The English seemed in command of the Group A game, with crosses by David Beckham setting up a goal by Paul Scholes in the third minute and another by Steve McManaman in the 18th.
He has encountered Stoke seven times since that first 2-0 win, been eliminated from an FA Cup by them, lifted the club's first silverware in front of them and, here, commanded a game in a way that few teams have against them.
His command of a game and how he has taken control of games at this level has been incredible.
He has also taught Justin Huber, 21, how to take command of a game and exhibit leadership from behind the plate.
The Liberty still managed to respond whenever the Sparks seemed poised to take command of a game that neither team led by more than 6 points, that was tied 15 times and that had 15 lead changes.
"We have to accept the criticism, take it on the chin and focus on how well we know we can play, and try to get back to the same level of performance - but when you're in command of a game, make sure you put the ball in the back of the net.
Vikram Solanki (69) and Arun Harinath (65) also made half centuries too, but with a second new ball due in the morning, Warwickshire suddenly looked in command of a game that had apparently been drifting to a draw just half an hour before the close.
Smith now has 20 games as a starter under his belt, and we have to resign ourselves to what appears to be the reason he slipped in the draft to begin with: He's a mediocre quarterback with little feel for the position, no command of a game and a knack for the crucial eleventh-hour mistake.
Ms. Meier acts as eccentric drill sergeant, calling out commands to a game group of performers who are told to do such things as build igloos from sugar cubes, "shrivel" and make their partners laugh without going for the obvious.
