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...