Hollywood Script

     June 10th 2008, a night that will live in infamy in my lifetime and a group of my boys, Hollywood United.  It was easily one of the best matches I have ever been apart of in my life, top 3...minimum.  Heres the play by play:

Hollywood United vs. Portland Timbers at PGE Park in Portland, First Round of the US Open Cup...

6:15am:  The troops fly out of lax on tuesday morning, the day of the match.  Everybody is in good spirits, we got new track suits (Puma), starbucks is being passed around, others are drooling on the seats at gate 31A and we are off to Portland.

7:00:  oh wait, there is a delay on the plane.  One of the engines isn't working correctly and the boys have to wait for our hotel beds another hour.   

9:20:  We land in Portland and can't wait for our beds, breakfast can wait.  

10:00-2:00:  Sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

2:00:  The boys gather downstairs for a quality team lunch and pre-game meal at the hotel restraunt.  I had a pesto vegetable pasta dish and a few cups of joe and copious amounts of water.  

5:00:  Met downstairs in the hotel lobby and headed off to PGE Park

5:30-6:15pm: Boys get taped, pre game line up and speech and off to our warm up.

7:00: kickoff

     It was a match for the ages.  The boys fought like warrior poets (Braveheart).  After going down 1 nil midway through the first half Matty Taylor equalized just before half time from the pk spot.  The half time talk was classic United.  The boys believed we could go on and win the match without a doubt.  Anthony LaPaglia, our owner and famous actor (Without a Trace) came into the locker room with his actor buddies.  They just flew up on Pags private jet for the match and took off right after back to LA.  Once they entered the locker room it was hugs all around, laughs here and there, stories and a quality speech from Pags to get the boys up for the second half.  Then the final two minutes the gaffer gave us some tidbits here and there that we needed to work on and it was off to the races again.  

     The second half we didn't start how we wanted.  We quickly went down 2-1 on a soft header that we should have dealt with better.  Then what was clearly a make up call from the first half, the ref gave a soft soft pk to Portland and the chance to go up 3-1.  My boy Javier Barragan was in the nets and the fate of the team was on his shoulders.  Me and Javi played on Chivas USA together in 2005 and I can't tell you how stoked I am to be reunited with the man.  He is my cafecito brother as we always get a good cup of joe and conversation in on our travels.   Not to mention a quick congratulations on getting engaged and will be married in two months time.  Go on son.   

    Anyways Javi made a massive save to keep the boys alive and let the dream continue. Minutes later we were awarded another pk and like a true forward Matty Taylor stepped forward and bagged his second goal of the match, but most importantly leveled the score and gave a much need boost to the squads morale.  

     I entered the match shortly thereafter around the 65th minuted and came in on the right mid position.  Our stellar and rock in the back Nasser came out on the wrong end of an awkward challenge and did his ACL and MCL right as I was prepared to come in.  My thoughts are with Nas (Get Well Buddy).  We did some shuffling in the back and midfield and game on.

      After a back and forth last 25 minutes of the game we were put into dreamland.  In the 92nd minute, Earl the Pearl on maybe his 5th touch of the game got the ball on the top of the box,  put it on his patented left and buried it over the goalie and sent the squad into ecstasy.   We had just beaten the Portland Timbers, a professional team in the USL-1.  Not bad for an amateur squad, who are manager describes us as "a little better than a pub team."  

      When the whistle blew it just felt right.  The boys never had one doubt that we were going to lose this game, even when we first heard the draw.  And to top it off, lets just say the boys went big in downtown Portland afterwards.  You gotta love these pub teams right?

      So its on to Seattle for the 2nd round against the Seattle Sounders, also of the USL-1.  A far more proven and seasoned team, but I tell you what with these group of guys, anything is possible in Hollywood.         

updates

      Life has been pretty hectic since I moved back home.  I have been coaching three teams and playing on two others.  My first team is my u13 boys team.  I wasn't sure how much of a challenge this was gonna be until last week when we played in the Cerritos Memorial Tournament.  Granted we were playing up in the silver division but we were clearly out of place and the results proved it.  We gave up an astonishing 20 goals against and did not score one single goal.  I can only count on one hand the amount of decent chances that we did have to score.  It is a huge difference working with this age of boys to what I have been used to in the past.  I really am going to have to go back to the basics of soccer and start from the ground up.  The room and possibility to improve with this team is huge, however it will take a lot of work from not only me but the players as well.  I told them that if they wanted to get better not only as a team but also individually, then they will have to do a whole lot more than just train with me twice a week.  Another major problem in the American soccer system that these kids only touch the ball twice a week and they expect results.  It will never happen.  Soccer is a full time job and if you don't have the commitment then I don't want you on my team.  I had to release a player from this squad last week.  It is a tough situation to be put in when you have to release a 13 yr old.  Mainly because he will probably never play soccer again, and I don't want to do that to any kid.  However this kid just wasn't cutting it in training and in the matches.  When he did show up to play, he was actually a decent player.  However most of the time his head wasn't in the game or practices and it wasn't fair to the other boys.  It is not the glamorous part of the job releasing players, yet it is part of the job.

       My second team is my u18 boys gold team.  It was a lot of work because with the help of a couple key guys (Eddie Soto), we had to rebuild this team up again.  I am happy with what we have.  I feel we are very solid in goal, in the back, and in the midfield.  I do feel that we lack a little of that killer instinct up top and a forward who is gonna be the difference maker in big games.  However its a good group of guys who work hard for me and it should be a good year.  

    My third team that I will be working with is the Santa Ana College women's team.  More to come on that end in a bit.  

    As far as playing goes not much has been going on with the Galaxy lately.  We were supposed to have a reserve match on June 8th against Colorado but unfortunately it got cancelled.  Sometimes the reserve league can be such a bit frustrating.  I mean I have played many games in the reserve league when I was with Chivas USA.  It's tough to be in the reserves that's for sure.  The money, the way you are treated, the way you get looked over.  So I have taken the opportunity to play for a club called Hollywood United.  A men's league/amateur team that plays here in SoCal.  Just from my initial experiences with the club I know I am going to love playing with these guys.  And I will tell you why....  

Salt Lake City

Just landed in Salt Lake City and heading to the hotel to meet up with the squad. My boys U13 had our first tournament together this weekend and I asked the Galaxy to put me on a later flight so I could be at their first game. We played all the way in Simi Valley. My aunt and uncle used to live in Simi and I forgot how far it was. Fortunately the LA traffic was on my side and got to and from the match no problem.
We lost 2 nil to Real So Cal yet it was a very postitive performance from the boys. I was able to learn a lot about my players, our strengths and weaknesses, where players excel more in different positions and so on. I was also stoked because I got to see my two cousins, Josh and Alyssa. They came out, we grabbed some lunch and just talked soccer of course. That's all we ever do and that's fine with me.
Anyways big game tomorrow morning at 10. We play Real Salt Lake and of course we are looking for the win and of course hoping for a solid personal performance. Its a quick trip for me as I'm flying back with the squad after the match back to LA. Ill write tomorrow and let you guys know how it goes.
Ill leave you with a Robert Frost quote. "The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the others willing to let them."
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Moving Forward...

     Its just about 9 am on a Thursday morning and I have been up since 5:30.  My asthma has been kicking up a little bit lately since I moved back down to SoCal...I just think the Bay Area in general is a much cleaner and fresher place to live.  Don't get me wrong I luv my LA and I'm a socal boy through and through (Come on Lakers!!!) but San Francisco and Berkeley, it doesn't get much better.  

     So now I am back in Los Alamitos staying with the rents for the time being so I can get myself back on me two feet.  I immediately started coaching a boys U14 club team out of Long Beach.  So far I have no complaints.  They are the youngest age that I have worked with as a team but they all work hard for me, don't mess around when we are working and of course can make me laugh with their middle school stories.  Reminds me of the good ole days.  We have a lot of work to do but I think we will make good progress over the course of time.  

    My next project that I started last week was another first.  I became the assistant coach at Santa Ana College women's program.  It is a first because I never have coached women before in my life!  We have only had two training sessions but I think I am going to enjoy it.  The girls all have a good attitude, work hard for me, and enjoy being out there.  That's what futbol is all about right?  Although I am finding out that it is a lot different than working with men.  I will have to adjust accordingly.  Of course Patty isn't toooo happy that I am coaching women, but I'm a professional and that is just a line that you do not cross.  Don't worry luv.  

    Finally on the coaching end it sounds like I will be picking up a u19 boys team in the same Long Beach club.  This is what I'm talking about.  This is where I thrive the most.  Older boys/men, who just want to compete, play at the higher levels, have a much higher understanding of the game and are just good players.  I look forward to working with this team immensely.  

     And now on the playing side...Well as all of you who know my long and tiresome preseason or should I say preseasons with various teams I believe I have finally settled with the Galaxy of all teams.  When I was playing for the Earthquakes against the Galaxy I noticed that the Galaxy bench was very shorthanded.  When I moved home I gave Paul Bravo a call, the Director of Soccer for the Galaxy and asked if they needed players.  He said absolutely, gave me a call back a few days later and played against Houston Dynamo the following weekend.  I played about 35 minutes in my first game with the Galaxy at forward of all places.  Cobi Jones, the head coach of the 2nd team told me I was going up top right before I went in.  I looked at him a little puzzled and I told him that I play in the midfield.  He told me that's where they told him I played.  I said fair enough, no problem, lets get on with it and game on.  So I went in and did my job, we were down 2-1 when i came on and unfortunately we couldn't find the equalizer but overall it was a much better second half by the boys and a good personal performance on my part.  The best part about it is the Galaxy want me to play the rest of the reserve games this season.  I'll get to travel with the team and do all that good stuff.  And of course its just another opportunity to get a full team contract...what every player wants in life.  My next trip is next weekend to Salt Lake City to take on Real Salt Lake.  Until then I just need to put in the dirty work, keep my ankles healthy and do what I do best.  Oh and maybe work on my forward skills a little bit, just in case I go up top again...

Cheers...MikeE  

Soldiering on...

A little recap of the Earthquakes reserve match the other day against the Galaxy. We won 2-1 and played down a man for most of the second half. I came in with about 10 minutes left and had a very defensive role since we were protecting a lead with a man down. Not exactly the ideal situation to impress the coaches but nonetheless we got the job done and look forward to the next match. I know for a fact that the quakes want to continue to bring me in to reserve games. What I don't understand is why they just won't throw down a contract so I am put some ink on it. There are still five developmental contract roster spots available yet they refuse to sign anybody. Well they are willing to fly me around for these games and that only provides more opportunities. Its a start and I just have to perform when that opportunity comes.

Unfortunately and fortunately I am moving back to Los Alamitos in southern California where my parents live. My sister, who I share an apartment with in Berkeley is heading off to the peace corps in Guatemala for TWO years!! She amazes me. Not only did she graduate before her big bro who had two years on her in the same major, history...but shes been studying for the lsat and now heading to Guatemala to work with the youth in rural communities. She's planning on establishing a youth soccer academy with the help of my former employer Soccer Central who were generous enough to donate balls, bibs cones and other basic stuff. Only a Munoz would want to establish a futbol camp in another country. But honestly a two year commitment in a very poor country, and shes not going to be in a major city...amazing and takes a special person. I don't know if I would have the metal to do that.

Anyways so we are moving out of our apartment for good and heading back home. I have an u14 boys team already lined up that I will begin training. Eddie Soto, my mentor and old coach got me the gig and I only hope I can bring my valuable experience to these boys and the club. It is very important to me that we nurture the soccer around where I grow up. I got nothing but hometown luv and will do anything to make sure the football stays at its best down there.
Without a doubt I will continue to keep training and working hard and keeping sharp in case of a call up. I will continue to contact teams and let them know my services are there for the taking. It's a long season and things have only just begun. Did you hear about the baseball player who had been coaching in the minor leagues, got an opportunity to tryout again for a team, made the squad, is now batting over 400 on the season and could get called up to the Majors? Anything is possible with the right attitude and a good work ethic. That is something that I can control and something I always remind my players and myself. You cannot control the referree, the weather, the state of the pitch, the opposition and even your own teammates. But you CAN control how hard you work and your mentallity and thats all that matters. The rest will fall in place.

I have 16 units until I graduate from Berkeley and I will also be taking summer courses wherever I may be. I promised my parents years ago that I would finish school and that is something I am keen on doing. I have taken a little longer than most, and maybe a more unorthodox approach but it will be done...that I promise. Until then I look forward to moving home and starting a new chapter in my life. I'm excited to see my parents, my best mates, my girfriend and of course that home cookin.
I leave you with a quote from Sir Alex's book..."These are the facts of life. Nobody but yourself can guarantee a first team place. Whatever you do on the field determines whether you are on the first team or not. Any bullshit promises from scouts or managers should be ignored."
Cheers...

After shock

I just got a call from San Jose Earthquakes. Flying down to LA to play the galaxy.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

hellofaride

Well its been hell of a ride but there comes a point in a mans life when he just cant go on, and I think I have almost hit that point when it comes to playing for me. This preseason I've been in Los Angeles with Chivas, Ive been in San Jose with the Earthquakes, Ive been in Puerto Rico, and I just got back from Seattle. The traveling has been tough, the weather at opposite extremes, the pitches from grass to turf to dirt and the players from the best in the country to absolutely shocking. Unfortunately for me nothing has worked out for different reasons. Chivas they were stacked, positions filled and I wasn't going to make the team playing left back. San Jose...well in all fairness to me I am waiting to hear back about a contract but its just been too long, but lets be honest. Puerto Rico was close but in the end it didn't work out and in Seattle I sprained my ankle two days into the trial and just couldn't play on.
So now I am back in Berkeley plotting my next move. I could play in the USL2 in Harrisburg, Penn and sign a contract right now but do I really want to do that? Is it time to hang up the boots? Is it time for me to finish my last semester of school, get my degree so I can coach college ball? Is it time for me to pick up a couple youth teams and focus on my new career? I know what my parents would say, I know what my sister would say, I know what my gf would say, but ultimately I need to do some soul searching and figure this one out on my own. I knew that this day would come in my life and I dreaded it more than anything in the world. Does this mean I'm gonna stop playing? Of course not but just not at the level that I see myself playing at. Could I take a year off this season and try to come back next year? A possibility, but would be very difficult to do but not impossible. So as you see this post is mostly a series of questions that I have to ask myself and be realistic about. Only time will tell and that time is coming very soon.