SuperLiga Final: LA Galaxy v Pachuca

The final chapter of the inaugural SuperLiga will be written on Wednesday evening when the LA Galaxy play host to Pachuca at the Home Depot Center. To the victor goes a $1 million prize and a shiny trophy. To the loser goes the thrill of playing in a half empty stadium in a game that can only be watched on Spanish language television or the Web. Since we all want the SuperLiga to become an international phenomenon, right?, it is our duty to swivel in excitement in our computer chairs in anticipation of this contest. Commence swiveling.

The final features a rematch of an early SuperLiga match where the Galaxy defeated their Mexican foes 2-1 on July 24. Those were simpler times before half of LA’s team was injured, Pachuca had kicked off their Mexican League season, and David Beckham saved American soccer from whatever it is it needed to be saved from. Alan Gordon and Landon Donovan scored for the MLSers, while Rafael Marquez Lugo notched the goal for Pachuca. It was an uneven, yet mildly exciting, game.

Flash forward five weeks and we see a Galaxy side that is limping into the game with seven first team player banged up. They’ve lost three straight league games and have done so in rather horrific fashion. Meanwhile, Pacucha started their campaign with three straight wins before losing to Club Santos Laguna on Saturday.

A few things to watch for while you ignore the dizziness caused by swiveling in excitement in your computer chair.

1. Jose Francisco Torres – A dual citizen who was born in Longview, Texas, the midfielder made his debut for Pachuca last November and has worked his way into the startling line-up. He’s only 19 and the kid has some talent. As more Mexican-Americans grow up playing soccer in the US it will be fascinating to see whether they choose to play in MLS or if they take Torres’ route and play in Mexico. And if they do play in Mexico will they ever get a call up for the US National team?

2. The ankle – First he wasn’t expected to play but now he is. David Beckham’s gimpy ankle is apparently good enough to allow him to earn minutes. Even if it weren’t he’d probably still play. His coach is desperate and this is the only prize the Galaxy will be playing for this season. Landon Donovan also will be on the pitch.

3. The Buzz – Maybe it is because the game isn’t being shown on ESPN or Fox Soccer Channel or maybe it is because no one other than a few lonely bloggers give a rat’s ass about this competition, but it seems like there isn’t much in the way of pre-match coverage. Keep an eye on the headlines after it is over. If Beckham does anything it will generate some pub., but will the game itself? And will MLS proclaim the inaugural tournament a success?

Predictions? Thoughts? Rants?

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Category: MLS, Mexico, World Football