 2010 -- Syracuse Orange 36, Kansas State Wildcats 34 -- The first Pinstripe Bowl ends with a little
bit of controversy. With Kansas State down by eight, the Wildcats score a touchdown with 1:13 remaining in the game.
However, Adrian Hilburn, who scored with a 30-yard catch, did a salute to -- well, somebody or something -- and was
flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. This made the Wildcats two-point attempt to tie the game a little bit harder, and
unsuccessful, allowing the Orange to hold on to the final two-point margin.
With my brother Joe at the Rutgers-FIU football game in Miami on September 11th. Only about 13 hours after
this picture was taken, I was at CitiField in New York for a Phillies-Mets game.
this picture was taken, I was at CitiField in New York for a Phillies-Mets game.