I was able to go down to Nogales, Sonora, Mexico today to buy some cheap gifts, and practice my horrible, awful, broken Spanish. I've never been to Nogales before, and aside from a couple of alleys that were pretty nice, the town didn't strike me as very different than any other border town. The first solicitation for goods and services came from a man, shortly after we crossed the border, asking if we needed directions to a "titty bar" - which we declined. Then he offered us his sister. It would not be the last such offer. We also received many offers for wide varieties of narcotics and other drugs. It was all very interesting, particularly in light of the ease with which we crossed back over the border.I did, however, actually enjoy some of the conversations I had with some of the merchants. We talked about religion, fatherhood, politics, and Mexican and American punk rock. I hate the pushy, "Hey, amigo," sales pitches, but I do enjoy the more meaningful interactions that can take place. It's fun to "get to know the neighbors."
I also noticed this sign, right when I first crossed into Mexico, which brings me to my next topic:
I saw a lot of Club America and Chivas gear while in Nogales. Strangely enough, however, I never got the chance to discuss soccer with anyone around me. No matter, I returned home in time to watch RSL get their first road win of the season, and their first ever win over Chivas at the Home Depot Center. Robbie Findley also scored his second goal in an RSL uniform at the HDC. As long as we're looking in the history books, I wonder if RSL might just go on a bit of a tear after this one, similar to the unbeaten streak of four games that also began at the HDC in 2006? With four of the next five games at home, I can dream, can't I?
Back on the subject of Mexico, I'm excited for this year's Xango Cup. I think Santos will make for an exciting match, both in terms of the athletic competition on the pitch, and in competition between each of the groups of fans. I welcome partnerships with the Mexican league going forward. It would be nice to create some goodwill between our two leagues, and among the fans of each side. I only regret that I will be stuck in Arizona for this one. :(
2 comments:
Right on about the need to foster stronger ties with Mexican soccer.
The untapped potential is enormous: rivalries, partnerships, & even future RSL ticket-buyers.
Developing a long-term relationship with a Mexican club would probably be more meaningful than the essentially symbolic Real Madridf alliance.
Great read as always. Thanks.
-FM
It seems like there is mutual disdain for both brands of soccer on this continent, and this is precisely what has frustrated me about some of the discussion on BS and Behind the Shield.
The Mexican league is extremely competitive, and has some great tradition, but American fans would rather pretend it doesn't exist. MLS may be younger, but it nevertheless seems to be finding its feet of late.
Mutual respect and cooperation would not only be more becoming of the two sides, but likely more lucrative than the Euro-worship that is currently in vogue.
Great to hear from you, FM!
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