lt’s a bit unusual being a Macarthur fan in the US. For one, I can’t actually refute the “LOL Bulls haven’t any followers” jokes as a result of I’m an ocean away.
I can put the sport on and hit my cowbell as exhausting as I would like, however nobody in Australia goes to listen to me.
It’s additionally nowhere close to the spark of non-public connection that supporting a European membership will be—an Arsenal or Milan equipment can virtually begin a dialog for you, however assuming I even discover some Macarthur gear that’ll ship out right here, I’d be genuinely shocked if anybody acknowledged it.
So when the membership introduced a number of days in the past that they’d reduce ties with disgraced captain Ulises Dávila, I needed to course of that information, and the top of an period it represented, just about alone.
I could have initially chosen this membership primarily for the colour scheme, however since then, it’s grown into one thing way more potent. The again half of 2023 was the most important funk I’ve ever been in, however one factor that persistently received my spirits up was staying and/or waking up on the most random instances of night time to tune in to a YouTube stream with no commentary and watch my Bulls go round stomping their manner by the AFC Cup.
When it received more durable to remain awake, I’d whisper play-by-play to myself, maintaining my thoughts lively sufficient in no matter manner I may to verify I didn’t miss that subsequent aim. I owe my complete physique of labor right here in 2024 to the truth that, when the knockout rounds approached, I noticed a deficit in protection of our continental run and realized The Roar was a spot the place I may present that protection myself.
And I celebrated each little second of glory, whether or not it got here from a star like Valère Germain, a bench participant like Jerry Skotadis, or particularly Dávila—the person who, till not too long ago, was the center and soul of our roster.
Dávila’s place in our historical past felt completely large as a result of, proportionally talking, it was. For 3 of our 4 seasons up to now on the pitch, he was our captain. Each time I watched a Macarthur sport, I may spot someone in our part waving the Mexican tricolor in his honor.
After we gained the 2022 Australia Cup, we didn’t simply win with him, however for him. The sight of him bringing his younger son on the pitch to have a good time, and to honor the reminiscence of his not too long ago deceased spouse, was simply as necessary emotionally as lifting our first trophy or silencing Sydney United 58’s loudest and most detestable supporters.
Ulises Dávila made a big influence on-field, however what legacy does he go away? (Picture by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Photographs)
When rumors began to bubble up about Australian police arresting Macarthur gamers for unlawful involvement with gamblers, the potential of him being a suspect didn’t even cross my thoughts. Then it turned out Dávila was not solely implicated, however an alleged ringleader, and studying that for the primary time was one of many largest sucker-punches any sports activities headline has ever thrown my manner.
Greater than something, I hope Dávila’s son was secure with family members when he received arrested, as a result of the considered a bit boy whose mom died when he was two having his lone remaining mum or dad taken away for causes he can’t probably perceive but completely rips my coronary heart out.
No matter occurs to the person himself, if the Australian justice system fails to account for that boy’s security, and for ensuring he can have as regular and glad a childhood as attainable given the circumstances, that shall be a far greater crime than something Dávila is up on fees for.
That’s to not downplay the risks of sports activities betting—if something, it’s a reminder of the place issues go when it turns into this mainstream.
At the least right here within the States, we saved it contained so effectively for thus lengthy that folks forgot why it was mandatory to place the monster within the cage.
(Picture by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs)
However after getting betting corporations begging the viewers to gamble in each advert break, networks and pundits incorporating betting strains into the published, and followers who really feel entitled to ship demise threats over a parley gone improper, it’s solely a matter of time earlier than the gamers themselves begin undercutting the sport for private achieve.
Ideally, no matter occurs to Dávila, Clayton Lewis, and Kearyn Baccus will ship the correct message to the remainder of the league and persuade gamers to avoid these schemes earlier than considered one of them finally ends up tainting a championship run.
I do know that in time, these wounds will heal. We’ll identify a brand new captain, discover a new No.10 to orchestrate our assault, and get again on the market to chase playoff spots, continental bids, and most significantly extra trophies.
The best way I see it, I’ve in regards to the subsequent month to grieve what we had, what we thought we knew about our captain, and what we’ve now misplaced from him having to go away this fashion. When that’s over, hopefully I’ll be prepared to maneuver on—and after we head to Canberra to begin our pursuit of one other Australia Cup, I’ll be up at no matter unusual hour my Bulls require of me to witness our first steps right into a daring new period.
So, right here’s to every thing we achieved with Dávila, and right here’s to reaching even larger heights with out him.
