Game on Saturday night in Glendale AZ. U.S. in white.

Of course I was aware of it. But the game was still a good one, and an admirable performance at that, by a bunch of American Major League Soccer guys and a few Americans in Europe not heralded in the way Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore and Carlos Bocanegra are.

I really like watching those guys play, but seeing this U.S. team play hard and fast and win, no matter whom the opponent (Venezuela was a very game foe, needless to say, despite not using many of its frontline players) brought me a sense of appreciation and gratification.

I’ve been a fan of MLS since the 2008 season when I really began to follow the league. It’s not the EPL or La Liga or the Bundesliga or Serie A, and maybe it never will be. But I like the direction in which the league is headed. I like that the infusion of the Cascadia teams has increased the league’s profile. I like the openness and availability and accessibility of and to the players and coaches and league staff. I like the pattern of managed growth and the choices of expansion cities, knowing well that my current home, Phoenix, may never be on that list.

I liked knowing that I was familiar with almost every player on the field Saturday, be it through previous interviews or just from watching a lot of games. I have to thank Ives Galarcep for the opportunity to write for his Soccer by Ives web site because it forced me to follow MLS even more closely, and now it’s kind of a habit. And it helps that I was there for the start of an MLS franchise and the first season of the Seattle Sounders, making me a fan of the league by default.

Sure, many of these guys might never feature in a World Cup for the Americans, even though Clark and Jermaine Jones, who played very well, have done so. At least soccer fans in the U.S. know that the players in their domestic league are a bunch of quality character, hard-working guys who are willing to learn from Jurgen Klinsmann and get better and perhaps take the next step in their careers. And those fans should know, if they don’t already, that a league is only as good as its players, and there is quality soccer to be seen live at MLS stadiums around North America.

Support the league. Support these players — A.J. DeLaGarza and Graham Zusi and Bill Hamid and Jeff Parke and Chris Wondolowski and Juan Agudelo and C.J Sapong and Kyle Beckerman and Geoff Cameron and many more. Appreciate what we have, because they certainly do. The 2012 season starts in less than two months.

I’m positive that Klinsmann is happy to be working with a group of guys like this, who are honored to wear the U.S. jersey and don’t take it for granted and are willing to adapt to his style. And here’s hoping we see at least a few of them contributing in big international competitions down the road.

Family. My dad stressed the importance of it so many times growing up, because ours was so far removed from our relatives in Southern California and other places. Sometimes it feels like it still is.

Which makes those times when you get to see a lot of tios and primos and second cousins and parents’ cousins and spouses and babies, etc., so rewarding.

R.I.P Tia

The paying of respects to Aunt Agnes, or as some called her Aunt Tita, brought us together this past weekend in the San Fernando Valley. It was sad to say goodbye to the matriarch of the Romero family, who lived to age 98 and was one of the most kind and giving women any of us ever knew. But in celebration of her life, the Romero/Paredes/Romo/Jiron families, plus folks from my mom’s side of the family who graciously took their time to be there for us, were able to come together.

First and second cousins, love my family!

It was just nice to see so many people again and catch up. I learned a lot. Talked to Uncle Smiley about his time in Eugene when he went up to Oregon to go to school. Got in a lot of photos. Caught up with Cousin Maggie and Paul and took my turn as being the butt of a few jokes.

It seems like no matter how long I go without seeing them, every time I do I feel like I just saw them last week. We’re good like that.

Family is precious. Make it a big part of your life and it will help you feel fulfilled.

Me with my sisters! We only get to see each other a few times a year. Love you both and I'm so proud of you! PS Thanks Maggie for posting the photo.

I was able to get down on the field for the last four minutes of the game, right after the fumble by Wisconsin that gave the Ducks the ball.

As the seconds ticked off, being impartial with my press credential and trying not to root openly for the school from where my entire family either studied or received bachelors degrees, in the city where I was born, was incredibly difficult.

I’d been to three previous Oregon Bowl games, including two Rose Bowls, and the Ducks had lost them all. Finally, on Jan. 2, they won a big one. The Granddaddy of Them All.

The gameday staff was very helpful and hospitable. The press box was fantastic and there was so much food. Seeing the game from there was wayyyy better than from the stands from a comfort standpoint, only thing was, no cheering. Small price to pay, beyond happy to be there.

Here’s what it looked like right after the officials called the game over. Watch the end when Puddles the Duck goes crazy.

More from down on the field:

I took a number of photos. See below for a few:

Kickoff, Wisconsin vs. Oregon

Third-quarter action

Puddles is nervous. So was I.

This would be the final score.

Cheer squad poses

Defensive MVP of the game, Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso.

Year 2 in Arizona is coming to a close, but it began with the BCS national championship game here in Glendale, and I was fortunate enough to cover it. Even though my beloved Oregon Ducks lost, I was pretty proud of their effort and I can say that I was there. 

Later in January 2011 I took my first trip to the new Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore., new home for Oregon basketball. Awesome place. I’ll always cherish old McArthur Court though.

In February my wife bought me an I-phone for Valentine’s Day. She keeps wanting me to say that the device has made my life better and easier, so I’ll say it: she’s right. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty sweet.

February and March were spent covering Major League Soccer training and baseball spring training. I was very busy, needless to say.

After celebrating the end of spring training with dinner at Morton’s — ooh, swanky! — baseball season began. I went home to Portland in April for my birthday and attended the inaugural Portland Timbers match at Jeld-Wen Field. It poured rain all night, but I was under the overhang and stayed dry and the Timbers thrilled the sellout crowd with the win.

Later in April I went to the two Phoenix Coyotes NHL playoff games against Detroit. The Coyotes got dominated but the atmosphere in Jobing.com Arena was fun. It’s cool to have an NHL team right in my own back yard.

At the end of the month I took my wife to see my favorite rap artist ever, DJ Quik. And we met Mr. Blake in person! Great night.

Then, it was off to see the world.

In May my wife and I celebrated our first anniversary with a trip to London and Paris. Amazing. Loved every second of it and glad we didn’t spend inordinate amounts of time in museums and palaces, though they were nice.

That trip was unforgettable and we decided we have to go back to London, in part because we want to actually see Fulham PLAY in person next time! 

Paris was fantastic. Saw so much.

In June my sister got married in Pasadena. A great day for my family, and really enjoyed taking my Persian-Australian (and British) family to Tommy’s Burgers in Burbank. A cultural experience unlike no other for them!

A linkup with Fox News Latino got me into the 2011 MLB All-Star Game in Phoenix in July.  It was my second one.  To be there at Chase Field that night was special.

Later that month I went to Philadelphia to see an MLS match at PPL Park and a baseball game at Citizens Bank Park, both for the first time.

I also went to the Union-Real Madrid match. Man it was muggy in Philadelphia but the trip was OK.

In August I went to California for the annual Maria family reunion, and I got a surfing lesson (first time!) from my cousin Chip. To be able to get on the board and ride a small wave, if only for a couple of seconds, was worth the work it took to do it.

That month, my class at Arizona State’s Cronkite School of Journalism began, and teaching was a challenge yet very rewarding. My students were fantastic and the experience was very worthwhile. I’m back to teaching in about two weeks or less.

I also went to Flagstaff, Ariz. for two days of Arizona Cardinals camp in August. A lovely town, so green and clean up there in the mountains.

September started with the Sade and John Legend concert. Took one for the team (wife), but it was a pretty good show.

That month was a big one for live music. We saw Al B. Sure with Guy and Santana on the same weekend. Great shows!

September was huge. I was presented with a 40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40 award, which I humbly accepted and am very proud of.

I was at the ballpark when the Diamondbacks clinched the NL West division title at the end of September, and the celebration was fun. I was on the field to see it all, and in the clubhouse.

October brought playoff baseball, which I covered, then the Taco Festival with my wife in Scottsdale.

In November I covered the MLS Cup in L.A. as part of the Soccer by Ives coverage team. Fantastic trip, and time well spent with my sister and her husband. Even got to see a Kings hockey game at the Staples Center and see some celebs at The Grove.

In December my class ended, my life got slightly less busy and I made it home to Oregon for Christmas. The perfect way to end the year. I’ll start 2012 with a return trip to Pasadena to see the Ducks in the Rose Bowl.

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

Simon Cowell and AC Slater, I mean Mario Lopez are in this vid too. Balance.

So it’s been crazy. But one of the good parts was seeing my students — I just completed a semester of teaching writing for journalists at Arizona State U’s Cronkite School —  improve as writers. I had them write enterprise stories as a class assignment and they came out really good. So I am posting a couple of them — those that I link to — to share with the world.

This first one is from Katherine Becerra. It’s about a center for homeless folks trying to get back on their feet, and the people who live there.

And this one is from Jordan Brough, who will be forever known as the guy who broke it down for our class on being Mormon. Jordan is a swimming coach and he writes about two brothers who push other and cheer each other in and out of the pool.

I had many other very good ones and I’m waiting to get links to those. Now back to the daily grind, minus the teaching (for the time being anyway). Happy holidays – here’s a festive photo!

The tree at The Grove in LA.

MVP
1. Osvaldo Alonso SEA (about time he gets the recognition he deserves)
2. Dwayne DeRosario
3. Brad Davis

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
1. C.J. Sapong
2. Will Bruin
3. Darlington Nagbe

COACH OF THE YEAR
1. Peter Nowak
2. Sigi Schmid
3. Bruce Arena

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR
1. Omar Gonzalez
2. Jamison Olave
3. Marvell Wynne

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
1. Mauro Rosales
2. Camilo Sanvezzo
3. Diego Chara

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
1. Kasey Keller
2. Kevin Hartman
3. Nick Rimando

MLS Best XI

FIRST TEAM

GK- Kasey Keller
D- Omar Gonzalez
D- Geoff Cameron
D- Jamison Olave
D- Marvell Wynne
M- Osvaldo Alonso
M- Brad Davis
M- Brek Shea
M- Dwayne DeRosario
F- Chris Wondolowski
F- Sebastien LeToux

SECOND TEAM

GK- Kevin Hartman
D- Heath Pearce
D- Alain Rochat
D- Chad Marshall
D- Roger Espinoza
M- Jack Jewsbury
M- Landon Donovan
M- Mauro Rosales
M- David Beckham
F- Dominic Oduro
F- Fredy Montero

Go to next page for playoff picks:

Wild card round (winner in bold)

FC Dallas v. New York Red Bulls – I just don’t see FCD losing this one at home, and NYRB has been so spotty this season and barely got into the playoffs. The Hoops are just too talented and they know how to win in the postseason.

Colorado  vs. Columbus – This should be a difficult, grinding game, but the defending champs have too much offensive firepower to lose. Wouldn’t be surprised if this goes to PKs.

Next round of predictions to come for semifinals. 

Saturday, then, began at the 2nd Annual Arizona Taco Festival with Stephanie. We got full, fast.

The place in the photo above put a pineapple in my carne asada taco, estilo chilango I guess? Delicioso! There was also a lucha libre ring.

Came home and it was off to the Coyotes game. Big crowd, Phoenix beat the Winnipeg Jets, and I wrote a stream of stories about it. But man it was freezing in that arena! I still like hockey, though..

I don’t get out to Jobing.com Arena often so I took some pics.

When the game was over and I was done writing, it was off to the in-laws house to watch Oregon-ASU. At halftime I wrote this with a happy heart.

The game ended late, and I still had another commitment to fulfill. But I am glad I was up into the early morning watching Kasey Keller’s final home regular-season match. I got to spend more than a year covering the Sounders and Kasey was a big part of the coverage, his personality and honesty helping drive the stories I wrote.

I certainly hope Kasey gets to play for an MLS Cup in his final season, and I appreciate how approachable and just normal he was with myself and the media. Always accountable, never afraid to tell it like it is and a guy who played his heart out every match, whether he was stopping everything or having a tough day or night in goal.

And what a showing at that match by the fans, 64,140. Really makes me step back and think about what I left behind up there, it was huge in the first year and soccer has only gotten bigger in Seattle and the people deserve the success the club is having with all of the support they have given. That was reflected in the comments of Adrian Hanauer, Sigi Schmid, Joe Roth and Keller on that stage Saturday night as I watched it at 1:30 a.m.

Tuesday night I was at the Arizona-Milwaukee game in Phoenix. Did some work, saw a few friends, took a few pictures from Game 3 of the National League Division Series.

I’m sure the manager of the Brewers was playing around, but it was a bit odd when he asked reporters a question to start his comments after the game. 

The atmosphere at games that really count in baseball is just more electric. It’s great to go to games all season, but when it’s crunch time, fans really let loose when big plays happen. I saw a grand-slam home run from this guy Tuesday night, Paul Goldschmidt, and that’s pretty rare especially in postseason. (Arizona hit another the next night, rare, yeah right!)

More work here, and another photo below.

(Update: Just got denied my credential request for championship series, but it might all be for not as Arizona was in a tough spot against Milwaukee in the deciding Game 5 as I wrote this).

My team won 56-31. We sat up high in an Oregon section and had a blast watching the Ducks score seven touchdowns. I say seven because we missed the eighth, leaving early in the fourth quarter because it was late and it was a long drive back to Phoenix.

Certainly we weren’t leaving if it was a close game, but this was blowout city from the start.

That was one reason to like Tucson. Reason 2: Last time I saw the Ducks in Tucson, they won then, too.

Go Ducks!

I really have to give Stephanie a lot of credit. She went with me all the way to a place she clearly does not care for, as an Arizona State fan, and she was a good sport supporting me supporting my college. She even wore an Oregon shirt.

Reason 3: Love eating at Mi Nidito Mexican Restaurant.

Reason 4: The murals of Cesar Chavez and farmworkers on the freeway overpass bridge at the 4th Ave. exit off the 10 freeway.

Last night I got to be up close and personal as the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrated clinching the NL West championship. It’s something they hadn’t done since 2007, and the team media relations people let media members down on the field to witness the moment right after the final out.

I also got into the clubhouse, where I found myself avoiding champagne being squirted and splashed everywhere. I got hit with a little.

It was quite a scene in there, guys drinking champagne and beer, running out of the clubhouse back onto the field, having their names chanted by fans. I guess you can’t expect a sellout crowd here in Phoenix for even a big game such as Friday night’s, in which the Diamondbacks were one win away from clinching the division, but about 42,600 was pretty big.

They had really nothing to cheer about until the final innings and at the end. But they were loud. And with the last out, here was the scene:

I wrote up a post with quotes from players and others associated with the team for SB Nation Arizona. Here’s video I shot of the party on the field, thanks to Seth Pollack for the cool flip cam.