The New Kings of North America: The Changing of Guard in the USA vs Mexico Soccer Rivalry

I'm sure we can all admit, soccer is not the first sport that comes to mind in America. Maybe not even the second, third, or fourth. And we can safely assume that it is the first, and sometimes only sport that comes to mind in Mexico.

Despite the growth of the sport in the States, it seems like we have always been taking a back seat to Mexico in the sport. Mexico were considered the rulers of North American soccer, the force that no team could stop, but what if I told you that were changing?  What if slowly, but surely that foregone conclusion was becoming more and more invalid as the years go by?

Since the turn of the last century, the Yanks have started to make an indelible mark on the face of world soccer. We have had our share of success, from a quarter-final appearance in the 2002 World Cup, to a CONCACAF Gold Cup Win, and winning our World Cup Group in 2010. The Americans are also the only team in the World to beat the mighty Spaniards, at full strength might I add; in a knockout phase of a tournament in the last 5 years. And ending their historic run of going nearly three years without a scuff in the loss column at the same time.

Young American forward Jozy Altidore after delivering
the fatal blow to Spain in the 2009 Confederations Cup

Not only have we had our share of modest international success in tournaments, but we have a promising league being built here in America, and a great feeder system that is producing more and more talent as the years go by. The Americans are coming straight after Mexico, and the rest of the world in this sport, and they are not too far off.

In the early years of the Mexico vs USA rivalry, the Yankees were dominated by "El Tri". Wherever, whenever, however, Mexico kicked our rears into oblivion, including a 43 year unbeaten steak. But this has all changed since the turn of the last century. Don't believe me? Check the record it speaks for itself:

To summarize, since the turn of the century, the USA and Mexico have played 20 times. The USA has won 11 of those matches, compared to just 5 by El Tri, combined with 4 draws. If you ask me, that is a pretty good record. Also, the last two times the Yanks have gone into the altitude at Mexico's fabled Azteca stadium, standing at 7000 feet above sea level, we have not conceded one goal, and stolen a victory. Mexico rarely loses at Azteca, and the Americans earned two clean sheets in a row at the ground.

If you watch a match, it may not seem like the Americans are in fact better than the Mexicans. Eli Tri plays with great style, they have superstar players like Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who practices his trade in England at Mighty Manchester United. The USA don't always look to be the most deserving side, see the latest World Cup Qualifier for proof, but in the end they find a way.

They band together, just as Americans do, and they win as a team. They prevail as a team. They prevail as Americans. They hold superstars in check. Goal scorer extraordinaire Chicharito has yet to find the back of the net versus the Americans, most recently being held in check by two young American defenders making making only their 2nd and 4th appearances in the stars and stripes.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez in absolute despair after
failing to find the net vs the Americans

The United States are making a strong case for the title of "Kings of North American Soccer", and there is not a team that can get in their way. Even mighty Mexico has suffered their wrath. The sport is only growing in the country, and more talented athletes are putting down their shoulders pads, lacing up a pair of boots, and hitting the pitch!

The new Kings are here, and they are out to prove that they are for real. They will not vacate the throne easily, and in true American spirit, they will find a way to win!

Where is our Hero?

Dear Derrick Rose,

I AM CALLING YOU OUT.

Where are you? 

I feel like you have deserted your city. I feel like you are ready to go physically, and you can't find the mental fortitude to get you back on the court.

I feel like I'm being let down expecting this huge #RETURN as its being called, and its just not coming. Its not much of a return if you take a season off, and play at the start of the next. But Derrick, lets not talk about that, let me just tell you: WE NEED YOU

When I say we, I mean me, I mean your team, I mean your city, and I mean the game of basketball. Just look at your team; they have, against ALL odds, found a way to stay competitive, but how long can you expect them to keep the ship afloat? They held it together until the All-Star break, and your return was supposed to be on the horizon. Everything we heard was that you were ahead of schedule, was that you were jumping, cutting, practicing playing, and now just LOOK!

Now that its falling apart, you are nowhere to be found. We are sinking and you have not come to save us. How long can you expect us to hold it together without our leader? Without our saviour? Without our MVP?

Derrick this is my plea: 

I know you want to be 110% as you say it, but you won't be. The second you come back you are going to have lingering pain no matter what. But with time it will get better. You will not be 110% until you get back on the court. You were 100% when you were on the court, how can you get to 110% without getting back on it?

Chicago does not want you to rush back, but all signs point to you being physically ready. SO NOW ITS TIME DERRICK. It's time for you to come back and help us make a playoff run that everybody has written us off for. People say the Heat are invincible, but I know that you are the one that has the strength to loosen the vice grip LeBrick and W.o.W. (Washed Out Wade) have on this league.

Come back and help us. Come back and lead us. Come back and get our city a title. Come back and prove everyone wrong. And most of all, come back so I can love you again, because I don't know if I will ever think about you the same way again if you are not back this season.

Respectfully,

Alber Ahmad