Some History

[Steve Holroyd]

I realize it's comparing apples with oranges, given the fact this took place in a not-necessarily-Latin city (Philadelphia) and at a time when the game was on a much different footing in the U.S., but I submit this article (http://www.jamiepeck.com/atoms/history5.htm) for your enjoyment--the 1976 Philadelphia Atoms, a mostly-Mexican side and dismal failure on all counts.

I'm not suggesting that Chivas USA will also fail. I just offer this as some historical perspective.

[JMMUSA8]

you don't need to suggest, it will fail.

[uclacarlos]

Originally posted by Steve Holroyd
I realize it's comparing apples with oranges, given the fact this took place in a not-necessarily-Latin city (Philadelphia) and at a time when the game was on a much different footing in the U.S., but I submit this article (http://www.jamiepeck.com/atoms/history5.htm) for your enjoyment--the 1976 Philadelphia Atoms, a mostly-Mexican side and dismal failure on all counts.

I'm not suggesting that Chivas USA will also fail. I just offer this as some historical perspective.
apples and oranges. zero historical worth in its application.

not only is Philly not "Latin", but the Mexican population in the South West has quadrupled (+/-) in that time. They were just trying to field a team. Chivas will be building a franchise.

And Club America wants to buy an already established franchise. (It's cheaper and there's less risk. Which is why they won't dramatically alter the Quakes.)

[Steve Holroyd]

I think the United Clubs had every intention of "building a franchise"--after the 1975 season, the NASL looked like a golden investment. But the fan support never materialized.

I've already condeded that Philadelphia is not the same as San Diego or Houston. However, there were many people of Mexican extraction living and working in the Philadelphia area in 1976. The teams that made up the United Clubs may not have the same cache as Chivas (or Club America), but they were known clubs all the same. Mexican soccer fans did not flock to see Atoms games. There is no guarantee they will for Chivas USA.

Don't get me wrong...I hope Chivas succeeds. Their success will be MLS' success. But there seems to be a sense that this success is "automatic" and, if the 1976 Atoms were any indication, this is not the case.

[JMMUSA8]

I'll tell you one thing, Chivas will fail if they line up a lineup of San Diego's finest Mexicans and 3 SI Mexicans and as much TI mexicans they can get. If they play by the rules and choose to use their 3 SIs on Mexicans, then they might do well, otherwise enjoy being below everyone in the West.