Soccer Chronicle

SAN JOSE, CA: Let’s talk a little bit of MLS, mixed with some Mexican flavor. Now normally we delve into Mexican club football and the Mexican National Team. A trip to northern California, brings us to a game that involved two Mexican players on opposing teams. Marco Fabian and Carlos Fierro.

Before we get to the game, let’s talk Venue and ambience. Avaya stadium is very nice. It has a huge bar on one end line, as well as a grassy area for vendors and “puestos” for pregame festivities. The stadium is small enough to get easy access to seats but still plenty large to hold up to 18,000 fans. There is a section on the opposite end line where the San Jose Ultras are present and during this game, suspended forward, Chris Wondolowski was in attendance cheering on the team. The fans were supportive during the game, but were quieted once Philly took the 2-1 lead. But not entirely quieted. The ref, with some horrific calls, riled up the fans and they let him have it with whistles and jeering. It was an fun, controversial game with entertaining ups and downs.

As far as our fellow Mexican players, it started off with a greeting at midfield, between Carlos Fierro and Marco Fabian, during pre-game warm ups. They both got the start for their respective teams. Initially San Jose took control of the game and went on the attack. Fierro had a couple of chances during some offensive cuts into the box and even got some shots on goal, only to get them blocked by the goalkeeper. Fierro was on the right flank and was only dangerous when he was able to use his speed and get behind the defense. When that didn’t happen he was forced to cut back into the middle but his left foot is not his strong suite, which resulted in some errant passes. I thought, if only he were Carlos Vela, making those cuts and having a perfect left foot shot targeting the far post. The wrong Carlos was on the pitch for SJ. It may be worth a shot, putting Fierro on the left side every now and then. Sort of how the NT does, with Chucky and even Gio Dos Santos. That way vs a good defensive team, he can cut back and have his right foot useful for those mid range shots.

As far as Marco Fabian, he wore the #10. He started in the middle slotted a little bit back, but pushing forward when needed. You could sense he was dangerous on the field, but didn’t get the ball with enough frequency. He did get one shot on goal, but it ended up bouncing to the goalkeeper.

Aside from the two Mexicans and Wondolowski cheering with the fans, the game seemed to have been soured by poor referring. Several odd offsides calls, controversial VAR decisions and some goals/pentalty called back.

Overall, it was a fun time in Avaya Stadium. Fierro is struggling with support and confidence from the fans and most likely in himself as well. Fabian is having a fun time. Post game he met with fans, took pictures, signed jerseys and even gave away his jersey and even his shorts! A great evening of Futbol!