Sunday, March 05, 2006
I guess it's how you look at things
The other day I posted how I was happy with the progress the Champions Cup has made the last few years. Now, SI contributor, Luis Bueno, tears apart the competition.
Now, I'm the first to admit that I can be naive about many things. However, I'm betting Mr. Bueno had even heard of the competition 5 years ago...let alone followed it. Hardly anyone did. At least now some SI writer is actually commenting on it. Good or bad, any publicity is good...right?
My problem is what he’s making the comparison. Yeah, the CONCACAF Champions Cup is nowhere near being an equal to the UEFA Champions League. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard anyone say otherwise. However, let’s compare the competition today with where it was 5 years ago when LA won. Five years ago, the competition was held over a two-week period in the LA area. The matches were played at Cal State Fullerton and the Coliseum. There was hardly any media covering the event and TV cameras…yeah right. I forget what the attendance for the final was when LA captured the trophy but there was no need to play the match at the Coliseum. They probably could have played the match at some local park and everyone in attendance (myself included) could have had a good view of the match just gathering around the touchline.
My point is, Mr. Bueno is missing the big picture here trying to…I’m not sure what he’s trying to prove here. The Champions Cup has come a long way in a short time. Whether or not it’ll ever rival the Champions League or the Copa Libratadors is another matter. However, as with MLS, change doesn’t happen over night. Its small meaningful steps that need to be made as the sport grows in this country and the region. I’m happy with the progress being made. Now, what baby steps are coming for the Open Cup…it’s long overdue for some improvements. ¶ 11:27 AM
Now, I'm the first to admit that I can be naive about many things. However, I'm betting Mr. Bueno had even heard of the competition 5 years ago...let alone followed it. Hardly anyone did. At least now some SI writer is actually commenting on it. Good or bad, any publicity is good...right?
My problem is what he’s making the comparison. Yeah, the CONCACAF Champions Cup is nowhere near being an equal to the UEFA Champions League. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard anyone say otherwise. However, let’s compare the competition today with where it was 5 years ago when LA won. Five years ago, the competition was held over a two-week period in the LA area. The matches were played at Cal State Fullerton and the Coliseum. There was hardly any media covering the event and TV cameras…yeah right. I forget what the attendance for the final was when LA captured the trophy but there was no need to play the match at the Coliseum. They probably could have played the match at some local park and everyone in attendance (myself included) could have had a good view of the match just gathering around the touchline.
My point is, Mr. Bueno is missing the big picture here trying to…I’m not sure what he’s trying to prove here. The Champions Cup has come a long way in a short time. Whether or not it’ll ever rival the Champions League or the Copa Libratadors is another matter. However, as with MLS, change doesn’t happen over night. Its small meaningful steps that need to be made as the sport grows in this country and the region. I’m happy with the progress being made. Now, what baby steps are coming for the Open Cup…it’s long overdue for some improvements. ¶ 11:27 AM
