Did you make it out to ROBERTSON STADIUM last night?
If you did you were reminded of the draw that the “Superclasico” between CHIVAS and CLUB AMERICA is.
Along with the U.S./Mexico rivalry this is clearly near the top of the list in this part of the world. Had this been at RELIANT STADIUM you would have to think it would have drawn 50,000.
Hey, wasn’t it nice to see the field in good shape (note hint of sarcasm here), I wonder what manager DOMINIC KINNEAR (in attendance last night) thought looking at the beautifully manicured pitch sans the American Football lines.
Lots of rumors flying last night at Robertson, now remember I said rumors.

Rumor #1: Stadium is a done deal, it will happen and will be announced before the opening of the season.

Rumors come out of anywhere these days on the internet and via blogs and MLS has to straddle the fence. Of course we want people talking and discussing the game to make it grow but lots of information is just not TRUE. So choose wisely the people who you decide to listen to and consider the source their background and legitimacy.

Ok, on to the game.
CLUB AMERICA produced the game’s first goal and may have had the edge in the first half but the difference in the intensity and “edge” in the CA/Chivas game was clear in comparison to the yawner between ATLAS and TIGRES (to be fair this is still pre-season so this should be expected).
New CLUB AMERICA signing JEAN BEAUSEJOUR produced the game first goal.
I can only think how much order and balance PAVEL PARDO will bring back to this team when he is available. His leadership, aura, and experience will be vital in bringing together a club that spent 20 million dollars and has 9 new players.

CHIVAS played far better in the second half despite missing two very key pieces in defender JONNY MAGALLON and striker OMAR ARELLANO and produced a tying goal based off the courage of one of three new signings SERGIO AMAURY PONCE whose header deflected off an AMERICA defender and in for an own goal. If he doesn’t put his head in bravely rest assured this goal isn’t scored.
Another bright spot for CHIVAS was the return of goalkeeper LUIS ERNESTO MICHEL who if you remember last year broke his arm in the Superliga competition.

A great night of passion, average night of football and a great reminder to Houston the strength of soccer. Sadly, few will talk about it in the press in Houston.
Rest assured that I will this Wednesday night on 790thesportsanimal from 7-9p so join me for an exclusive interview with EFRAIN FLORES the Chivas manager, Dynamo manager DOMINIC KINNEAR and guests to be announced in the next few days.

A TALE OF TWO PLAYERS

* Watching new signing EDGAR CASTILLO play left back for CLUB AMERICA has to make one wonder. CASTILLO was born and played his youth soccer in LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO and was quickly capped by HUGO SANCHEZ when he was in charge of the MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM. Sure would have been nice to have CASTILLO fighting it out with current U.S. left back HEATH PEARCE……..JESUS PADILLA it was discovered was born in SAN JOSE, California not San Miguel el Alto, Jalisco in Mexico according to Sports Illustrated which would sort of go against the tradition of CHIVAS fielding all MEXICAN NATIONAL players, remember PADILLA was invited to play at the youth international level for the UNITED STATES but turned it down. Some say that owner JORGE VERGARA pressured PADIILLA not to play for the U.S. Who knows and quite frankly it is the players choice and players will make choices for personal reasons but the reason that CHIVAS has 300 million fans is alot about the fact that they use MEXICAN NATIONALS and this has always been a source of tradition and pride not to mention the greatest of MARKETING TOOLS…….

* You would have to think the DYNAMO have tracked JOSEPH NGWENYA throughout his European adventure that has produced few games and only 1 goal albeit it against Turkish giants GALATASARAY. Now NGWENYA goes down in DYNAMO lore with his tying goal at the MLS CUP and his dramatic piece of individual skill against CHICAGO (see prior entry).
One wonders how long he will chase the dream in EUROPE . He could come back to a great fan base in a city that cares about soccer, get a solid deal from the DYNAMO .
It would be the perfect fit provided his mentality is ALL IN FOR THE DYNAMO. Not to mention it would still give the DYNAMO room under the salary cap to do more.
Would look pretty good going into the season with BRIAN CHING, J NGWENYA and KEI KAMARA. A nice group of different strikers !!!

*FA CUP SHOCKERS, the GHOST OF BRIAN CLOUGH AND NOTTINGHAM FOREST

* Embattled MANCHESTER CITY GOT SMOKED AT HOME 3-0 to NOTTINGHAM FOREST IN THE FA CUP putting further doubt as to how long MARK HUGHES will be in charge for CITY.
Money clearly not buying success. This is not the correct blend of players and personalities. Maybe WAYNE BRIDGE acquired from CHELSEA can help?

CHELSEA fans you are not off the hook either as the “BLUES” continue to doubt as they drew 1-1 with SOUTHEND in the FA CUP which forces a replay.

The flip side is HOW GREAT IS THIS for clubs like NOTTINGHAM FOREST and SOUTHEND, this is why you love the F.A. Cup.
All hail the “Shrimpers” !