It followed that up with a league victory a

There were several obvious storylines after Vancouver defeated Houston Saturday to keep the Whitecaps unbeaten early in the 2014 MLS season. There was the audacious 50-yard swerving, fizzing turf-trimming ball played from Pedro Morales to Gershon Koffie in the first half. There was another solid Darren Mattocks performance where, despite not finding the scoresheet, the young Jamaican played a huge role in both Whitecap goals. And there was goalkeeper David Ousted, who faced 26 Dynamo crosses, but staved off a big, physical Houston team with strong hands and a commanding presence. But none of those moments generated the kind of reaction that Kenny Miller garnered after the game was over. It was a moment that went viral, appeared on local newscasts, and revealed an aspect of sporting culture not often witnessed in North American arenas. The "Humba" begin in the German carnival town of Mainz, and gained momentum when Lucas Podolski grabbed the bullhorn and led his nations supporters in song after Germany dispatched Portugal during the quarter-final round of the 08 European Championship. Its rare in sport to see supporters and players share the kind of moment that occurred Saturday afternoon. Its even more intriguing when a German tradition, led by a former Scottish international, takes place in a Canadian stadium. Seeing a shirtless Kenny Miller, the game-winning penalty hero, asking his adoring throng to "give him an H" was as symbolic as it was enamoring. He was in fact naked among the paying public. Stripped down of his past achievements, his fame, his designated player status. At that moment, Kenny Miller was among them, celebrating a hard earned victory. It was a scene more reminiscent of a concert, with the lead singer joining the crowd, before being surfed back to the stage. Apart from the "Lambeau Leap", what other sporting circumstance brings the fans, and the stars so close together? Creating a bond, and appreciating the sporting customer is a rare occurrence in North America where the economic divide between pro athlete and paying public seems to be getting wider with every collective bargaining agreement. The big corporate nature of sport doesnt often inspire brand to mix with consumer so spontaneously. If the Humba tradition catches on in Vancouver, lets hope the spirit of humility and genuine fan appreciation that Kenny Miller showed on Saturday is merely the beginning of something much bigger. Nmd Sko Salg . The Flames are in the midst of a six-game slide (0-5-1), their longest losing streak since an 0-6-3 skid from Jan. 11-28, 2010. They havent won since Nov. 3 in Chicago and most recently went winless on a three-game homestand. Adidas Tubular Shadow Norge . -- The Windsor Spitfires were left with just one goaltender Tuesday after having their starter walk out on them midway through Game 3 of their Ontario Hockey League playoff matchup with the London Knights. http://www.nmdnorgesalg.com/ultra-boost-sko-norge.html . - Dominika Cibulkova erased three match points in the second set Wednesday and beat Agnieszka Radwanska 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the Sony Open. Adidas Ultra Boost Norge .Then came December.Three straight losses, including a crushing 27-24 defeat to Washington (4-11) on Saturday, has the Eagles (9-6) on the brink of playoff elimination. Nmd_r1 Sko Hvit . On Wednesday night, they showed that stellar defence and a little small ball can get the job done too. With pinch-runner Kevin Pillar aboard after Dioner Navarro opened the bottom of the ninth with a single, Anthony Gose dropped down an excellent bunt along the first-base line. MADRID, Spain -- Madrid is celebrating the success of its two major football clubs after Atletico Madrid ensured a historic Champions League final derby against crosstown rival Real Madrid. Atleticos 3-1 victory at Chelsea saw it progress to its first European Cup final in 40 years, where record champion Madrid awaits after crushing titleholder Bayern Munich 5-0 over two legs. Atletico is on the verge of an historic double as it closes in on its first Spanish league title in 18 years, while Madrid is chasing a treble after winning the Copa del Rey against Barcelona. The feat is all the more impressive for Atletico, which under coach Diego Simeone has completely turned from a club with a history for underachieving and late collapses into a European heavyweight. "Atletico is a real team," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said after Wednesdays defeat. "It knows how to be strong in defence and when to come out and attack. Its a great team." One year after an all-German Champions League final, the continents top competition has its first ever final between clubs from the same city. "Im happy that its an all-Spanish final," Atletico playmaker Koke said of the May 24 date in Lisbon. "Its going to be a special day, a very nice day because all of Madrid will be in Lisbon." The final will also highlight the teams different philosophies and history. Atleticos blue-collar base is far removed from Reals home in the northwest Chamartin area with its leafy avenues, luxury homes, and expensive cars. Madrid is the record 32-time Spanish champion with nine European Cups, and record revenues that are nearly five times that of Atletico allow it to pay for Ballon dOr recipient Cristiano Ronaldo and world-record 100 million euros signing Gareth Bale. Atleticos payroll is a fraction of Madrids or Barcelonas, and it is a club with a history of dubious finances. Yet Simeone, who was on the team that won the league-cup double in 1996, has nurtured a winning culture from a squad that has changed little since his arrival more than two years ago, and despite the sale of star striker Radamel Falcao in the off-season.dddddddddddd "Its crazy to think were in the Champions League final," Atletico midfielder Tiago Mendes said. "But this team deserves it after everything it has accomplished." Madrid and Atletico have met just once before in the competition, in the 1959 semifinals, where Madrid won a replay 2-1 when their two-leg series finished 2-2. Atleticos only final appearance in 1974 saw it succumb to Bayern Munich 4-0 in a replay following a 1-1 draw. While Madrid beat Atletico en route to this seasons domestic cup trophy, Atletico still enjoyed a breakthrough year against its city neighbour, which is returning to the final for the first time since 2002. Atletico beat Madrid in the Copa del Rey final last season for its first win over its city rival in 25 games. It followed that up with a league victory at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium followed by a draw at home at the Vicente Calderon. Spanish leader Atletico is six points ahead of Madrid, which has one game in hand, with three left to play, while Barcelona trails the Spanish leader by four points. The league has been dominated by Madrid and Barcelona since Valencia was the last club besides the big two to win the championship in 2004. But Atletico could clinch its first title since 1996 with a victory against Levante on Sunday if both Madrid and Barcelona lose their games. The all-Spanish final also proves the domestic league is healthy despite continued economic problems. Either Sevilla or Valencia will also advance to the Europa League final. Even the citys cleanup crews should have an easy time co-ordinating their work following the victors celebrations. Madrid traditionally celebrates its triumphs at Plaza de Cibeles, while Atleticos fans gather just down the street at Plaza de Neptuno. "This is the final all Madridistas have been waiting for," Madrid fan Jose Luis Marron Rodriguez said. "Whatever the result, the European Cup stays at home. Now, let the best team win -- I just hope its Madrid." ' ' '