I went to my first Wave game this week and here are some reflections:

First, I'm a soccer fan and I was reminded that the game the Wave plays isn't necessarily immediately endearing to a soccer fan. Before you indoor soccer fans jump on me, consider whether or not you thought the Mustangs played the same game as the Packers do. Of course not.

I want goals to count for one point, I want teams of 11 playing on a regulation field and I don't want them to be able to kick the ball off the wall. I'm not points-hungry. I prefer a graceful, hard-won victory or even a draw to a mile-a-minute scorefest with an artificially inflated final score. (Detroit scored five goals but ended with 10 points!)

Second, even if indoor soccer isn't the same as outdoor soccer, it's a fast-paced, fun game to watch and I enjoyed it. It doesn't have the same gravity as the outdoor game -- there's less ground in which teams can put together beautiful runs and there's not much time for grace (which explains why a lot of obviously talented athletes looked a little physically befuddled at times, kicking awkwardly at thin air) -- but it's got spirit and action.

Third, the game is popular. There were a lot of people -- and a lot of families -- at the U.S. Cellular Arena to see the Wave lose to Detroit; more than I expected. And having brought my son and my nephew, I can see why.

Within minutes of kickoff, they were both on their feet chanting "Let's Go Wave" and shaking their free Wave towels frantically. For my nearly 5-year-old nephew, that's no surprise, but it was a first for my son who is 2. He loves going to baseball games, but he's reached a certain sports fan tipping point in the Brewers' off-season.

I'm not sure the Wave will replace the Brewers for him, however. When I asked if he wants to go to another game -- I meant Wave game, because we were talking about that experience -- he said, "yes, baseball game!"