Galaxy Preview: Derby Time
I thought it would be fun to dig up an old pic from September 2002 for this week's Galaxy preview. Nice collection of trophies, even though it is missing at least three others: US Open Cup 2005 and MLS Cup 2002, 2005.
Soccer is a passionate sport, stirring strong emotions in players and fans alike. Nothing brings these emotions out more than a good derby. Each derby is unique in its own way, usually having a history of drama, controversy or other shenanigans. LA's version is no different, pitting the city's two soccer teams, LA Galaxy and Chivas USA, in a match commonly referred to as the Honda SuperClasico.
Normally I would want to provide you an analysis of the upcoming game, but it is a moot point for this game. Instead, lets examine what makes this game so special and why this game transcends statistics, injuries, previous game performances and anything else you might want to consider.
This is the type of game that will give you full appreciation for the sport, its atmosphere and its passion. For those of you that are new to the sport or in general, wondering what makes the Honda SuperClasico such a passionate game, here are some tidbits:
First, upon entering the league as an expansion team in 2005, the Chivas USA marketing team initiated a campaign which was less than flattering of the skill level of the already existing MLS teams, in hopes this would attract fans to their brand of soccer. It was an arrogant attitude, especially for a team that had yet to play against said competition. They were quickly humbled, stumbling out of the gate early on while also failing to appeal to a broad fan base. Many a Galaxy fan, and likely from other teams, still haven't forgotten this widely heard, yet ineffective marketing campaign.
Add to this, co-owner Jorge Vergara who seems to enjoy making somewhat asinine comments from time to time, such as promising that the team would be a "Spanish speaking" team (although, speculation is that this was really a more politically correct way of stating his desire to field a team made up of primarily Mexican and Mexican-American players, in step with tradition of the parent club CD Guadalajara). Not surprisingly, they alienated many potential fans with that attitude and have struggled to overcome the perceived "Mexicans only" attitude.
While those are some of the more glaring examples that make the match more interesting than your run of the mill match, the Chivas USA team has also improved its play and toned down their marketing rhetoric. Ironically, they became a more successful team on the field only after hiring current US National Team coach Bob Bradley to lead the troops.
But like all good rivalries, something always happens which gets the fire going once again. For example, Chivas USA midfielder Jesse Marsch intentionally kicked Beckham in his groin in one of last year's games.
Though, in my humble opinion,this article also ranks right up there. My favorite part of the article being:
After a recent Chivas USA practice, captain Claudio Suarez and forward Maykel Galindo were approached by a boy no older than 9.He offered some suggestions to the players about what they should do when they play the Galaxy and its newest star, David Beckham. "You should kick him right there," the boy said, motioning with a kick to the groin. "And hit him like this," he added, simulating an elbow to the body.
Suarez and Galindo started laughing at his suggestions.
What I got from reading this is that Claudio "El Emperador" Suarez and Maykel Galindo aren't the type of players I'd want teaching kids the principles of sportsmanship. Perhaps the Chivas USA front office should consider having a chat with them about how they interact with kids.
My other favorite part is the helpful insight from the CD Guadalajara (Big Brother Chivas) fans for the Galaxy. This equates to someone asking a SF Giants fan for advice on what the Dodgers should do to win the pennant this year. Surely that would be unbiased input.
And of course, we can't overlook the headline:
Latinos not feeling buzz for Beckham
In case you are wondering, I didn't receive the memo telling me to not like Beckham's play because he is English and I am Latino.
All that aside, like I stated earlier, you can forget about stats, trends and anything else for this game. None of that will matter. Both teams could be missing all their key players and they would still come out and fight it out to the end.
Last year's Honda SuperClasico series was won by Chivas USA and the Galaxy will be eager to reclaim the series trophy and build on the 2 - 1 series lead.
This will be an exciting game. No doubt about it. Given that both teams are coming in at nearly full strength and hungry for a win, it should be doubly special.
I CAN'T WAIT!
GO GALAXY!!!
Game Details:
Where:
Home Depot Center, Carson
When:
Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 7:30 PM
TV:
Fox Soccer Channel - 7:00 PM
Radio:
KTLK 1150 AM
KWKW 1330 AM
Forecast:
55 °F, Clear and Breezy -- Bring a blanket with you!
Photo by Angel Magaña/LAist