September 14, 2007
The Nehru Championship!
What more can a coach achieve after finishing second in the European Club Cup Final? Why, winning the Nehru Cup of course!
What the hell is a Nehru Cup? It's a National Team soccer tournament in Asia, and it was won by India for the very first time.
Yes, I know you're confused. If you watched the movie "Bend It Like Beckham" then you'll know that India plays Cricket, not soccer.
Anyway, this is one from the Rapids History Vault. Normally we don't like to unlock the vault, but this just sort of slipped out.
You'll remember Bobby Houghton, of course. You know... the coach that quit before the end of the first MLS season, giving us an asterisk next to interim player/coach Roy Wegerle in 1996 (Roy lost that game FYI).
You know, the one that led the Rapids to an impressive 11-21 record to finish dead last in MLS. Well, after he blew off the Rapids, he got a gig coaching the Chinese National Team. Watch out Greenie & Soccer Joe, they're coming to get you!
He had about the same amount of luck with the Chinese, for which we are all grateful.
But two weeks ago, Bobby Boy guided the Indian National (football) team to a championship.
Congratulations Bobby Boy, here's to hoping they make you into a Hindu God! Again, this is once they all realize that India actually has a footy team and we're not talking Cricket.
Bashra Bobby