Guest writer Chris (B Squad) introduces a new competition kicking-off Stateside...
The inaugural SuperLiga will see four Mexican sides face off against four MLS sides. There is pot of a million or so for the winner. This, along with television rights, has been enough to persuade some of the top Mexican sides to participate.
All matches will be played in the US, but in the south where crowds are typically pro-Mexico. The top two teams from each group will meet in a knockout phase. Hopefully in the coming years, we will see matches played in Mexico. I'm anxious to see how quickly an MLS side wilts in front of 100,000+ in the Azteca. I have a feeling some details will be tweaked in the future, such as adding more CONCACAF teams, moving the dates back during Mexico's season, and playing matches abroad. Until then, we have these eight teams in what looks to be a very exciting North American Champions League.
Dallas 1-1 Chivas (Gaudelajara)
This match was an excellent way to cut the ribbon on this tournament. After a very tense first half, Dallas struck first on well orchestrated goal. Juan Toja cut through Chivas' midfield and found Carlos Ruiz in space, who ,in turn, played an incredible through ball to Arturo Alvarez. Alvarez then struck a stunning ball that managed to be inches above the keeper's fingers and inches below the crossbar. Minutes later, Chivas would capitalized on Dallas' inability to clear the ball. Jose Olvera smashed home the equalizer from 25 yards, as the Dallas defenders petitioned for a hand ball. And what is sure become a running theme in this tournament, Drew Moor was sent off for pushing Hector Reynoso, who had elbowed Moor in the face.
The goals from FC Dallas v Chivas, courtesy of those withdrawn people at Telemundo...
LA Galaxy 2-1 Pachuca
In what I would consider the most surprising scoreline of the match day, LA defeated defending Mexican and CONCACAF champions Pachuca. Pachuca were by far the stronger side in this match, and thoroughly dominated the first half, but came away empty.
LA managed to weather the onslaught and in opening minutes of the second half, they took full advantage of their first real opportunity. An excellent cross from Landon Donovan found Alan Gordon on the far side. Gordon calmly slid the ball past the keeper to the far post.
Pachuca struck back with very nice play from Damian Alvarez, as he squared the ball to Rafael Marquez-Lugo who tapped in from three yards out. LA would score a late winner as Cobi Jones shot was deflected past the keeper by Donovan's right boot.
DC United 1-1 Morelia
The district opened the scoring early with a well taken goal by Christian Gomez. They spent the balance of the game trying desperately to hold onto that one goal lead. In the spirit of retaliation red cards, Luis Angel Landin was sent off after taking a vicious kick to the thigh and then pushing Bobby Boswell. Despite playing with 10, Morelia managed an equalizer in the form of a Diego Martinez goal from the edge of the box.
Houston 1-0 Club America
On paper, this looked to be the best of the opening games. On the pitch, however, it was possibly the most boring. Nate Jaqua scored a fine goal from close range. That about summed up the majority of action. I honestly expected more from America.
Saturday 27 July
Dallas v Pachuca
Dallas, behind Juan Toja (quickly becoming my favorite MLS player) and Carlos Ruiz, looked to be the class of the first match day. Taking points from this game will be a big step toward qualifying for the semifinals. After a disappointing loss to LA, Pachuca will be desperate for any points as they hope to move on.
LA v Chivas (Guadelajara)
LA put themselves in a very good position securing three points. A point from this match will almost certainly see them through to the semi-finals. The same can be said for Chivas, as they will be looking to take all three points.
Sunday 29 July
DC United v Club America
Both DC and America, each disappointing in their first match, will need to take the full three points in order to bolster their hopes.
Houston v Morelia
Houston can wrap up this group with a win. Morelia will need the three points if they hope to keep pace.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
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5 comments:
Nice job, Chris B.
How is the competition being received over there? Is there enthuasism or scepticism? Is it getting good media coverage and if so, is it worthy of such coverage?
I must say, with some of the moves they were creating, Chivas were looking rather Regal.
[Ithangyall]
Everyone seems to be fairly excited. Mexico sending their best sides, allbeit during their pre-season, has helped drum up interest. The play to this point has been surprising good. I don't usually watch a lot of MLS because the play is sometimes rubbish, but the four in this competition have played very well. Even in this early stage, the quality far exceeds the CONCACAF tournament. Having watched some of this years Copa Libertadores, North America is unexpectedly close in quality of play.
After two match days, the only team to be eliminated is America. Coming into the competition, I considered them second only to Pachuca. The final match day should be interesting with the MLS teams playing each other and the Mexicans doing likewise.
Group A
With a draw, Chivas can punch their ticket to the next round and eliminate pre-tournament favorite Pachuca. Dallas and LA should be a spectacular match with both teams needing 3 points to ensure safety. The longer LA can hold on, the more likely it is to see Beckham make his debut in this comp.
Group B
With America eliminated, Morelia will be hoping for 3 points and few goals to help their GD. DC and Houston could squeek through with a draw, but need 3 points as they play the early game.
Here are the rules, etc.
The strange thing is, clubs are prohibited from having "distilled spirits" as their shirt sponser, but an "Official Partner" of SuperLiga is Jose Cuervo.
Today's the day, then, Chris B - Dallas and LA Galaxy both need to win to get through to the semi-finals, and as you say, it should be an exciting one. Who would you put your money on if you had to?
Chivas will probably play for the draw, wouldn't you say? And DC United and Houson will do the same in Group B?
Chris, If wagering were legal here I would have to put money on Dallas. It was announced last night that Beckham won't even be travelling to Dallas.
As for DC and Houston, since SuperLiga does not play the final group games at the same time, they both must try for 3 points as Morelia could knock them out with a 2 or 3 goal win over America in the late game.
Chivas look safe and will surely grind out a point.
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