Liga still has it

In a world torn between school and a timely dinner, one would not expect to find time to watch Copa Libertadores. Yet some like myself still manage. I was able to watch about 60% of today's game between reigning Libertadores champions Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito vs Palmeiras of Brazil as well as pieces of the Boca Juniors - Deportivo Cuenca (also from Ecuador). I got help from my DVR while at home and a little website called justin.tv that has streaming video, including sport from almost anywhere in the world. That's right, next time you feel left out because you're at work or school and only have access to a PC, never fear. No matter what system you're running (Linux, PC, Mac), it should work fine.

This quick post is an homage to Ecuador futbol, which although still ailing from a bad start to qualifying when Luis Fernando Suarez was at the helm, still has club football to represent. It was Liga's turn to defend its crown in this season's Copa Libertadores. They opened their campaign against an established Brazilian side.... Palmeiras. To start, one can never count out an Argentinean or Brazilian team at any point in international club competition. That being said, however, Liga still thoroughly outclassed the Brazilian side. Don't get me wrong, Palmeiras looked good in the attack and scored two goals. But it was Liga's persistence through the play of Urrutia, Manso, Reasco and Bieler that time and time again got through the brazilian defense. The result was an exhilarating 3-2 match won by the Quito team.

Sure, Joffre Guerron and Luis Bolanos may be gone but Calderon and Araujo make up for the losses, as does the return of the great Neicer Reasco after an unsuccessful stint at Sao Paulo. Liga's spine remains: Urrutia, Bieler, Manso, Calle, Campos, Ambrossi, and Pepe Pancho Cevallos.

And what about the team that only wants the Libertadores? Boca Juniors of Argentina, that is. I heard on the radio that club officials put the continental competition as a higher priority than the domestic league. Well, when put against Ecuador's modest Deportivo Cuenca things didn't quite look right. Aside from Palacio, Riquelme never found his rhythm and Palermo was out of touch. Cuenca looked a bit lost, I must admit, but they only just lost the game by 1-0. It's still early, ladies and gents, but there's still room for the Liga faithful to dream.

Toronto FC streamers

Okay, this being an all-about-soccer website I just couldn't keep my mouth shut about this. Apparently, recent comments from ESPN's Michael Wilbon on the streamers thrown by fans in the TFC-NYRB game in which he thoroughly trashed the MLS for allowing such behavior raised more than one eyebrow in the MLS community. None other than commissioner Don Garber refuted Wilbon's comments in his blog on the MLS website and divulged his position on this type of occurrence is a unique phenomenon of the sport and one that is repeated all over the world. He also says that it's "one of our points of difference and part of what will drive our future success. There are plenty of sports leagues in the U.S. and we are not trying to offer the same in-stadium experience. We need to embrace the passion and electricity that makes soccer the world's most popular sport."
Steve Goff updated on the interchange with Wilbon's rebuttal: "Having said that, ANYTHING that interferes with the actual competition is bad. It's just awful. DON'T UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES screw around with the competition. That's not to be interactive, it's not to be influenced by anything and anybody that's not in a uniform or striped jersey on the field. Nothing and nobody is going to change my opinion on that. Ever."
I must say I agree with Goff and Garber and most other true soccer fans out there. Streamers and raucous fans running up and down the bleachers is part of the spectacle of the beautiful game. It is still present in some of the more highly regarded leagues in the world: Argentina, Mexico, Italy, etc. I haven't seen many streamers in the EPL but hooliganism in the late 80s was partly to blame for a much more subdued game-time experience that we see today (compared to the streamers, flares and confetti in South American leagues). There is always a question of safety but as one that has experienced full-fledged soccer in a South American venue, you choose where you sit and typically if you choose to sit in raucous areas you tend to be a raucous fan. To each his own. I was happy in my confy seat next to ardent fans that shouted and booed without using more physically-involved demonstrations. I paid more, yes. But that's why there are supporter's groups and sections in the stadiums.
I'm including video of a typical futbol game in Argentina with the beloved Xeneizes. Atmosphere, people. Boca brings it. TFC has it. Let's have fun with it. In all my years going to sports events I never saw a more dedicated group of fans than those in a Ecuador clasico: Barcelona - Emelec. Not even the [american] football match between Florida and LSU could match it ...just as loud, yes.... but where's the pyrotechnics?
I love my futbol. Bring on the streamers.