In the build-up to the last ever meeting of Chivas USA and their across the hall rivals LA Galaxy, social media has been rampant with reminiscence. Chivas’ Facebook and Twitter account has been posting videos and images of all the previous meetings between these LA rivals. “Who scored in this game? What was the outcome of that particular game? Remember him?!”
To be honest, a lot of these moments were completely lost on me. Living in Scotland for the majority of Chivas USA’s existence, I was not (un)fortunate enough to see a lot of what has dubiously been called the “Super Clasico” all these years. Since I moved to California back in 2012 though, my memories are slightly different from your average Chivas USA fan.
As a Celtic supporter, my life has been based around hating the club formerly known as Rangers, through the good times, and the bad. Even if Celtic had lost the league already and had been beaten by Rangers in every previous game of that season, the last “Old Firm” derby of the season would still be enormous. Bragging rights for that day alone would be good enough. I have countless memories of goals, players celebrating in front of opposing supporters and red card challenges. I of course remember drinking in the pub beforehand, jumping up and down in the stands and instantly winding up my friends who were not so fond of Celtic, but the on-the-field drama was priceless.
With Chivas USA versus LA Galaxy, it is completely different. My memories of these derby games are primarily of the time I spent with the small, but loyal band of supporters who showed me what supporting a vastly more unsuccessful team was all about.
Chivas USA have given me very few derby moments that I will never forget. Two main moments stand out to me. The first being the 1-0 win on May 19th, 2012 where Jose Correa converted a PK to snap a six game winless streak against the Galaxy. The other was Carlos Alvarez scoring and running to the Union Ultras in celebration (Honorable mention goes to various Dan Kennedy saves).
The Union Ultras though have given me more Clasico memories than the players on the field and it is these that will stand the test of time. I am not one for remembering dates, times and the particular season that something took place. Supporting a much maligned, unsuccessful team like Chivas USA, everything turns into a blur. All of the seasons roll into one, and it is easy to forget what happened when. For that reason, trying to properly preview the upcoming game seems a bit pointless.
It is the last ever Clasico, so of course I am going to remember it. But unless the current crop of Chivas USA players can pull off a miracle, I would bet my everlasting memory of this match will be one last Galaxy game with my fellow supporters. It will have less to do with who is in the Starting XI, the formation and the tactics, and more to do with one last party that screams “Still Here!” Because overall, that’s what I think truly matters to the fans who I join on match day. It is about showing true passion and dedication to your team. A team that is constantly ridiculed, clouded in controversy, and embarrassed in defeat. That is what I will remember.
Standing in Celtic Park I always wondered, “What would it be like to part of a supporters group that supports a team at the bottom of the league, with no real rivalry?”
Esta es una banda loca, la que tiene aguante. Si somos cinco o cien, nos vale madre!
(image courtesy of mlssoccer.com)
