Honoring Lamar Hunt

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

FRISCO, TX - March 21, 2010 - The Lamar Hunt Pioneer Cup is more than an exhibition match for MLS clubs FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew. It is more than a warm-up game before the start of the season. It is about honoring a true pioneer from the American sports scene. It is about honoring the legacy of a man who made headlines as a owner in the NASL and MLS.

Frankly there wouldn't be professional soccer of this caliber without Lamar Hunt. He was someone who believed in the sport and at times carried leagues on his shoulder. For him it wasn't about fame and fortune, but passion and dedication. His son Clark has carried on this noble family legacy with professionalism and the same ideals he father believed in. Clark is now at the head of FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew, two first-class organizations that continue to operate how his father would want them to.

It was quite the timing as the two clubs played after hearing the joyous news of a new CBA that would save the MLS season. Fans, players, owners, and league and union executives could now turn their attention to what was happening on the field.

Dallas would come away with a 2-1 victory thanks to homefield advantage and more importantly goals from David Ferreira and Atiba Harris. Stars Jeff Cunningham and Heath Pearce would each tally an assist.

A single goal from Andy Iro paced the Crew in this matchup. It seemed that on this day the Crew focused on youth and conserving their key players. Shaun Francis and Dilly Duka would start for Columbus, while fellow rookies OT Yanez and Bright Dike would see time as substitutes. Gino Padula was the only projected starter to play 90 minutes.

Again the end result was not the key matter of the day. It was about taking time to reflect on the enormous contributions of the late Lamar Hunt and the legacy that still quietly dominates Major League Soccer today.

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