Yanks Soccer

On this July 4th weekend, we in America celebrate our independence from a far superior foot-balling nation.  The Brits might be better, but we have our independence.  However, this holiday is not one in which we celebrate independence from Mexico, we fought and won against them too.  As we look ahead to the future here in America, the big event on the horizon, slowly creeping closer is Superliga.  

Superliga, the second year competition between the best teams in Mexico and the US is just around the corner.  Four teams from each league compete for a million dollar prize.  Two teams advance out of group play and then the remaining four teams compete in knockout stages.  More than the money however, is the pride associated with winning the trophy for your country and your fans.  Mexico and USA have a tenuous relationship at best, and to put it lightly, Mexicans don’t like to lose to USA in soccer.  So you’ve been brushed up on the rivalry, now we’ll learn about the teams involved.

Group A 

Atlante 

Atlante, the 2007 apertura winners will make strong competition in Group A.  Atlante is from Cancun Mexico, One of the hottest tourist destinations in Mexico.  As recently as 2006, Atlante played in the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.  Atlante, however, was in a lease that saw them lose to much money and therefore relocated to Cancun.  Atlante then subsequently won the apertura in their first season in Cancun.  Talk about a way to get the fans coming quickly.  Atlante features sensational and inspirational goalie Federico Vilar.  The captain, or “El Jefe” (the boss) is known for his reflex saves and his presence.  Vilar is also renowned for his goal scoring prowess.  Vilar occasionally will come up and take free kicks; he has scored twice in league play in his four year career at Atlante.  Giancarlo Maldonado is also a player to watch.  The Venezuelan is a proven goal scorer for both country and club.  Maldonado scored 22 goals in 26 appearances in the past season for Atlante and will be one of the players that needs close marking.  Atlante have a legitimate chance of advancing out of group play, and once they are in the semi finals, who knows who far they can go. 

CD Guadalajara

Chivas as they are known in Mexico is a force to be reckoned with.  Sporting an exclusively Mexican roster and a winning attitude, Guadalajara are considered favorites to bring home the Superliga title.  Guadalajara’s squad is filled with Mexican internationals like Jonny Magallon, Ramon Morales, Alberto Medina, and Gonzalo Pineda.  All four of these players will have integral parts to play if Guadalajara are to advance out of group A.  The player to watch from Guadalajara is 20 year old, Omar Esparza.  Esparza has been a regular fixture for Chivas since first appearing at the age of 17.  Esperza plays as a right back but can also play at right midfield when called upon.  Chivas is one of the most threatening teams in group A, if not the whole tournament.

Houston Dynamo

Houston is an enigma.  If I tell you they are the two time defending MLS champions and you then watch them play, you will be amazed.  Houston is capable of putting on a show but so far this year, they have failed to show the form of previous seasons.  This doesn’t mean that they should be discounted however, Houston is still a very talented squad.  They boast an outstanding defense and keeper.  Pat Onstad continues to be one of the best goalies in MLS despite just turning 40 years of age.  The defense is anchored by Wade Barett, a smart and strong defender.  The midfield is also very strong for Houston.  Ricardo Clark, Stuart Holden, Dwayne De Rosario, and Brad Davis are very skillful, creative and adept midfield players.  The one thing keeping Houston from repeating last seasons form is their forwards.  Nobody will argue how good Brian Ching is, but a lack of a suitable strike partner has hindered the team.  They’ve tried a number of different options, but none of them have produced results yet.  There is good news for Houston though, Nate Jaqua, one of their successful scorers from last year appears to be headed back to Houston after a six-month stint in Austria.  He might even be back to play in the knockout stages assuming they get there.  Houston has the talent but the question is whether or not they will produce the results.

DC United

DC suffered from poor chemistry in their last international competition but this time, there is no poor chemistry at all now.  DC hasn’t lost in their last seven games and is playing the best soccer of the season.  The only liability in the DC squad is their shaky goalie play.  Zach Wells was acquired from Houston in the off-season and has failed to impress since winning the starting spot.  He has even caused some goals himself by botching easy catches of letting rebounds go into the center of the box.  The defense has played well recently which has been a big factor in DC’s revitalization.  Gonzalo Martinez has really played well recently and he had become a force to be reckoned with at left back.  DC’s attack has also come to life.  Luciano Emilio and Jaime Moreno were two of the most feared forwards in MLS at the beginning of the season, but neither of them were able to produce and DC suffered because of it.  At the end of May though, both Emilio and Moreno were scoring and DC was winning.  If they both continue their recent form in Superliga, DC will have a legitimate chance of winning the competition.

Prediction:  

DC United and CD Guadalajara will advance out of Group A.  DC United is playing so well recently.  I can’t see them not advancing out of this group.  Chivas is such a talented squad that they will join DC in the knockout stage. 

Are you looking forward to Superliga?  Who do you think will advance out of the group stages?  Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments section below.