Photo: Gerald van Wilgen

G:First tell me your name.

JL: Jeff Lux

DS: Dennis Sklar

G:How would you describe yourself as a soccer fan?

JL: Very passionate.

G:How do you describe yourself as a soccer connoisseur?

JL: It’s the only game I’ve ever played, starting in the late 60s. I just got done coaching a couple years ago.

G:How do you describe yourself as a soccer fan?

DS: I would say new, I’m new to it. Of course I know of the game, but I’m not very knowledgeable about all the rules and everything. But last time I came, I had a great time and I’m back again to check it out again.

G:What makes you come back to the Union?

JL: The game!! It’s all about the game. Whoever is here I’m going to watch them play.

G: What do you look for when you are watching a game?

JL: Actually I watch the players’ movement off the ball. That’s what I’m really concerned about here. And possession.

G: Can you give a good or bad example?

JL: Good example right now? Watch Belgium play.

G:How about you? How many soccer games have you seen?

DS: Umm, this is actually… This would probably be my second one here at the stadium. But I do remember as a kid, and I don’t know if anyone remembers this, but the Philadelphia Fever used to practice at the school that I went to, so I used to watch those guys practice. And I have seen a couple of Fever games in the Spectrum, way back when…

G: When was this?

DS: We’re going back to probably early ‘80s, late ’70s. It was when I was a student at Girard College in Philadelphia.

G: You’re a hockey fan right?

DS: I am a hockey fan.

G: How do soccer and hockey compare?

DS: There is some similarity definitely as far as how play goes. Hockey to me is a lot faster. The size of the rink is a lot smaller than a soccer field so you’re going to have a lot of speed and the guys are on skates, they’re moving. And they are a lot younger. (Laughs) Which probably helps too. I guess a lot of your guys are too. I don’t know, how old does a typical soccer player go usually?

JL: They end at 35.

DS: So yeah, you get in a couple more years than the average hockey player before he is concussed and done.

G: Looking back at the Union’s history what are the moments that stand out for you?

JL: Last time they got into the finals with the Lamar Hunt Cup.

G: What are you looking forward to in this game?

JL: This game I want revenge from last game. We’ll see what happens. We’re playing the first place team, the best team in the league right now. I just want to see a good game, I want to see effort put into it.

G: How do you think the Union have developed the last 8 years?

JL: Personally I think they’re stagnant. They really haven’t developed. They haven’t taken on the million dollar player yet and I don’t think they’re going to. They want to use home grown players. But sooner of later they are going to have to step up to the plate and bring on some big dollar players to control that midfield.

G: What are you looking forward to in this game.

DS: Good beer good food and uh… Action!

G: (…)

DS: I caught you off guard with that one didn’t I? That’s funny. The things the kids say right? Because I’m a kid when you think about it. I’m not very knowledgeable about what’s going on here. I’m a babe in the woods, so the kids say the darndest thing right?

G: What makes you tick, what makes you excited, what element of the game?

DS: I’m into contact sports, physical sports, anything that requires stamina, strength, it’s good to watch that, that’s what’s great about professional athletics. That’s what makes me go see the Flyers. I’m a season-ticket holder with the Flyers. I try to get out to these games here. I’m a Philadelphia Phillies fan too. Baseball is not exactly the most active sport but I still enjoy it especially when I’m lounging on the couch and watching on TV. Or the “telly” right? Is that how you would say it?

G: What’s better watching soccer on TV or live?

JL: Definitely live. Much better.

G: What do you think if this organization?

JL: They are an average organization. I’m sorry to see Mr. Stewart go. He’s been a big asset to the club. Hopefully they fill that position well, and I’ll  be honest with you, I think they need to step up with the coaching. Utilize our players better.

G: The difference in coaching soccer is that the coaches don’t call plays like in hockey.

DS: I don’t know, that’s a good question. I have to watch that today. I’m going to have to look out for that to see what’s going on. There could be a lot going on in the background that you’re not immediately aware of I guess.

G: In soccer the coach has less influence during the game.

DS It’s the players that make the plays is that what you’re saying? I’m sure there’s some strategy right? I would hope so. It’s not just talent right?

JL: Half the game is heart. Talent is one part, but you have to have the heart and the drive for it.

DS: But you get to call plays right?

JL: The only time they would call plays would be on set pieces. Where they have practiced things on the field so they can bring them in to the game.

DS: It’s more of a zone sport, you handle your zone.

JL: Most of the clubs don’t do that anymore, zone play has died.

DS: Today I’ll be paying attention to that. For sure.. Last time it was too many Budweisers.