Billboard Philosophy

Every story needs a good beginning.

As we drove away from Gillette Stadium last night, I read the above six words on a billboard for Heineken beer. Although I won't be heading to the store to buy a six pack of Heineken, I could see their words as a six-word memoir in the making.

Last night the New England Revolution competed in and won their third game of a non-league tournament called SuperLiga. The win, however, was overshadowed with a sense of sadness and as it turns out some injustice too. After 15 years playing for Major League Soccer (all the years the league has existed) the great Steve Ralston held a post game press conference to announce his retirement as a player. The injustice came in the form of a tournament technicality that disallowed Ralston from playing in his final game. His retirement as a player comes as a loss for the team, the fans and the entire organization. His presence alone was an invaluable asset on and off the field.

To some, probably me included, being disallowed to play in your final game would seem like a slap in the face after the contributions Steve Ralston has made to the sport. Steve took it all in stride and quietly made his exit from a great career in front of a small crowd at Gilette Stadium last night. Although it's probably not how he wanted to go out, in all honesty it was really more his style; all class, quiet, with little fanfare. A post game embrace at center field with goalkeeper Matt Reis, a few moments to shake hands with fans who'd come to show their appreciation and then he was off to make the official announcement.

For me the story of Steve Ralston's MLS player career came to a close last evening with an okay ending. His friends, family, colleagues and fans would have liked to see him go out in a big way but the low key event suited him. Rumor has it Ralston may be headed to Houston to be the assistant coach for the Dynamo. He has the potential to make a great coach so wherever he ends up, they will be lucky to have him.

And so on a warm summer's evening in Foxboro, maybe it wasn't about the story having a good ending. Perhaps it was more that every story needs a good beginning.

Good luck Steve Ralston. May you have a good beginning to your story as a coach in Major League Soccer.