THE RUNDOWN

Okay, so I post a lot of soccer stuff on here. I can't help it though, it's what I'm most passionate about. So naturally, a lot of thoughts float around my head that I eventually decide to write about.

I was born in the United States, my father is from Ecuador and my mother from Mexico. I have a lot of respect and love for my family's heritage, but for as long as I can remember, I've been a supporter of the U.S. national soccer team. Maybe it's because I grew up here, or maybe because I love my country and I've always dreamed of playing for the team. I think it's a combination of many things. To start, the United States has always been an under dog in soccer. It's arguably the only international sport that the country isn't highly ranked in. Soccer is just not popular here. In Mexico however, it's # 1.

For me, the United States vs Mexico rivalry is above any other game. The intensity, passion and heart involved is unmatched. It goes beyond a school, city or state rivalry that's common in most sports: this about entire nations. In an extremist way, I'd even say that it began hundreds of years go, when the 2 countries fought a real war that didn't involve a ball. Even though most people respectfully choose not to mention this, it does spice things up a bit...

Until recently, the U.S. has always been considered weak in the soccer world, especially compared to the European giants and even Mexico themselves. Within the last decade, the U.S. has not only caught up to Mexico's level, it passed them. The U.S. has not lost at home to Mexico during this time and not only have they dominated the rivalry, but they've also out performed them in the biggest tournament, the World Cup. This sparked the flame even more. When they play each other, all of these things are in the back of the player's minds. This is why the games are always played to the edge of the rules: with intensely hard and inappropriate fouls, constant pushing and shoving and of course, back and forth trash talk. With every game, the tension increases, tempers are lost and passion and pride are at stake. This is what makes it beautiful.

At the end of the day, this is all about soccer. It's nearly impossible for personal feelings, emotions and opinions not to be involved, but the players and fans must be responsible. Soccer should always be played and enjoyed with intensity and passion, but also with a lot of class and respect, just like life.

But for me, soccer is life.