Playoff Soccer Saturday
When Dave first decided to visit, we immediately began brainstorming ideas for activities. Besides excessive drinking, making fun of mutual friends like Ben and Steve, talking about hypertext documents and boobs, there had to be something else we could do. I poked around Pollstar and Bands in Town, but nothing was sticking. Finally, It hit me, a soccer game! A few days after my revelation, Dave called and suggested the same idea. Now we could have beers, poke fun, compare css and stare at boobs while attending a soccer game!
The greater LA area has two MLS teams—the LA Galaxy and CD Chivas USA. The Galaxy boosts players like David Beckham and Landon Donavon (I’m still not convinced). CD Chivas USA is the American counterpart of the popular Mexican team, Club Deportivo de Guadalajara S.A. de C.V. or Las Chivas -- which translates to The Goats. Since I’m better at soccer than the Galaxy, our only hope was for Chivas to make the playoffs. Luckily, they did, and a game was schedule for the Saturday of Dave’s visit. Impeccable timing. I tried to buy tickets online, but none were available. I decided to call the box office, and tickets were available. I promptly purchased tickets behind the goal with the Union Ultras. Dave had never attended a professional soccer game; its best his first was with a supporters group.
When the big day arrived, we were supposed to play soccer. Dave backed out of pickup. He kept whining like an old man about not kicking a ball in 10 years. Who cares! Its soccer! Anyway, we spent the afternoon at Bolsa Chica State Beach. It was the perfect opportunity to kick the ball around the sand. It would have been more fun to play a game, but I’m glad he at least tried to play. He can throw the ball about 30 yards which is very impressive. However, trapping and kicking seemed kinda rusty.
As evening approached, we gathered up tailgating supplies and drove to Carson. I rode past the Home Depot Center numerous times, but this was my first visit. I was disappointed with the tailgating scene. The only large group was from Salt Lake. It appears the party is over in the preferred lot/more money for a parking space. Maybe next time.
As we walked to the stadium, we began to notice the minority—us. Most of the attendees were Latin Americans. It was super exciting. These people CARE about soccer. You could hear the drums from the ticket turnstile. I was the only person to order beer in English.
As we neared our section, 101 behind the goal, the beat of the drum was louder and louder. We couldn’t be more ready; we wore Chivas replica jerseys. However, my heart was racing with anticipation. Teresa was scared pantiless. Dave was too excited to stop smiling.
As we walked down the isle, we could see the Union Ultras. If a member wasn’t wearing a replica jersey, they were wearing red and white. Everyone was standing, clapping and dancing. Our row was completely filled with people. We had to sit in row immediately behind our assigned row. It didn’t matter, it was time to sing. Directly to my left was the drum section. It consisted of three drummers with varying sizes of bass drums. A drummers assistant would hold the large bass drum above his head, so the drummer could wail on it with all his might. People were twirling white shirts, clapping plastic tubes, and one guy had a two foot noise maker. People were waiving extremely large red, white and blue flags. Some displayed banners proclaiming Union Ultras with characters of Barney from The Simpsons and Jack Torrance from The Shining. Amid the chaos was order. Each new drumbeat brought a new song. All this mayhem occurred before kickoff.
Right before the game began, one guy passed out red and white confetti to everyone in the section. When the whistle blew, everyone threw their confetti into the air. So began the next 90 minutes of standing, singing and cheering. My favorite chants included “Glory, Glory, Glory Chivas” and “Score a goal.” I tried to learn a few of the Spanish numbers, but I have enough trouble with English. At random times, a jersey the size of the entire section was pulled above our heads. In the first row of the section, supporters would hoist the jersey above their heads. Each row would support the tarp like jersey and push it backwards. When it was fully stretched, we’d latch hold and shake. It was sick.
I had to remind myself of the game. Chivas were down 1-0 on aggregate. We scored first. Sacha Kljestan cooly converted a deserved penalty kick. The Union Ultras went crazy. We threw more confetti and sang at the top of our lungs. As emotions on the field flared, RSL and Chivas went back and forth with possession. The game remained very fluid. Both teams had a lot of opportunities from open play and set pieces. I felt uneasy because RSL seemed hungrier. Kovalenko scored the equalizer at the 39th minute. RSL had the lead on the aggregate. Into the second half, RSL continued to push. Chivas had a few chances, but didn’t capitalize. Chivas started to throw all they had at the goal, but it back-fired. The Argentine, Morales scored in the 77th minutes. He calmly came across the top of the box and placed it far corner. Chivas wasn’t completely done. In the 83rd, Braun got one back, but the aggregate still favored RSL. For the last ten minutes, we hoped and prayed. No goal came, but the Union Ultras didn’t stop. Even after full-time, we continued to sing and dance. They showed support until the very end and beyond.
What an awesome experience. I can hardly wait for the next MLS season. I use to have season tickets to DC United. Now that I’m back close to a team, I’ll have to look into season tickets for Chivas. It would be amazing to spend games with the Union Ultras. Teresa had a great time as well. By the middle of the first half, she even relaxed and helped translate the Spanish songs. Dave was beside himself. He couldn’t get over the passion. I know he is routing for the MLS to grant Miami and FC Barcelona a team. I’m happy his first professional game was a memorable one. I can’t take any of the credit. The Union Ultras must be thanked. Above all, we can’t forget CD Chivas USA. They did play with heart, and we thank you for the beautiful game.
Highlights of the game
Photos of the game
Alecko Eskandarian photo courtesy of Salt Lake Tribune
