Chivas is Overdue for Integration

As far as classicos go, it was an odd one, taking place during a pandemic, without fans. But Chivas vs Club America wasn't much of a thrilling matchup on Sept. 19, 2020. The lack of the fervent support of Chivas Guadalajara was only part of the problem. The truth is, the club hasn't been very competitive for many seasons and isn't (unlike Club America) competing regularly for titles any more. The Chivas club has an incredibly large and loyal fanbase, but their devotion isn't rewarded as it should be. The limiting policy of the nationalistic player roster is only part of the reason why. 

There wasn't much in it, but @ClubAmerica_EN's victory over @ChivasEN_ a reminder that the gap between @LigaBBVAMX's big two is still there. Chivas have spent money as they needed to, but Vucetich is going to need time. Promising from Gio last night. https://t.co/KG8IzvNcFK

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) September 20, 2020

This blog has covered numerous times how the policy of Chivas changed over the years, but most obviously and officially, under the late Jorge Vergara, from only fielding players born IN Mexico to now fielding players born eligible for Mexican citizenship (they could be born anywhere in the world, but had to have at least one Mexican parent or grandparent). The fact that Luis and I uncovered the ruse Chivas had been using (fake birth certificates) helped make the change public. Vergara rode the idea that gringo USA reporters were somehow attacking the Chivas legacy by exposing his deception to help get everyone to accept the change. 

Now Miguel Angel Ponce and Isaac Brizuela are longtime stalwarts for the Guadalajara squad, despite their American roots. But Chivas still has a shortsighted policy in place that maintains that any dual-citizen who signs for them has to renounce ever playing with a non-Mexican national team. Frankly, such a contract clause shouldn't be legal or binding over any professional international athlete. It also either limits Chivas to signing Mexican-American players who probably aren't going to be called up by either team or limits the players who sign with the club to only playing with Mexico. 

What the nationalist approach has done in addition to build up a following for Chivas is to help keep out players of African heritage. Naturilized players, like Zinha, have featured for the Mexican national team, but not for Chivas. That's part of the reason there was a certain irony in Giovanni Dos Santos scoring the winning goal for Club America over Chivas in Liga MX action on Saturday. He's obviously Mexican and has featured internationally for El Tri many times. So why wasn't he a top option for Chivas brass to land as player instead of him going to their rivals? 

The easy answer is that Club America had more cash to splash on a player who has struggled with injuries of late. The answer fans of Chivas have to confront at some point is that it doesn't seem to be priority for the club to integrate the squad. Of course, there's something to be said for the idea that the top priority for any club should be winning, but if that was the case, why not allow all citizens of Mexico, naturalized or born eligible or eligible for other national teams or playing for other national teams, to be Chivas players? They'd still be Chivas. They'd likely attract even more fans. They'd still be an all-Mexican team, but one that's more inclusive and likely more diverse. 

Then and Now - Hugo Perez

So, back in 2007, I spoke to Hugo Perez about U.S. Soccer improving their efforts in developing the Latino pool of soccer talent in the US.

Multiple sources telling me that Hugo Perez is no longer working for U.S. Soccer in any capacity. Released of his duties today.

— J.R. Eskilson (@JREskilson) July 30, 2015

@MC_Bousquette @a_andersonreyes I’m not fond of the fact that Hugo Perez, who was doing great work there & w/U-14s, got let go by Klinsmann.

— Raf Noboa y Rivera (@noboa) July 25, 2015

Now, Perez is looking to take his coaching talents to El Salvador. 

Nacional, con experiencia, me parece que Hugo Perez seria el DT perfecto para la Selección Nacional de El Salvador.

— Gerardo Burgos (@Futbol_Burgos) July 25, 2015

Meanwhile, a few of the USA players with Mexican heritage are developing in that country and also playing for Mexico. Isaac Brizuela and Miguel Ponce are the first wave of talent in this direction that continues with Uvaldo Luna. 

The route of Mexico development isn't really open to Latino players who aren't Mexican, however. I'm pretty sure some squad in Liga MX would have been interesting in signing Oscar Sorto by now if he wasn't Salvadorean and thus, cost them a foreign player spot. 

Major League Soccer teams are improving their development and youth academies, but there's still a long way to go and frankly, the style of MLS isn't always a good fit for players, in terms of learning to be creative and tricky.

In addition, dismissing Latino coaches from U.S. Soccer posts isn't helping the players coming through the ranks to feel valued and that their future lies with the USMNT.

@golalvarado @SoccerInsider US Soccer legends Caligiuri http://t.co/50MJFscj5W and Hugo Perez http://t.co/JfcAcOQKpn talk about Team USA.

— Centro Deportivo (@DeportivoCentro) June 4, 2014

Once More Into the Ring

Ahead of the big "friendly" USA-Mexico game today, Luis Hernandez has a new commercial for Wells Fargo similar to the Landon Donovan one. It's to introduce a banking app in Spanish. 

Like Donovan's, the scenario is a coach handing out jerseys to players, and Hernandez, as the new addition, uses his banking app to send in his payment quickly. But a crucial difference (as well as a tip of the hat to the Mexican fan loyalty in the rivalry) is that as soon as Hernandez pulls the jersey over his head, his hair magically grows into the long tresses he once sported, complete with a headband. Everyone on his team recognizes him and celebrates having a legend on their team. 

Hernandez then runs to the field in triumph, despite never actually having touched the ball yet. "El Matador" was indeed a Mexico icon. While his Galaxy career wasn't spectacular and he lost to LD and the USA in 2002 in the World Cup, he gets the last laugh here.

21 Not Gunning For Those Above

Yes, the title is a reference to the Green Day song. 

Memo has proved himself against world's best teams before

It's also a reference to my latest article. Mexico is ranked at 21 and it isn't playing any teams ranked higher of late. At least, not until their Costa Rica friendly. 

Ok, I know the rankings aren't everything, but Argentina was on a USA tour at the same time as Mexico. Why not schedule that? 

Mexico did manage to win both friendly matches of 2015 thus far. So - anyone want to predict El Tri's first loss this year? Let me know your guess if you have one. 

If You're Happy, Then You Know It

Is it possible to rate happiness? If so, how much does that factor into a team sport like soccer?

We've seen disgruntled teams implode in tournaments, and we've also seen teams where everyone was smiling, looking like they're having a great time, genuinely friendly with each other, do very well in games. 

But is happiness measurable as a factor to winning?

What about personal preference? Would a player prefer to be part of a team that was a happy one? 

The truth is, most players will say that they want to play for the best team they can, regardless of the camaraderie among teammates. They'll take sullen silences and diva attitudes in return for winning. 

Then again, losing a lot probably doesn't improve a team's attitude or ambiance. The US have only won 2 of their last 11 games. 

William Yarbrough and Ventura Alvarado are eligible for both the USA and Mexico. 

Mexico seems to be having more fun under Piojo. If that matters to the duo, it could play a factor in any final decision, should Mexico ever come calling for their services. 

If you could choose, which would you pick and why?

W. Yarbrough y V. Alvarado futbolistas mexicanos que no fueron contemplados por el Piojo Herrera, pero si para EUA pic.twitter.com/bVB7Evvvlc
— Frecuencia Deportiva (@FD1370) March 25, 2015

Matosas Offers His Resignation

Whoo, hooo! Fall on one's sword in a great show of sacrifice - or is it really? 

I have doubts. 

So do others. 

@mexicoworldcup @soccercanales Didn't Matosas pull the same cry baby tantrum at Leon multiple times over his tenure?
— Robert Villasenor (@rvilla18) March 23, 2015

hahahahahaha if matosas wants to quit let him quit tf , I didn't want him on @CF_America from the beginning anyways . #Matosas #America
— ℓiƶɛttɛ .♡ (@liiiiiizz_) March 23, 2015

Anyway, never fear, Matosas fans, he's not going anywhere yet. 

Americanistas, estén tranquilos, @gusmat_dt seguirá con ustedes. http://t.co/rw7Lt8MUuW pic.twitter.com/KibEw7JQ37
— juanfutbol (@juanfutbol) March 24, 2015

Who Mexico Didn't Call

They didn't call Billy boy. 

We are so proud of you! // ¡Estamos muy orgullosos de ti! #DaleWilliam #RugeFiera pic.twitter.com/EpXy1jWHy8
— Club León (@clubleonfc) March 19, 2015

Anyway, I'm not sure anyone even calls William Yarbrough "Billy", but I couldn't help myself. The Mexican-born goalkeeper of American parents has accepted a call-up from the one and only Jurgen Klinsmann, so he's apparently going to throw his lot in with the USA instead of Mexico. 

Club Leon had a nice little throwback to their history of USMNT players. 

Estos son los jugadores felinos que han defendido la camiseta de la Selección mayor de @ussoccer #SerFieraEsUnOrgullo pic.twitter.com/WRwCBugvak
— Club León (@clubleonfc) March 19, 2015

But is Klinsmann really serious about Yarbrough? He's made some picks before that just seemed off-hand and not about building a strong senior squad. 

@WisoVazquez Yeah, that's my concern as well. He seems to randomly pick some players just for kicks, which isn't a viable strategy.
— Andrea Canales (@soccercanales) March 19, 2015

Then again, Yarbrough is probably smart to seize the opportunity. Miguel Herrera wasn't encouraging on El Tri prospects for Yarbrough. 

Herrera explains Yarbrough snub: "I'm not going to call a player just to beat the #USMNT. But, I've got 8 or 9 like Yarbrough" #ElTri
— Eric Gomez (@EricGomez86) March 19, 2015

A friendly match doesn't cap tie Yarbrough, of course. But he would have to file an official FIFA switch to Mexico if he's already suited up for the USA, even in a friendly. 

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera leaves door open to US calling up William Yarbrough http://t.co/KUu3A67PtT
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) March 19, 2015

Here's my article analyzing some of the players Herrera did bring in. 

Herculean Effort at Understanding

It's probably the headline of this piece quoting Herculez Gomez on yet-uncapped Mexican-American Ventura Alvarado that threw me off a bit. 

Herc, who played in the 2010 World Cup with the USA, is as red-white-and-true-blue as they come, encouraging other young Mexican-Americans like Paul Arriola to cast their lot with the USA. But I remember years ago asking a young, as-yet-uncapped Herc about his chances with Mexico - and yes, he was open to that possibility. Mexico never came calling, but the USA did. Thus, I was surprised that he would judge Ventura (a bit harshly, I thought) for doing something similar - saying he was undecided as to his final choice, but open at this point to both countries. 

I tweeted that opinion and then went on to do something else. While I was gone, Herc responded in a couple of tweets. But on my phone, this was the first one that popped up. 

@soccercanales get offended. I can’t control how the media spins it. Or how much of the interview the decide to print.
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) March 4, 2015

While I thought it was odd that Herc would tell me, "Get offended," I figured it was short for "I can't control if people get offended," or something. 

@soccercanales I never said you were offended. I’m confused as to what your gripe is. Respectfully speaking.
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) March 4, 2015

Now I was confused. I scrolled down and saw that the first Tweet I responded to was actually the second part of another one. 

@soccercanales never judged him.. Told the reporter I once felt the same, but you need to think things through before u speak. Fan bases can
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) March 4, 2015

So Herc was explaining that there was more to the quote in the article and he was actually cautioning Ventura about possibly offending fans, not really blasting him at all. Now it was my turn to try to explain. 

@soccercanales for some reason Twitter separated the tweets. They’re not connected (in responses) . Even though they’re on both TL. Weird.
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) March 4, 2015

Herc was pretty forgiving about it all. 

@soccercanales haha no worries. I was getting confused myself. Saludos Andrea!
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) March 4, 2015

  Ultimately, Ventura Alvarado will have to make his choice - like Herc and Omar Gonzalez, Joe Corona and many others to come. Honestly, I think part of the fun of the rivalry involving the USA and Mexico is watching what happens with those choices. 

One Big, Happy Family

Sure, there are problems in Mexico, but that doesn't mean that the country can't celebrate when one of their own makes good. 

Mexicans are celebrating Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s ‘ballsy’ Oscar speech as a call to action: http://t.co/5WwVIAYF0g pic.twitter.com/KYBS2zYQFs
— Fusion (@ThisIsFusion) February 23, 2015

Strikers Struck Down

Miguel Herrera, Mexico's ebullient coach, is in a bit of a quandary.  The double demands of Copa America and Gold Cup have, in my opinion, been part of a difficult test for Mexican players that helps them improve. 

But it's a strain to play both tournaments, so different rosters are often utilized. 

However, El Tri is getting really thin at one particular important position. 

What should Herrera do? What can he do? 

http://t.co/OXbv5ECgEv pic.twitter.com/P1LxcYKRpl kinda miss the wirld cup like badly!
— *sips tea* (@dianad307) February 4, 2015

El Tri Ends 2014 With a Whimper

After all the excitement over the prodigal son return of Vela, Mexico suffered a loss to Belarus. 

It wasn't all bad. Raul Jimenez scored, but the defense really let the side down. 

It was really cold, though. 

I can't get over this. Who is El Tri's blanket ops person? #dreamjob pic.twitter.com/yESRM8ViT8
— Charles Boehm (@cboehm) November 19, 2014

Mexico, Beautiful and Beloved

Or, in Spanish, Mexico, lindo y querido! 

A small measure of revenge was earned by El Tri against Holland. 

But more importantly, how about that Carlos Candle! 

#1 v #2

It's not the playoffs yet in Liga MX, but one of the almost-final games of regular season action featured Club America versus Toluca, who are top two in the standings in Mexico. 

Here's how it worked out. 

Food, Glorious Food! Maybe Mexican Food.

More leftover LD quotes 

If there was a chance, that maybe they’d schedule a game against Mexico in January, would you consider returning?

I’d probably be at least 20 pounds heavier, so I don’t think they’d want me.

From celebrating the championship - by eating everything you see?

I’m going to eat everything I see regardless.

What’s the first couple of menu items?

It’s not necessarily menu items, it’s more about eating them as often as I want. Now, it’s maybe once a week. Then, it’ll be a few more times a week.

LD on Mexico

Landon Donovan 
(leftover quotes from when I spoke to him before his final international game)

Assuming you don’t score against Ecuador, goals against Mexico will bookend your international career. 

Yeah, that's a good story.

Could you speak on that - and also, were you watching when Mexico was on the brink of elimination from the World Cup last year? What were you thinking at that time?

One of my first internationals with the under-17s was against Mexico, so obviously, they’ve been a big part of my career, ups and downs. What I’ve learned is that they’ve helped us so much. Even though there’s been some animosity and negativity around it, without them, soccer here doesn’t grow the same way. 
While a lot of people were probably excited at the prospect of them not making the World Cup, I was not rooting for that. I wanted them to be there. It’s important that they’re there. It’s important that they represent this region, because they’re a good team and they show it every time they play in the World Cup. I’ve had some rough times in games against them throughout my career, but in the end, when I look back, I have so much respect for everything that’s been a part of the rivalry.

Was the biggest down against them when they eliminated the US from the Olympics, or a Gold Cup final?

The biggest down on the field was probably that Olympic qualifying 4-0 loss, yes. Off the field, just dealing with stupid comments that I wish I hadn’t said when I was younger. That kind of stuff brought me a lot of grief from people. I’ve learned from that. But there’s been a lot of very exciting games and we need that rivalry. We need that to continue and I think that’s good for everybody.

Liga MX Roundup, March 17

Here's my roundup on the latest round of Liga MX games. 

Marco Fabian has gone a long way to answer his critics, but he has yet to earn Miguel Herrera's confidence. 

So, should Marco Fabian be called in for the USA-Mexico game?

Why or why not?

Red Mexico Uniforms

Mexico's new adidas uniforms

So, is it just me, or do these shirts look like they are registering an EKG machine? Valentine's Day, too. The heart allusions keep coming! Is adidas trying to send the Mexico players a message?

For reference: 

It is a Thing

The eyebrow shave by Chicharito that I noted before wasn't accidental or random fashion choice. It's a thing among the El Tri players.

Also, here's my piece on why Chepo should go.

Eyebrow-raising?

So on my latest blog post for the Futbol Mexico site, ESPN helpfully uploaded an interview with Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez to the Italy-Mexico preview I wrote. As I watched the interview I realized Chicharito appears to have shaved off part of his right eyebrow.

http://espnfc.com/video/espnfc/video?id=intl:1476019

Is that still a thing?

Or perhaps he's shaving a mark into his eyebrow for each El Tri win?

Hating On Landon

Landon Donovan and Mexico go hand-in-hand like meat and rabid dogs. It seems that every time Donovan plays against Mexico, be it the national team or a Mexican club, Donovan seems to bring out some emotions from Mexican supporters.

He certainly has drawn some emotions out from the locals here in Morelia.

As the Galaxy began to go through their warm-ups in a mostly-empty and relatively quiet Estadio Morelos on Monday, a shout came down from above.

"Donovan! Fuck you motherfucker! Your ass is mine motherfucker!"

A small group of locals had gotten to a gate where at least part of the field was visible to them. Their villain, Public Enemy No. 1 'round these parts, was down below so why not serenade him?

I wrote a story on some of the issues that perturbs the fans. Donovan has long been a thorn in Mexico's side, having scored five goals against the national team, including the dagger in the 2002 World Cup win over El Tricolor.

Now, on Monday almost without looking for it, we found some pure Donovan hatred. A group of us went to a marketplace to look for soccer jerseys. We wound up talking to one of the vendors for about an hour on various things and the topic of our visit came up. As soon as he found out we were there for the Galaxy-Morelia match, he let loose about Donovan.

"Ask anybody here. Nobody likes him. I heard two guys walking past earlier and they were saying how they were going to go to the game just to talk shit to Donovan."

The vendor, Rafael, was adamant that Donovan did not like Mexicans. He asked several of the people around him "What was it that Donovan said about Mexico?" as if there was something that Donovan had actually said that would have inflamed Mexicans.

If you're talking about goals, that's a good enough reason to dislike Donovan I suppose. And pissing on the field in Estadio Jalisco is something so ridiculous that it's laughable. There's not a field in this planet that hasn't been pissed on.

But perhaps that's where this notion that Donovan does not like Mexicans stems from. At some point, perception certainly became reality and old habits die hard.

Maybe in the United States, Mexican supporters arent' quite as vicious in their attacks over Donovan as they are here. Perhaps since they have the chance to see him play more and, more importantly, they hear him do interviews in Spanish, they have seen for themselves that whatever supposedly racist ideas he carried were never really there.

But don't tell that to the Morelia faithful. If not all, many certainly seem to think he really does not like Mexicans. And you can rest assured that they will let him hear how much they dislike him the moment he takes the field for warm-ups in Estadio Morelos.