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."
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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.
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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.

something in the way she moves

This probably has to be one of the toughest months of my footballing career. I remember someone once told me that soccer doesn't owe anybody any favors in this life. It is a beautiful game that cannot be taken for granted and can be a cruel cruel game when not fully appreciated. One example that every footballer no doubt has experienced, is when their team has been dominating possession for the majority of the game, punishing the opposition, controlling the flow and tempo, creating chance after chance, but just can't put the ball in the back of net. The other team has been hanging by a thread but for some reason are still in the game and in the final minute finally catch a break and take advantage of the one mental lapse the opposition makes and scores the game winner. Two minutes later the game is over and one team is devastated and is wondering where they went wrong, and the other team doesn't care about getting dominated for 88 minutes just as long as they have the W in their column. Football this month has been tough.

It's mid March and I am still looking to find the right fit for me on a squad. I have been to LA for three weeks with Chivas USA, a few days in San Jose with the Earthquakes, half a week in Puerto Rico with the Islanders, and now possibly making the short trip north to Seattle to train with the Sounders for a week. I am still waiting to hear from a few teams but who knows what's gonna happen. Through all of this there has been one consistent person in my life that has continued to push me through and through and has not allowed me to give up my dream of playing professional footy, my girlfriend Patty Rodriguez. So this blog is dedicated to her.

I think my main man James Taylor says it best, "If I'm feeling down and blue, and troubled by some foolish game, she always seems to make me change my mind. I feel fine anytime she's around me now." Now not that I would ever call football a foolish game but I think he's got the right idea. Patty understands that a footballers career can be very short and could be over before you know it. I could be in LA right now, coaching a couple teams, taking some classes online or at a JC and spending every single day with her, but instead she would rather have me keep playing at the highest level possible for me and is even willing to buy my flights anywhere in the country. Come on now boys, who wouldn't want a girlfriend like that? I know she will support me in any decision I make, but she always reminds me that good things happen to good people and when you think positive dreams do come true. She's a true testament to that statement as her career in radio has taken off since she started working with Ryan Seacrest on KIIS FM down in LA. I know with her positive attitude, a work ethic like none other and the attitude to not take no for an answer, she is going places. I just hope I can keep up with her.

I know one day we will both look back on this month and have a good laugh about it. I know for a fact that God doesn't put challenges in front of us that we cannot handle. But I tell you what, when you got a girl like Patty on your side, it always helps the cause and no matter how tough it will get, I know she will always be by my side. What more can a man ask for in life?

La vida loca

So much has happened in the past four or five days starting with a quick but tough two day trial with the San Jose Earthquakes. We played two 90 minute matches, one on Monday and one on Tuesday and I just don't think the legs are meant for that kind of running.
Anyways overall I was most pleased with my performance. I got to play in the center if the midfield where I belong and somewhere I just didn't get a shot with at chivas. I enjoy taking control of my team and moving the ball east to west and north to south. I've always tried to play the game the way Arsenal play. Even though I absolutely hate the gooners I respect their futbol. There isn't a better team at passing the ball in the world right now.
So the first day my team won 4 2. Not a bad result however the team showed well so it made certain individuals shine. The second day was a bit tougher as the legs on everybody began to get heavy. My team went up 2 1 at half. I had both assists, one to my old California Victory mate Josh Hanson. However the legs on my mates went out in the second half and we ended up losing 4 2. However all in all a successful trial.
The following morning I was flying at 6am out of SF0 to Puerto Rico. Me and Josh Hanson or just Hanson as I call him now have started a 3 day trial with the Puerto Rico Islanders. We are staying at the Puerto Rican Olympic Center in Salinas, PR high up in the hills. The view is breathtaking, the heats up and the humidity is on fire but I'm playing football near the beach and just trying to keep the dream alive.
Ill find out next week about the Quakes and find outSaturday about PR. So stay tuned to see where I will end up this upcoming season. Until then...ciao
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Day by Day

Today was an interesting day in my life in Berkeley, the San Jose Earthquakes were in town playing my alma mater and I was able to watch them first hand on my old training ground, the infamous Golden Bear practice pitch.  Before I get to the game I just need to point out that Cal has the best college training pitch in the country.  I'm just being completely honest.  If you could imagine dark green grass, flat surface, perfectly mowed, up against the Berkeley hills with thousands of trees lined up on the hill as if they were watching our sessions from the stands and then the view of the San Francisco bay in the foreground...well to me it doesn't get much better.

It was good seeing the quakes play today.  I saw a lot of my old buddies and former teammates and it felt good to be able to enjoy a match on the sidelines for a bit.  It made me hungry and excited to join the quakes on monday.  Do I think I can fit right in?  Absolutely, there was never a doubt about that.  All a player can ask for is a fair shot in this game.  However, once provided that chance its the players full responsibility to make the most of it, a part of me only wishes that maybe I came to the quakes from the start of the preseason.  But it is what it is, and these are the cards I have been dealt and now it is back at my feet where I like things to be.

Tomorrow Cal has its annual alumni game, a match of great importance and legacy to the Cal faithful.  It is a day where old friends, families, wives, and girlfriends gather at Memorial Stadium, play some footie and talk about old times.  It will be great to see everybody and share some stories.  I might not be the best story teller, but I tell you what, I know how to listen and have a good laugh, and a good laugh I will be having.  

So its day by day for me this next week.  It starts with a good nights sleep, a proper breakfast, an alumni match of epic proportions, day off on Sunday and Quakes here we come.  My whole professional career has been in California, might as well keep the trend alive.  Goodnight  

Ebb and Flow

First of all I want to apologize for not writing sooner but my life has gone through the ups and downs that life always likes to bring in unexpected times, literally in my case as I just moved from southern california back up to northern california in Berkeley.  Lets get caught up quickly in the past two weeks.  On Friday Feb 22 I was sent packing from Chivas USA.  I was in preseason with them for three weeks and thought things were going well.  I was playing well, confidence was high, fitness was good but unfortunately it just did not work out.  What went wrong?  Well only the coaches can answer that but all I can do is keep my head up, my nose clean and keep working towards my goals.   

However, that afternoon was tough for not only me but for my parents and my girlfriend.  I think Patty took it the hardest.   A couple hours later I had a flight back to the bay area for the following day and just like that I was gone.  Patty and I went from spending every day together to all of a sudden the next day she was dropping me off at the airport with tears in her eyes waving goodbye as I got on a plane back to Berkeley.  Back to the long distance relationship which we have done for so long already.    

    As I was still enrolled in classes I came back to school on Monday and tried to salvage three weeks of missed classes.  After talking to all four of my professors, only one was willing to work with me and allow me to make up the missed work, which meant I would be doing a semester of work for only four units.  Not what I had in mind and something I didn't want to do so it was back to the drawing board.  I have to thank all of my academic advisors who helped me and are still helping me to graduate.  I have less than 17 units to get my degree from UC Berkeley and I promise you just like I promised my parents that I will graduate.  But for all of you dreamers out there, I am just not ready to give up my dream of playing professional soccer.  

    I have now played professionally for three years and I have had some great times and I have had some rough times.  But once you have that taste you never want it to leave and the passion, well the passion will never die.    

    The past two weeks since my time with Chivas ended has been tough.  My heart was not into school, it was still with futbol.  So while my teachers were saying no to me in school and still not having a team to play for, the only natural thing to do was find another team.  And that has been my goal since.  Literally calling and emailing head coaches, agents, team administrators, anybody that could find me a team.  In all honesty I have learned a lot in the past two weeks, not only how the futbol world works but also how life works when you take the initiative and you say to yourself that you are going to get things done right now, not later but now.  Santiago Canizares, the goalkeeper for Valencia and Spain said once, "I have realized that in football, as in life, commitment can take you a long way.  Without strength of purpose-skill, speed, and strength are worthless."  

    Today I talked to the head coach of the Seattle Sounders and he wants me to come up on a week long trial in two weeks.  Later this afternoon I got another call from the assistant coach of the San Jose Earthquakes and he wants me to come in for a three day trial starting on Monday.  Even though I haven't signed one piece of contract paper Canizares was right, you have to have commitment to make things happen for yourself.  Patty tells me this all the time.  She is amazing when it comes to things like this.  I haven't met one person like her when it comes to making things happen.  If she wants it, she makes it happen, she has no fear, and I admire that in her.  

    So now its time to get ready for these trials...but lets be honest, I'm ready and I can't wait to get out on the pitch and just express myself the way I always have since I was four years old.  Trials have never bothered me to be honest.  In fact I relish in them.  Yes you have to have a bit of an ego when you out there, yes you have to be confident, a bit cocky but its because you are fighting for your livelihood and you have to tell yourself that you are better than the player next to you.  If you can't do that then you don't belong on the same pitch.  

A final prayer to the little sister of my best friend Angel who has been in the hospital for almost two weeks now.  She got pneumonia but it has been further complicated by an enlarged heart. My prayers go out to her and her family.  I have no doubt that she will make a full recovery, I mean she is a Quintero...a tough bunch if you ask me. 

Until next time...      

V day...

Its amazing how crazy people get on valentines day. I'm still not sure how us Americans got to celebrate this day, but I do admire that it is apart of our culture and obviously the message that is being sent does not get much better...so happy valentines day to you all and your loved ones.

My girlfriend and I, patty...kept it very low key this thursday night, as we plan on enjoying a lovely day together on sunday when work doesn't conflict with our lives. She has to be at the radio station at 5 tomorrow morning and I have to be at training at 8 so we decided to keep it mellow. We enjoyed a casual dinner and a movie...We kept with another American pastime...the classic burger, fries and a soda combo followed by an evening special of Atonement...what a flick btw. Talk about an intense valentines love movie.

Anyways its off to another early training session in the morning. I'm hoping the quad will hold up as I look forward to playing the U23 Japan national team on Saturday. Stay tuned for what I'm sure is going to be an epic story about an epic match. In the spirit of love I leave u with a quote from the great Vince Lombardi

"What's the meaning of love? Anybody can love something that is beautiful or smart or agile. You will never know true love until you can love something that isn't beautiful, isn't bright, isn't glamorous. It takes a special person to love something unnatractive, someone unknow. That is the best test of love. Everybody can love somebody or someones strength and somebodys good looks. But can you accept someone for his inabilities?"

Bit harsh from the champion but nevertheless his words...goodnight
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Test

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Primer Impacto

I want to say a genuine hello to everyone that may be reading my very first entry blog.  I can't tell you how excited I am to start this project.  Autobiographies have always fascinated me and stories of humans have always inspired me, so I not only will write this for me but i write this for you readers out there who take even the slightest interest in my life.  

Currently I am in Chivas USA preseason camp at the Home Depot Center in Carson California. As some of you may recall I played for Chivas USA for two years in 2005 and 2006.  Last year, in 2007 I played for the California Victory in the USL 1 based out of San Francisco.  Now I am back with my first professional club and to be honest I have loved every second of it.  For the first time in a very long time I feel healthy in all parts of my body and have a new re found hunger for the game of futbol.  Lets be honest though, no matter how tough or difficult futbol has gotten in my life, whether it has been through injuries, bad coaches, hopeless managers or tough losses, the passion for the game will never die.  

It's great to be back with the boys.  Many of my former teammates are still with the club, players like my boyhood mate Johnny Borenstein, Lawson Vaughn, Ante Razov, Panchito Mendoza, Jesse Marsch and Brad Guzan...and then players that are in preseason camp that I grew up playing with since the early club days.  I look forward to every training session where the futbol is quality, the pace is fast, and the competition is tough.  How futbol was meant to be played I say.

Today we played the New York Red Bulls in a preseason exhibition and the Goats pulled out a 1-0 win.  I played the center back position in defense, where most of you that know me knows that I have never played there in my life, but the club needed me there and in the end we got the shutout so it all worked out.  I look forward to the rest of preseason in LA.  The team is planning only one trip out of the state for preseason, so that means that I can spend all my time with family, friends and the lovely girlfriend of course.  Should be epic times of epic proportions.  

Right now I am staying at my parents place which is very nice.  The parents know how to take great care of me and the older I get the more I cherish the moments we have together, especially since me and my sister Carmen are never around these days.  They have always supported me in all my adventures in life and love the fact that I could be home playing for el roji blanco otra vez.   Well its off to bed as I have to be in the training room at 8 tomorrow morning.  I took a little knock in the match today, nothing serious but a knock nonetheless and it needs a little work on.  

Until next time I leave you with a favorite quote of mine from the true captain, Roy Keane, discussing practice and training.  "You spend only 90 minutes performing in public, the bulk of your work is done in private on the training ground.  That is the work that counts.  You find out all you need to know about a player.  Monday to Friday in training."   Can't wait till tomorrow...Cheers!