THEY LEFT THEIR HEARTS IN San Francisco

Niloofar Mohtasham-Nouri, Persian Center
-Photos: Bijan Sartipi

As Friday morning rolled around, soccer players randomly appeared in the lobby of the Marriott Hotel at various hours, and then disappeared. There was no sign of the buses, (normally stationed outside the back door), to transport them to their practice session--this should have been an indication that they had the morning to themselves. Although it was unclear where they were off to at first, slowly reports of "sightings" in San Francisco started pouring in. Even under difficult circumstances, our friends had managed to do some sightseeing and shopping in San Francisco.

By the time fans attempted to catch up with them in the City, most players had finished their lunch at the hotel, and were preparing for their next practice session. Two buses, carrying all 21 players, the coaches and security guards, headed towards the Oakland Coliseum at around 2:30 p.m. It was announced that the practice session would be "completely closed door" since the team would be practicing special tactics for the game. A handful of fans and reporters persisted in following the team; Persian Center photographer, Kaveh Sartipi, was the only person admitted inside the stadium, thanks in part to Emilio Pozzi, Director of the US Soccer Federation. Near the end of the practice, more visitors arrived, managed to get in, and eventually everyone was ushered out.

Back at the Marriott Hotel, there was a rush of Iranians with white envelopes in their hand, headed for a meeting room around 7:00 p.m. This "invite-only" event was planned for the soccer players on behalf of the Islamic organizations in the Bay Area. Originally a closed session, doors were finally opened to fans upon the insistence of the soccer players, with one being quoted as saying, "are they not Iranians as well?" The officials gave a speech, and handed gifts to the team members, while guests enjoyed pastries and tea. The players outfitted in "casual chic" attire (especially upon the arrival of their missing luggage) were stationed throughout the room to take pictures and sign autographs until the end of the event.

After their private dinner on the 21st floor of the hotel, some members of the team including Moussavi and Bakhtiarzadeh hosted the fans in the front lobby, while others found their way back to San Francisco. For many of us, the highlight of the evening occurred when there was an announcement near midnight, that after persistent effort, Persian Center had received clearance to host the team at their site in Berkeley. Details of this event will be part of the next update.

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