Branching out

Since 2006 the Bay Area Gooners have been the official San Francisco Branch of Arsenal America. Arsenal America is the official United States supporters club of Arsenal Football Club with 85 branches across the country.

Joining Arsenal America, gets you a member pack containing uniquely designed Arsenal-themed items. Membership affords you benefits like unique discounts on Arsenal and soccer specific wares from partners across the U.S. You’ll be notified about an ever-increasing number of local, regional, and international events.and will have access to request home match tickets via their ticketing lottery system.

I founded the Bay Area Gooners in 2006 and have been the “Branch Manager” since day one. If you’ve been to the pub, you know I act as greeter, photographer, merch seller, donut provider, and general ringmaster.

I also run the BAG website and all social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.), and while time consuming, it’s a labor of love. Sometimes when I can’t get to the pub, I’ve enlisted some of you to hang the banner or take photos, which has been great.

Arsenal America prefers official branches have more than one active representative, so I’m throwing it out to the Goonerverse: if you attend matches at Maggie’s on a consistent basis and would like to be more involved, drop me an email. There might be some pints in it for you.

Can’t wait for the start of the season. COYG!

Best, Mark

Twice the Arsenal

The end of the Premier League season is here. Liverpool won the title weeks ago, so it’s all a bit anticlimactic and hard not to think about what might have been. Arsenal secured second last Sunday against Newcastle, on the strength of a Declan Rice screamer. Plenty of clubs would like to be in our position as the Gunners finished ahead of City and Chelsea, while United and Spurs languish in the bottom half of the table.

Arsenal are assured of Champions League football next season and with a few additions to the squad, should contend for the league again. All that remains now is Southampton away Sunday. Despite anything to play for, we all want them to finish the season with a win.

We’ll be at Maggie’s twice this weekend.The day before the lads play, there’s a far more significant match. The Arsenal Women face Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League Final Saturday. If the run-in for this tournament is any indication, this should be an exciting match.

We’ve had another great season watching Arsenal at the pub. Sure, you could be watching at home, lounging on your couch. But I’m grateful enough people prefer watching with other Gooners. Somehow victories are sweeter and disappointments more palatable.

Watching Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid at Maggie’s was an incredible experience and probably the highlight of our season. Short of being an actual match, the atmosphere was unparalleled.

The support I received during my absence was also very much appreciated. Thank you to Gooners who hung the banner, took photos, and sent me the lovely get well card. I’m grateful for this community.

There may be some off season gatherings, but it won’t be long before we start this all over again for the 2025/2026 season.

Hope to see everyone at the pub (twice) this weekend!

COYG!

Best, Mark

FOR SALE

I recently bought new Arsenal gear, only to determine it’s not a great fit. Trying to recoup my costs, but return shipping to the UK is cost prohibitive, so I might be able to adjust prices.

Screenshot

Arsenal Adidas 24/25 Urban Purist Burgundy Track Jacket (large, $100)

Arsenal Adidas 24/24 Urban Purist Burgundy Track Pants (medium, cost $75)

I’ll have both items at Maggie’s this weekend. Or you can hit me up through email or BAG socials.

Sloppy seconds?

A tale of two halves Sunday at Liverpool, with Arsenal making a robust finish after a lackadaisical start. But the eventual draw raised more questions about the Gunners’ ability to secure second place.

Newcastle visits the Emirates Sunday, hoping to leapfrog Arsenal in the table. The formidable Magpies have beaten Arsenal in the teams’ last three meetings in all competitions. Manchester City are just behind them, nipping at both clubs’ heels.

I’ve made peace with another trophy-less season because we’re headed in the right direction. But we must have maximum effort for the last two matches to bolster our off season hopes.

Arsenal’s Premier League season wraps up Sunday, May 25th against Southampton. But the day before, the Arsenal Women face Barcelona in a Champions League Final. We’re hosting a match party at Maggie’s and hope to see everyone both days.

I am out of town this weekend, but will see you (hopefully twice) over the Memorial Day weekend.

COYG!

Best, Mark

Proud of the lads

Arsenal made a valiant effort Wednesday but our Champions League dream came to an end at the hands of a more clinical PSG side. For much of the match, the Gunners seemed the superior team in every way, except finishing.

As hard as it is to finish another season without any silverware, I still love this club, and believe in the Arteta process. We’re in a place so many other clubs would kill to be in, and genuinely just a few pieces away from glory.

Online calls for the manager to be sacked should be shrugged off as the inane ramblings of unlearned minds. We’ve got super Mik Arteta, he knows exactly what we need. I will fight you about this. OK not really, but you know.

Still 3 matches left in the season, and as anti climatic as that is, we’ll be at Maggie’s for all of them. I’d love to see us beat the new champions on their home pitch this Sunday. We’re also hosting a Champions League Final match-viewing for the Arsenal Women on May 24th.

Our friends, the East Los Angeles Gooners are hosting a big party for the Newcastle match May 18th and have extended an invitation to all Arsenal supporters groups. Set in their arts district, there will be food, a vinyl swap, and district pub crawl after the match. They’re hoping to make this an annual event. I recommend following them on Instagram for all the deets.

I’ve really missed being at the pub during my leave of absence, but expecting to be there Sunday. As it’s Mother’s Day, I encourage you to bring mom to the pub for donuts, Arsenal, and drinks.

Thank you to everyone who hung the banner, took match pics and videos in my absence. Very much appreciate the support from our Gooner family.

COYG!

Best, Mark

We still have Paris

Saturday’s lackluster loss to Bournemouth only underscores how Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain is now the defining moment of Arsenal’s season.

As the Gunners limp along behind champions, Liverpool, even second place in the Premier League is no longer a lock. To give their season real meaning, Arsenal must overcome a one goal, first leg deficit against the Ligue 1 Champions.

Thomas Partey is back to bolster the midfield, but a far better effort is needed from everyone else, for any hope of success. Hopefully, the Arsenal side that dominated Real Madrid in successive matches, shows up in Paris.

I really miss being at Maggie’s for these big matches, but it is unavoidable right now. Hoping to be back for Liverpool. I just need the rest of you to make as much noise as possible in my absence.

If you’re at the pub and have pics and videos, please share or tag to our Instagram or Facebook page.

COYG!

Best, Mark

Playing for pride

Arsenal’s first leg of their Champions League semi-final against PSG on Tuesday, ended 0-1 to the visitors. The Gunners need a legendary performance next Wednesday to overcome this well-oiled opposition at their home stadium in order to secure a spot in the Final.

Meanwhile, Liverpool officially won the 2024/2025 Premier League title last weekend, demolishing a hapless Tottenham (still getting battered everywhere they go). Yet, Arsenal still have 4 matches left with nothing to play for in the league but the second spot and pride.

Saturday the Gunners face Bournemouth, currently chasing a top eighth or ninth place finish in hopes of European football next season. Arsenal will hopefully rest some key players in anticipation of their trip to Paris.

Nice leisurely 9:30 am kickoff, so get yourself to Maggie’s to hang with the Gooner family.

Unfortunately, I’m still unable to come to the pub, but hope to be back in action soon. COYG!

Best, Mark.