God, Country, Soccer

What does it mean to be an American soccer fan? Where are your loyalties? Who do you root for? I have all these questions in my head and most lay dormant while I watch and cheer for my Rapids, USA men’s national team, and many “Yanks Abroad.” But when CONCACAF Champions League happens, all those thoughts and questions come flooding back to the front of my mind. Most recently, while watching Seattle vs. Santos Laguna one question kept coming to my head; who are the #MLS4RSL folks rooting for in this game. (You know who those people are, the type that only gets their info from MLSsoccer.com, defender of all things Don Garber, the one who boastfully brags at the MLS All-Start team’s “success”, the one…etc.) It seems quite simple at first glance, “duh, Seattle is in MLS, and therefore, American.” But is it that simple? Seattle had only 3 starters that are American. Santos had 1 (Herculez Gomez). Is it worth putting your club allegiance on hold to root for another MLS club to do well when ...

It's a snow day here at GCS headquarters, but I'll be watching the second semi final of the Mexican league playoffs tonight at 8pm between Santos and Toluca. Last nights game was great, an entertaining 3-1 victory for Cruz Azul over Atlante. A weak penalty call in the 7th minute really set the tone for a back and forth game. Atlante will have to score 2 goals at home in Cancun on Saturday.

The MLS season is over, but there still is good soccer going on. Tonight is the first leg of the semifinals in Mexico's First Division. With some good match ups, these games should be fun to watch. First you have is Atlante making the trip to Mexico City to take on Cruz Azul at 8pm. The "Cementeros" of Cruz Azul made it to the finals last season and are looking to make another run this year. Meanwhile Atlante won the whole thing two seasons ago and are looking to rebound from disappointing 15th place in last years table. The second of the two semifinals defending champions Santos Laguna hosting Toluca in Torreon tomorrow 6pm. Santos are coming off a less than stellar regular season, but posted an impressive series upset over the Superlideres San Luis. They face another tough round against Toluca, who tallied the second most points in league play this year. Don't forget, Chicago Fire's Cuauhtemoc Blanco is on loan at Santos and will be playing in this game. W...