Ronnie in the Twilight

Ronaldinho isn't what he used to be, but that doesn't mean he can't be great in a different way. It also might be enough to help Querataro win the Liga MX title. 

I've met Ronaldinho a few times, back when he was in LA with Barcelona, and later on with Milan. 

He's friendly, playful with press, in terms of a smile and a wave, but he doesn't like doing interviews, at least in terms of stopping to answer many questions in a mixed zone. 

Whose Jersey Did You Get?

I asked Landon Donovan that question once, six years ago. He was exiting the locker rooms at the Rose Bowl and he had a Barcelona jersey slung over his shoulder after a friendly game against the Spanish squad. 

"Pique." Donovan answered, succinctly. 

I wondered what Pique did with his Donovan jersey. 

Just yesterday, I found out, via Twitter. 

Ordenando el armario, aquí tenéis algunas de las camisetas que he ido encontrando. Cuál os gusta más? pic.twitter.com/Jg7c1SB2ee

— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) May 10, 2015

There's Donovan's Galaxy jersey, in the bottom row of uniforms next to Andrea Pirlo's. 

But Donovan actually gave away two jerseys that night in Pasadena. 

Dani Alves has the other. 

LD hasn't tweeted any pictures of his jersey collection yet. 

He's been busy with other stuff, though, like getting married!

I've never been happier. Hope you all had a great weekend! pic.twitter.com/jsT3voFY3f

— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) May 5, 2015

Super Clasico is finally Set Up

For a while now, Club America v Chivas has been a relatively mild affair, because there hasn't been much at stake between the two squads. But now there is a lot. 

Four-team tie at the top of the LIGA MX. Chivas will move clear with a win or tie tomorrow in the #Superclasico http://t.co/z6aCyvNapU
— ESPN Tri (@ESPNFCtri) April 26, 2015

Meanwhile, defending Liga MX champions Club America are fighting to retain a playoff spot, so there's a lot at stake for them as well. 

.@cesarhfutbol gives his five key players to watch in Liga MX's Super Clasico #Chivas #America http://t.co/puSS4gPsTg
— ESPN Tri (@ESPNFCtri) April 25, 2015

Here's a preview that Tom Marshall and I wrote covering both sides for this big game today. 

As Chivas prepare to host America on Sunday, @mexicoworldcup and @soccercanales break down the Super Clasico. http://t.co/bFnSJIgX8T
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 24, 2015

Mike Penner, Bruce Jenner and Me

Years ago, at the great media brouhaha that was the official unveiling of David Beckham, I was walking on the concourse of what is now called Stub Hub Center stadium, when I spotted a tall woman. She, like me, was on her way to the media rooms designated for different groups of reporters. Even though Beckham's move to the Galaxy was a huge story, there weren't that many women covering it, so I noticed her. I stopped for a moment, thinking that she might be an ex-athlete turned reporter, perhaps a former basketball or volleyball player. It even occurred to me that, if so, I should ask her about that, and get a unique perspective that might add some insight into a Beckham event reaction story. She looked somewhat familiar, so I tried to remember where I'd seen her before. Then I realized she was Christine Daniels, the transgender sports writer whose story I'd read about about earlier that year. 

Even before that galvanizing story, I'd read Mike Penner columns/stories in the LA Times for years, but never ran into him in the LA pressbox for Galaxy games, where Grahame Jones had the regular local soccer beat. I'd been keeping up with Christine's blog, and I wondered if it was ok to start with that as a intro comment, "Hi, I've read your blog; I'm a reporter, too, are you going to come to more soccer stuff?" 

But then Christine walked into the suite marked for national media reporters. I went to the one for local media. Maybe I'd see her after the interviews ended, I figured. Or perhaps she'd be out soon again to actually see Beckham play and I could introduce myself in the pressbox before a game. 

Beckham came to the local media interview room last. Christine and most of the other reporters were long gone by the time I stepped out of the suite into the bright sunshine. 

Selfishly, I hoped I would see her again soon. I had friends in the LA pressbox, but sometimes it still felt a little isolating to be the lone female reporter there. I imagined that Christine wouldn't be intimidated, at over six feet, walking into a locker room full of players amped up after a game. I, who was always more comfortable at a keyboard than speaking in person, would sometimes wonder if players refused interviews or ignored my requests for a quote because I was a woman and they didn't take me seriously as a reporter. I figured Christine wouldn't be so easy to brush off. I also thought I could help her if she needed anything translated from Spanish. We could be like a distaff soccer-writing Mutt and Jeff.

Alexi Lalas is Doing Fine, But What About Bob?

Just another day in the soccer-writing life, but now I suddenly have a few hundred more Twitter followers than before. 

It's pretty much Alexi Lalas' fault. 

So @soccercanales is in the midst of a long and interesting twitter dissection of @J_Klinsmann's tenure.
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) April 20, 2015

The man has a gift for garnering media attention, so perhaps he's in his best career fit as a sports pundit, but I remember well when his trajectory in sports management seemed unstoppable. 

Instead, Lalas was derailed when he became the ringmaster in the circus that was the LA Galaxy's colossal craziness in the early Beckham years. It's kind of a shame, given his energy and enthusiasm, but living by the propaganda sword means dying by it as well. 

Bob and Alexi Lalas

That's what happened to Lalas, but like the phoenix, he's risen from the ashes of that disaster to do quite well on television. 

Still, I wonder what happened to his little Yorkie, which I believe he told me was named Bob. 

Alexi would bring him to Galaxy practices sometimes. Maybe Bob hides in the TV studio or Alexi's office now. 






Update! Alexi says Bob is fine.

@soccercanales Bob is alive and kicking. He actually got me in trouble a few weeks ago. He says hi.
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) April 21, 2015

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.

Matosas Going Nowhere?

So I wrote on Matosas and the latest struggles for Club America. 

Meanwhile, this dude just offered a GIF visual of the same situation. 

El América de Matosas. pic.twitter.com/sna48B521m
— Judas Iscariote (@Mr_Bukowski) March 29, 2015

Here's a more statistical, analytical tack. 

En #GloriaAbsoluta, @FutIncorrecto analiza tácticamente la era Matosas | http://t.co/19ccz77aLm pic.twitter.com/ofNgVsQROw
— VAVEL Magazine MX (@VAVELMagazineMX) March 28, 2015

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

F.C. Fashion Choice - FC Dallas.

Yep, the FC Dallas logo is now apparently all the rage abroad in England. 

When you're as 🔥 as us, even @GemmaAnneStyles takes notice. Did @Harry_Styles buy that shirt? #DTID pic.twitter.com/viWGg0T7Ze
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) March 22, 2015

But, as I have noted before, FC Dallas has a way of getting into the hands of the most stylish kids. 

Gwen Stefani with kids, check out Kingston's FC Dallas kit

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. 

Finding Fitness - Pilates

Pilates.....a real man's workout!! Try this exercise out. #coretraining http://t.co/sc2eSOmCbT
— GIUSEPPE ROSSI (@GiuseppeRossi22) March 17, 2015

So, yeah, if Rossi can use Pilates for rehab, I should probably give it a try in my finding fitness series. 

My local Pilates spot is Eagle Rock Pilates, although when I look up the site, they apparently call their place Pilates Eagle Rock.   This gives me the same vague embarrassment/stubborness I sometimes get whenever I pronounce a player's name wrong in an interview, but still prefer my version. (Yeah, it's your name, but have you thought about changing?)

I once took a Pilates class at my local gym and thought that was pretty cake, but it turns out, that was at best what is known as a 'mat Pilates' session. The more intense versions follow closely the teachings of Joseph Pilates and make use of specific Pilates equipment like the Reformer. (Cue my reflex reaction to get Snow's Informer ditty stuck in my head for the rest of the day.)

Me on Reformer - As if!

Pilates focuses a lot on slow controlled movements that seem simple at first, but really give muscles a workout. I'm trembling by the time I have to repeat most any movement. The core muscles especially get exhausted. Just try Rossi's sideplank circle walk - it's not easy.

Fitness: 8/10 It's an amazing way to strengthen muscles and build body control, but I felt it was missing a cardio element. 

Fun: 6/10 Pilates is cool way of getting in touch with what one's body is capable of and the exercises are almost like a body experiment - this looks easy, but damn, it's not! - and a good instructor really makes each session an educational experience. Lose-yourself-in-the-moment fun, though? Not so much. 

Sociability: 4/10 For private sessions, the only socialization is with the Pilates trainer. Group sessions are still quite small, and everyone seems serious about the exercises, so there's not much interaction or conversation.

Convenience: 7/10 Pilates is very popular in California, and there are studios all over the South Bay for retiring and rehabbing soccer players. 

Cost: 3/10 Private sessions are more expensive, of course, but even group sessions are pretty pricey. 

Pilates is an excellent workout, especially ideal for athletes who need precise body control, like dancers and soccer players, but it's not a terribly entertaining exercise. I'll probably do it some, like I try to eat some vegetables because I know they're good for me and I should, but not because I wouldn't rather have something else. 

Best of the Bunch

Here's the Liga MX Best XI - IMHO, and yes, I put in Joe Corona, but I'm not being American-partial. 

Tijuana are top of the league right now. 

It's deserved. 

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. 

What Is Heard May Be in Your Heart

I still don't really know what Davy Arnaud said. I wasn't there and the video isn't totally clear. If Rolfe was indeed spit on, (as Chris Pontius himself attests) Arnaud may have been issuing a warning. 

What I do know is this - what we perceive is partly the result of what we've gone through in the past. Our filter is a lot of what we see. 

Here's the first tweet I got last night. 

“@acosta19LA: @MLS @FOXSoccer your racist players 😊 pic.twitter.com/oiFex5Vjz7” RT you catch this @soccercanales ?
— VirtusLuis (@luisftw5) March 5, 2015

@soccercanales @MLS @FOXSoccer "Hey spic, watch it spic"
— VirtusLuis (@luisftw5) March 5, 2015

The next day, I figured that somebody had to have more info, so I asked about it. 

@soccercanales What did he say? Any video?
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) March 5, 2015

So I retweeted.

.@soccercanales @mexicoworldcup this is ridiculous. Rolfe got SPIT on by an opponent. Arnaud is saying SPIT, not what you think he is.
— Pablo Maurer (@MLSist) March 5, 2015

A DC United player verified one aspect of the debate.  

@MLSist @soccercanales @mexicoworldcup I can testify to this as well. Rolfe was spit on.
— Chris Pontius (@ChrisPontius13) March 5, 2015

Meanwhile, I was fielding criticism of my own.  

@soccercanales You didn't ask. You accused, pretty much from the first tweet.
— Ben (@beardyblue) March 5, 2015

@soccercanales Speculating that a guy said a racial slur with no clear evidence of it can be pretty damaging to a guy's reputation. Lame.
— Hoops Grind (@HoopsGrind) March 5, 2015

Others still weren't sure what was said.  

@osminpena @gokatygo @ChrisPontius13 @MLSist @soccercanales @mexicoworldcup "Hey, you spit! Watch the spit!" is what Davy is saying.
— Donald Wine II (@blazindw) March 5, 2015

@Rob_More @ChrisPontius13 @MLSist @soccercanales @mexicoworldcup what i can read from his lips were spic and wetback to be honest ...
— Edgar Martinez (@ChopGod_10) March 5, 2015

The video got made into a Vine.  

@soccercanales here is the video of you haven't seen it https://t.co/o8AZQs8m3m
— Wiso (@WisoVazquez) March 5, 2015

I started to wonder if the racism could be in the eye of the beholder.  

@soccercanales That's surprisingly deep but I agree with you. Maybe perceiving things because of past experiences.
— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) March 5, 2015

@soccercanales unfortunately I believe people are too quick to label people or their acts as racist. Hard to tell from the vid exactly....
— Los (@LosDosIsSick) March 5, 2015

@cesarhfutbol @soccercanales exactly, unfortunately as Latinos we can jump quickly to a conclusion when it may/may not be racism based.
— Walter Franco (@thewfranco) March 5, 2015

@chiquitibum1 @cesarhfutbol @soccercanales yep, pretty sure most of us have been told all of the above at some point in our lives
— Walter Franco (@thewfranco) March 5, 2015

Others still aren't sure. The truth is still out there.  

@soccercanales true, but clarification of what he said should come out.
— Wiso (@WisoVazquez) March 5, 2015

Meanwhile, here's the story on the game I did watch and write on.  

** Update - I got a call from DC United's communications director about my tweets. Apparently the team is looking through video to try to prove the spitting incident by an Alajuela player. Multiple DC players verified to him that it did happen, even if the cameras missed it. He was concerned that my tweeting was putting Arnaud in an unfairly bad light and wanted to remind me to reach out to the team if I have questions like this one in the future. 

Honestly, I would have contacted the team if I had gone into this as a story, doing research, but I don't cover MLS as a regular beat any more. Instead, I was reaching out on Twitter to MLS reporters in general, wondering if any followed up on the controversy. I don't regret that, because it opened up some interesting perspectives and I think all the people involved were in general fair about it. Still, it reminded me that as a reporter, even idle questions about stuff on Twitter has ramifications. People will treat what I tweet differently than just a random account, even if it's not directly connected to anything I'm reporting. I guess my point is that sometimes even my limited influence has some effect. I have to stay aware of that.

Finally, though, it's still DC United's version of events being told here in regards to the video. I was contacted by another reporter who is reaching out to Alajuelense. If I get an update on that end, I'll include it here as well.

Dear MLS Rookie

Dear MLS Rookie,

Congratulations! You haven't started your first season under the shadow of a strike! The Players' Union and the MLS owners came to a new collective bargaining agreement and avoided a work stoppage. 

There's even more good news. The minimum yearly league salary is now $60,000. If you're a Generation Adidas player, you're probably already making more than that, but if you're not, it's a decent salary. 

Don't be stupid with that money, though. Get a budget going and track where what you've earned goes. Roommates are still a good idea, too, because young players can collaborate on carpools, off-season training sessions and even food expenses. 

You're young, but an athlete's body is never invincible. Injuries are part of the game. Have a back-up plan in mind, just in case your soccer dream doesn't work out. Dream a new dream.Take care of yourself by eating well, too. Don't just inhale burgers because they're cheap. Every team has a resident health guru, whether it's the trainer who can bench more than any player, or a teammate like Jimmy Conrad used to be, always going on about superfoods and never cramping up, even in extra time. Listen and learn. Take in what you can handle and be open to new ideas like yoga, kale and kombucha. 

Even if you don't personally feel that way yet, there is life outside of soccer. Skype or call your family when you have downtime. They'll help you maintain perspective when you're struggling in practice and stuck on the bench. Also realize that some of life's most difficult injuries never show as bruises or broken bones. If you feel you need counseling, don't suck it up or try to be macho about it. Get help. 

When you can, try to give help, too. You may be a rookie, but there are developmental players hanging around the team now who look up to even you. An encouraging word or respectful treatment from you would mean the world to them. Those little kids hanging around at the end of practice? They may not know your name yet, but they see you in that jersey and get excited by a wave or a smile. Do the community charity events your team plans. Appreciate team staff and that will be remembered. Some players get traded a lot, but are always thought of fondly by all their teams because they're such good guys. Others are only remembered by, "Good riddance." 

Have a thought for the game reporters, too. True, they may be trying to get quotes from the team stars right now, but at some point, you'll get the chance to say something. Make it thoughtful, personal and honest. They'll come back for more quotes. You're making more money than many of them do now at this point, so even if what you say gets taken out of context now and then, is it worth getting heated over? Pick your battles. 

Most everyone, reporters, coaches, fans, etc, involved with the game loves it, just like you hopefully do. But unlike them, you get to play - maybe not as a starter, but yes, you get to play pro soccer for a living. That's awesome. Enjoy it. 

Saprissa Hates Club America More

Here's my wrap-up on how Club America took care of bidness against Saprissa in Costa Rica. 

I've been to the Monster's Cave, back when I lived in Costa Rica during part of my college years. It's a concrete cave of a stadium, but I always thought of it as small. I mean, I've been to Azteca, which is huge. 

But it gets wild there when the fans fill it up. They get loud. But all the fan support couldn't push Saprissa past an Aguilas squad which has found its form this season. 

Saludos Costa Rica "Odiame más"
— Gustavo Matosas (@Mato_Matosas) February 26, 2015

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

Best Never Rest

I'm checking out the number of veteran players who made the latest Liga MX Best XI - quite a few.