Amateur Yo Soy Fútbol

Soccer friend, let's start the game warm-up: Have you ever wondered who was the first soccer team formed here in Monterey County? Who were the first players to start the soccer culture in our valley? Do you think John Steinbeck would have seen paisanos play soccer when he wrote Tortilla Flat? Have you imagined Chicano zoot-suiters juking or scoring goals? What if among the braceros (1942-1964) there was a goalkeeper? A great defender? A smart midfielder? A skilled striker? A demanding coach? I ask you this because I don't know if you know that the soccer ball has been rolling in our Latino community for over 70 years. This beautiful sport, our beloved soccer or "the man's game" as was baptized by the Mexican commentator ngel Fern ndez is now a vital part of our Latino identity here in the United States. Amigo(a) futbolista empecemos el calentamiento del partido: alguna vez te has preguntado qui n habr sido el primer equipo de f tbol que se form aqu en el condado de Monterey? Qui nes habr n sido los primeros jugadores que iniciaron la cultura del f tbol en nuestro valle? Crees que John Steinbeck habr a visto jugar f tbol a alg n paisano cuando escribi Tortilla Flat? Te has imaginado a los pachucos burlando o metiendo goles? Qu tal si entre los braceros (1942-1964) estaba alg n portero? Un gran defensa? Un mediocampista inteligente? Un delantero habilidoso? Un entrenador exigente? Te pregunto esto porque no s si sepas que la pelota del f tbol tiene rodando m s de 70 a os dentro de nuestra comunidad latina. Este lindo deporte, nuestro f tbol o el "juego del hombre" como lo bautizar a el comentarista mexicano ngel Fern ndez es ahora parte vital de nuestra identidad latina aqu en Los Estados Unidos.