March 19, 1999
By John Philip Wyllie
The sign on the stadium scoreboard
said it all. It read, "Welcome U.S." Certainly an odd
message to be posting at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, which according
to Rand McNally, still lies within the boundaries of the United
States. Or was it?
Surrounded by a sea of highly charged green-jersey-ed Mexico fans, players on the U.S. National Soccer Team must have felt as if they were playing in Azteca Stadium. But this is the situation whenever Mexico brings it's skillful and exciting team to Southern California. Following their every move is a legion of loyal fans waving flags, chanting, blowing their horns and celebrating their heritage. This was not just a soccer game. This was an international battle for the U.S. Cup between North America's two best soccer teams, the United States and Mexico. This was war!
After more than 90 minutes of highly entertaining end to end action, the Mar. 13 game resulted in a narrow 2-1 victory for the Tricolores. The celebration however, was just beginning. Masses of people danced in various areas surrounding the field to the sounds of the cumbia, while the aroma of carne asada wafted through the air. A horde of spectators wrap-ped in flags or adorned in brightly colored, often outlandish outfits streamed by. 48 hours later, people were still buzzing about it including several who work and study at Bonita Vista High.
Two members of Bonita Vista's High School's Boys Soccer Team were among the throng who made the pilgrimage to the "Q". Like most of the fans in attendance, they live here in the United States and are citizens of this country. But when Mexico brings its team to town, they see it as an opportunity to reaffirm their roots.
"My uncle was visiting from Mexico, so we took him and he was really impressed with how much the crowd was into it," said Jaime Lebrija. "I was born in New York and I've played soccer here in the United States with several clubs, but my parents root for Mexico. I guess they have an influence on me. I root for both teams, but this time I was more for Mexico because of the (pro-Mexico) environment.
At the conclusion of the game, anarchy ruled on the field as a continuous cavalcade of of Tricolores supporters ran on to the field proudly waving Mexican flags to celebrate the win. Some were chased and wrestled to the ground, but it quickly became apparent that the yellow-jacketed security force was hopelessly outnumbered.
"I wanted to run on to the field myself," Lebrija said. "With the security guards chasing you, it would have been fun." Had he elected to do so, he might have encountered his Bonita Vista High teammate, Isaac Saucedo who was part of the beleagured security force.
"I was thinking, how are we going to get all these people off the field? I was worried that one of the players was going to get hurt or that one of them (the revelers) was going to injure themselves. A lot of them were drunk," according to Saucedo. "I tackled one guy and took him to the dugout. I also got socked when I tried to help one of the security guards that was getting beat up. Saucedo, who also was rooting for Mexico, doesn't regret signing up to work security at the game.
"Ever since I was small and we watched the World Cup together, my dad has wanted us to cheer for Mexico. It was a good soccer game and a good atmosphere and I got to watch it for free from the field level. I'd definitely do it again."
Another BV student, Carlos Lara, enjoyed the game from a much afer security post in the stands. "The Mexican fans were large in number, but also enthusiastic and rowdy. There was some taunting going back and forth, but it was mostly in fun," Lara said.
Patrick Parra works at the South Bay high school as a health care assistant. " I thought the Mexican and American fans got along pretty well in spite of their differences. "One lone soul was cheering for the U.S. in our section. He was really proud, stood up and chanted U-S-A!, U-S-A! He was of course drowned out by the huge pro-Mexico crowd. At halftime, his Mexican (cheerleader) counterpart came over and shook his hand. Seeing this, the crowd chanted Beso!, Beso!, Beso! to egg them on. It was just good natured fun. I just wish they could have more games like this here in San Diego."
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