More frustration, All Stars, and more relocation speculation

• By John Santos, Chivas USA Examiner

This past weekend again showed why Goats goalkeeper Dan Kennedy was deserving of an All Star Game nod.  Ironically enough, MLS All Star Coach Hans Backe was not paying attention to him.  All this considering that he posted a shut out on Mr. Backe’s regular MLS team, the New York Red Bulls.  Another setback for the Goats was the lack of goals.  Being able to shut out the Red Bulls is nice, but if you can’t capitalize on that and score at least one for yourself, then there’s a problem. 

While Mr. Backe may not have been looking towards Dan Kennedy, he was paying attention to both Goats Left Back Heath Pearce, and Goats Midfielder Nick LaBrocca.  This is a historic first for the Chivas USA organization.  While the likes of Ante Razov (2006), Jonathan Bornstein (2007,2008,2010), and Zach Thornton (2009) have made the All Star Game roster as Goats in the past, two members of the team have never represented the Goats during the same year.  As members of the 2011 MLS All Star Team, they will now suit up and take part in the midsummer classic that will see them face off against Manchester United on July 27th.

Last week this examiner made mention of places in Los Angeles County where he would like to see the Goats move to based on Antonio Cue's commnets.  With that said, here’s another speculative pick for Chivas USA’s potential new stadium:

Long Beach

As a graduate of California State University Long Beach, it goes without saying how biased this round of speculation might sound.  But listen up.  As the 7th largest city in the state with a population of over 400,000 (yes I looked it up on Wikipedia, but I trust its accuracy), Long Beach is a city that could very well stand it ground and support a major sports franchise (yes, MLS franchises are major indeed).  But where in Long Beach could the Goats set up shop?  Could they look into purchasing a large block of land at El Dorado State Park?  In our dreams maybe, but the location would be a good one as it would still be in LA County, but (literally) a stone’s throw away from Orange County.  The 405, 605, and 22 could help in bringing people in, but public transit wise it would be a lot more difficult as there are no trains of the sort to take people there.  Moving on though, where then?

Advertisement How about Downtown Long Beach?  First and foremost, Metro’s Blue Line train services the area with 4 stations.  What’s that?  Tear down the Long Beach Arena and build a new stadium right there?  The cool ocean breeze.  Shops.  Bars.  Restaurants.  The 710 terminus.  Accessible public transit between Metro’s Blue Line and the LBT (Long Beach Transit).  All within walking distance.  But, while the “Corona Stadium at the Waterfront” has a nice ring to it, it might be easier said than done.  For starters, the mural painted all over the Arena could be a hurdle in tearing it down.  A potential PR battle would await the organization.  Perhaps Mr. Vergara and Mr. Cue would be willing to pay for a similar mural to spread across the new stadium?  Some could argue that if one can’t tear the arena down, then there is ample room next to it.  Of course building in that area would cost some their “beach front” property.  It would be another potential PR battle.  And being so close to the beach, you know the environmentalists would be out in full force.

But this is my wish list.  So bring on the art lovers, property owners, and tree huggers.  Downtown Long Beach by the waterfront would be an ideal location for Chivas USA’s new home

• By John Santos, Chivas USA Examiner

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!” said this examiner at the conclusion of this past weekend’s match. 

While many are of the “any point earned on the road is a good point” perspective, even they must be quite upset.  To lose a lead with seconds to go, our Goats basically reenacted the Women’s World Cup from earlier in the day, playing the role of the Brazilian national team.  Fortunately for the Goats, there would be no PK’s to sink them.  In the rear view mirror now, the Goats return to the HDC to take on the Eastern Conference leading New York Red Bulls and their all star cast this Saturday at 7:30.  Get your tickets now, a large walk up is expected.

With all that said, time to get back to speculating where the Goats new stadium will one day stand.  Click here to look other speculative locations.

Pomona Fairplex

No need to worry lovers of the county fair.  Have you seen the size of the parking lots there?  You could fit an NFL sized stadium there.  Sure, it’s a little off the beaten path so to speak, but the possibilities are endless.  And while many would say the team would be too far from Los Angeles to begin with, there would still be a whole new demo to go after known as the Inland Empire.  The 14th largest metropolitan area in United States according to the 2000 census.  Sure, there is a Racetrack and Raceway in the way.  It’s nothing a demolition crew can’t handle.  And if for some reason the Racetrack nor Raceway are expendable, then the parking lot on the eastern portion of the Fairplex can do the trick.

With the 10, 210, and 57 (anyone feel like going swimming or is it just me?) all meeting in and around the area, getting there shouldn’t be a problem for those traveling from other parts of Southern California.  And lastly, there is a Metrolink station less than two miles away.  For those choosing not to drive to “Corona Stadium at the Fairplex”, the Goats FO can either arrange for shuttle services to and from the North Pomona station, or fans can strap on their best walking shoes and hit the pavement.  A little cardio before and after the match shouldn’t hurt.

Advertisement Weingart Stadium

Located on the campus of East Los Angeles Community College, Weingart Stadium is no stranger to high level sports.  During the heyday of the NASL (North American Soccer League) the stadium hosted the Los Angeles Aztecs.  It was also the site of several events during the 1984 Olympics.  With a capacity of over 20,000 (7,000 less than the HDC), it is already MLS attendance ready.  Sure it has field turf and somewhat visible football lines (cough-cough “Seattle” cough-cough).  But an MLS budget (spearheaded by our loaded owners in Antonio Cue and Jorge Vergara) should be able to cover the cost of putting in real grass and even building a state of the art press box with a few suites.  Maybe replacing the benches with actual seats would be a nice upgrade to look into.  But one thing at a time.

The Metro Gold Line does service the area courtesy of the Atlantic Station.  But much like the Fairplex, a shuttle may be needed to reach it should fans not want to make the walk.  Unlike the Fairplex, the walk is only about a mile should one be interested in getting some exercise.  

That’s enough speculation for now.  Join me next time where I’ll mention a couple of more locations, including my dark horse that most have not even thought about.  Till then.   



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Within the frontlines of support: Setting up

• By John Santos, Chivas USA Examiner

 The last time the Goats were victorious was June 4th vs. Portland.  That also happened to be the last time this examiner attended a match in person.  So is it any coincidence that the Goats were victories last night upon this examiner's retune to the HDC?  Most if not all would "yes, it's just a coincidence.  With the match being a midweek fixture, many of the Black Army's usual suspects were unable to attend.  But the group was not deterred as it willed the team to its first victory in over a month.    

Arriving from a previous engagement in which the Sweden beat the United States to close out the 1st round of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, lot 6 appeared to be a ghost town.  Fortunately a dedicated supporter from Las Vegas had arrived earlier.  And within a couple of minutes, flags and banners had arrived.  No sooner than they had arrived, it was off to the stadium to set up.  A first, this examiner was eager to help.  

As the rolls of painters tape used to hold up the banners slowly turned into cardboard rings, the southeast corner of the Home Depot Center turned into the Black Army's home away from home.  Banners go a long way in supporters culture.  They are the first impression of the group that the casuals at the stadium get when entering.  Make it a good one, and they will remember it far after the match is over.  The smaller individual banners spread about the corner can also tell the casuals a little bit about the members.  From KISS to Bob Marley, and from Hope Solo, to the State of California, it's obvious that within this group there is an intense, yet relaxing outlook on life and soccer, as well as a high amount of civic and state pride. 

Advertisement No supporters section is complete until the flags are in place though.  When it comes to flags, the Black Army carries quite the variety.  From black/white and red/white pattern flags (some reminiscent of the Polish flag), California state flags, and flags from the American Revolution, there is a flag for nearly every occasion.   None more so poignant than the US flag with Rainbow stripes that this examiner found himself waiving for most of the second half.    

Upon finishing, it was back out to lot 6 and await further arrivals.  Little by little more and more of the Black Army arrived.  By kickoff everyone who would be there, was there.  The match itself could have had a better 1st half, but considering the goals by Ben Zemanski and Nick LaBrocca in the 2nd half to end the match, it can be looked over.  

Up next for the Goats, a trip to brand new Livestrong Sporting Park and a match against Sporting KC this Saturday at 4:30pm.  That match can be seen on Galavision.  Last time the teams met was on Opening Day, with Sporting taking a 3-2 win courtesy of 2 Omar Bravo goals.


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