Sometimes the big things in sports (and life in general) begin with something absurdly simple. For the Salinas Valley Samba it started with something as innocent as a typical pregame rally chant, and crescendoed into an improbable Open Cup victory over an undefeated USL team.

The Samba arrived in Salem Oregon as decided underdogs against the Cascade Surge, a powerful squad from a powerhouse league, a team that had blown away their 2005 Northwest division competitors by scoring 20 goals to a paltry 8 against. Somebody should have informed Salinas; a team that believes in the power of heart, family, and desire to overcome great foes. To be fair, this still developing Samba side does play with a chip on its shoulder, a healthy and respectful chip that stems from any perceived slight of their abilities to play any team, anywhere. This attitude first surfaced in Oregon at a Wednesday morning practice at Mculloch Stadium. A day of game practice generally entails a restful "walk through" of the various offensive and defensive strategies, but this was not going to be an ordinary day.

As personable coaches who stay remarkably in tune with the varying moods of their players, Artie and Jack Cairel ran the Samba through a spirited and often times intense morning practice, setting the tone for the days work ahead. The hustling Samba, sensing the opportunity in front of them, and driven by an uncoachable desire to prove themselves, intently followed their coaches lead. Sentiments of "right now boys, get dialed in" were expressed often during a particularly earnest scrimmage, as each and every player rallied around a common cause. Rarely recognized by fans of the game who are only able see a starting 11 and their substitutions, and miss the invaluable preparation efforts required to play a match, it takes EVERYBODY on the roster to get a TEAM ready. 19 players made this trip, and every one of them contributed greatly to the final spectacular result.

The match was played at Mculloch stadium, which is nestled amongst the trees of the Williamette University campus, reminiscent of a small and intimate European soccer venue.  With fans awaiting the kickoff a mere five minutes away, and players retreated to their respective locker rooms, it was first heard as a slight rumble from the innards of the stadium. As the sound grew louder, and its origin now identified as emanating from the Salinas Valley locker room, it became clear.........................

"Saaaaaaaaaammmmmm-ba, Saaaaaaaaammmmm-ba, Saaaaaaaaammmmm-ba"
 

Punctuated with a clap, and growing louder by the verse, fans stared down at their feet, their facial expressions showing genuine concern as to whether these boys from Salinas were preparing for soccer, or to pillage an unsuspecting town.

I could fill ten pages of action detail about the game that ensued, from the Surge's dominating and skilled possession play, to the Samba's equally skilled and determined attack. Cascade's beautifully organized passing setting up a score, a returning Ismael Ibarra finding Jeffrey Stepan for an immediate equalizer. The strength and cohesion of the Samba defenders bolstered by tireless midfielders, Materrazi saves, relentlessly  attacking forwards, overtime, dramatic penalty kicks, and so on. But that is not the story of this game, that story can properly be found in newspaper accounts of the game that are linked on this site.

The story here can be summed up by Samba owner Cain White's post game comment and a simple chant. White remarked on the dramatic upset victory "I attribute it to great players, playing in a great system, period." For the Samba in the locker room after the game, and loudly heard from barstools in the dinner celebration that followed (shared respectfully and cheerfully with members of the Surge) it was also equally simple.......

"Saaaaaaaaaammmmmm-ba, Saaaaaaaaammmmm-ba, Saaaaaaaaammmmm-ba"