ChivaClásico Family Feud Hits Rose Bowl
Sometimes it is hard to describe events from the soccer world to those that don't follow the sport. Tonight's ChivaClásico match between CD Guadalajara (Chivas de Guadalajara) and Chivas USA at the Rose Bowl happens to fit that category quite well.
Chivas de Guadalajara, the storied Mexican side, has a strong following both in Mexico and abroad, including the U.S., and many would argue it is the most popular Mexican club. Throughout its history, the club has been characterized by its offensive style of play and unique policy of fielding only Mexican players, both of which have become great sources of pride amongst its passionate fans.
That's the part that is easy to describe, now comes the part that is not quite as easy.
A few years ago, Chivas de Guadalajara's sometimes controversial owner Jorge Vergara figured it was time to officially conquer the U.S. soccer market and extend the Chivas brand north. Vergara gathered some investors and some months later, Chivas USA was born, taking up residence at the Home Depot Center in Carson in 2005.
Vergara was at one time quoted as stating that the club would be for Spanish speaking fans in the U.S. In turn, Chivas USA has attempted to keep its connection to Guadalajara alive by mimicking some of its parent club's traditions and even style of play with limited success. However, in the end, the team developed its own identity, one so different from the Mexican one that many wanted that even veteran Mexican defender Claudio Suarez began to question it.
Chivas de Guadalajara's well known supporters group, Legion 1908, supports the American side due to its connection to Guadalajara, but at the same time, are noticeably absent in Carson when the parent side's schedule happens to clash with that of Chivas USA. Some Guadalajara fans are a bit more overt about the matter, stating that the American version "is not the real Chivas."
Meanwhile, the adoption of its own identity has allowed Chivas USA to also gain its own fans, groups like Union Ultras, who, while respectful of the club's ties to Guadalajara, consider themselves Chivas USA supporters. All of this sets up an interesting meeting in the stands tonight at the Rose Bowl.
Although Chivas de Guadalajara is going through a rough period in Mexican league play, it is unlikely they will have any sympathy for their American offspring. Conversely, beyond the administrative side of things, Chivas USA has few connections to Guadalajara. The recently acquired Jesus Padilla is the lone exception on a Chivas USA roster that is as diverse as is the city of L.A. and they are unlikely to give Guadalajara free reign tonight. Lastly, of course, is the question of what will happen in the stands?
Questions shall be answered tonight.
Game Details
Chivas USA vs. Chivas de Guadalajara
When: Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena
Time: 8 PM
TV: Galavision
Radio: 690 AM