Are you ready for some futbol?

[Jose Luis Luviano]

Yeah, Arturo. Maybe in the Mexican version, you won't be Joseph Ngwenya's backup.

[Rover]

Originally Posted by Jose Luis Luviano

Yeah, Arturo. Maybe in the Mexican version, you won't be Joseph Ngwenya's backup.

I never get tired of replaying that game. Thanks for the memories.

Not sure about Jim's take on our NAFTA friends to the south, although I've definitely witnessed the arrogant streak that feeds the impression.

As for the great Mexican tradition, I'd have a hard time putting them in the elites. They do have a big series edge on us and dominated CONCACAF for years (until we decided to play the game for real). But internationally, they've always been on the outside. Never further than quarterfinalists in a World Cup (when they hosted). Some regional trophies like the Gold Cup. You want tradition, keep on moving south.

As I see it, soccer was just about the only thing where the Mexicans could consistently beat the US (like Canadians in hockey). That's hard to let go. Call it denial. As for the vaunted Mexican style of play, Mexican players have never succeeded in MLS because the game here is too physical for them. In MLS, the not only do we actually defend, but diving is less tolerated and the athletes are better. We'll see how this latest group does. In my opinion, this has more to do with marketing than soccer.

[Jim Umber]

I may be overstating the case, just a little, for emphasis, but the fact is that if we went south of the border and talked that way, we would definitely be accused of racial bigotry as well as arrogance and all the rest. I was just applying the same standard to their statements.

I also think they are in for a rude awakenning, when the games actually start.

[Rover]

Concur with both points.

I have been opposed from the outset to the whole concept of ethnically identified teams, especially in a multiethnic society like ours. It just goes against common sense to intentionally divide people along ethnic lines, as MLS and the Guadalajara farm team are attempting to do.

I think MLS made a mistake on this one, and so far these guys are proving me right. My take is this--what Jorge V. wants is our attention, for him or against him. He'll get neither from me. He'll only get indifference.

I support RSL. Our rival is in Denver.

[dysko]

Lets just make a real big sign that says "Adios Soccer, Hello 2-0" to display when seddy cheetos comes here to play.

[BroncsBomber]

I like the fact that they are going to be bringing in their style of Futbol into our league. I am interested to see how we match up. It's like a mini-world cup where differing styles will be on display.

[Jim Umber]

Originally Posted by BroncsBomber

I like the fact that they are going to be bringing in their style of Futbol into our league. I am interested to see how we match up. It's like a mini-world cup where differing styles will be on display.

I agree that it will be interesting to see, whatever happens! I'm so glad to have this chance to be there and be involved...:D

...is it April yet?😕

[Arelius]

Originally Posted by Rover

Concur with both points.

I have been opposed from the outset to the whole concept of ethnically identified teams, especially in a multiethnic society like ours. It just goes against common sense to intentionally divide people along ethnic lines, as MLS and the Guadalajara farm team are attempting to do.

I think MLS made a mistake on this one, and so far these guys are proving me right. My take is this--what Jorge V. wants is our attention, for him or against him. He'll get neither from me. He'll only get indifference.

I support RSL. Our rival is in Denver.

I don’t agree. I think they will be judged purely by their performance on the field.

[Rover]

Originally Posted by Arelius

I don’t agree. I think they will be judged purely by their performance on the field.

Not sure what you disagree with.

Jorge V. has specifically constructed and marketed this team to identify with one ethnic group in the USA. That's unprecedented in modern American sport and is the wrong and cyncial thing to do, in my opinion. He's effectively saying No Non-Hispanics Wanted. They've had to back down on that to get started (Rongen as coach, a few Anglo players) but the core of their business concept is exclusion. Someone tell me how that's a good thing--I'd like to hear your explanation.

As for the product on the field, yes, it will be judged by results. And I think Mexican football is overrated, so I'm not counting the days to see these guys play. Ho hum, whatever. Someone name me a Mexican player who has had any real success in MLS. I'll save you some time--NONE.

My main point is that I refuse to take Jorge V.'s bait--I'm not going to dislike these guys because they're playing off ethnicity to market their team. Our natural rivals are the CRapids. That's where my Derby Game intensity will be directed.

[Arelius]

Originally Posted by Rover

Jorge V. has specifically constructed and marketed this team to identify with one ethnic group in the USA. That's unprecedented in modern American sport and is the wrong and cyncial thing to do, in my opinion. He's effectively saying No Non-Hispanics Wanted. They've had to back down on that to get started (Rongen as coach, a few Anglo players) but the core of their business concept is exclusion. Someone tell me how that's a good thing--I'd like to hear your explanation.

Ever heard of Hispanic Marketing? Its one of the fastest growing aspects of business here in the U.S. I laud Vergara’s business savvy and vision.