Welcome back to another season of the La Murga Report, The False Nine’s finest semi-weekly bit of esoteric data journalism! To recap this whole deal: throughout the season, we will keep track of which songs La Murga de Austin plays during a match. We’ll then see if there is any correlation between particular songs being played and certain results on the field (such as goals scored or conceded). Is this nonsense? Absolutely. But we hope that it’s at least interesting nonsense, which is our entire gosh-danged raison d’être. Anyway, Matchday 1 is in the books, so let’s get to the numbers!
What Songs Were Played, and How Many Times?
Random thoughts: No new songs made their debut this match, which we found a tad surprising. We don’t have any insider information as to whether new tunes are in the hopper, but we’d be surprised if the Murga repertoire isn’t extended over the course of the season. Also, we did not hear any of the traditional cooldown songs (“Is This Love?,” “Colors,” etc.) which could have been a function of the state of the match or else a planned phaseout of these mid-tempo numbers. We’ll continue to monitor this situation as it progresses.
What Songs Were Playing When Austin Scored
Random thoughts: “Ole Ole Ola” started last season like a house on fire, racking up three goals in the first two matches of 2022 before cooling off considerably. It’s great that it’s starting the new year on the right foot, but we’d personally love it if it didn’t have a months-long dry spell in 2023.
We’ll have more to say about “Verde Submarine” in the next section.
What Songs Were Playing When St. Louis Scored
Random thoughts: “Verde Submarine” is a first-ballot Murga Hall of Fame inductee, but it’s interesting that it’s been a net-neutral song for more than a season now. In 2022 it contributed to three goals for Austin and three goals against, and it’s started the new year off in exactly the same way.
Kipp Keller owes both “Club de Cuervos” and “La Bamba” an apology.
Season Totals
Final Thoughts
It felt fucking fantastic to be back in McKalla and hearing these songs again. While the result wasn’t what we would have liked, having every kick of the ball soundtracked by the soul of the south end isn’t something that we’ll ever take for granted. So here’s to another year of keeping the party going.
Now play “Pepas.”
H.E. Pennypacker
H.E. Pennypacker spends far too much time thinking about Austin FC, much to the consternation of his friends, family, and employers. He could really go for a sandwich right about now.