This exchange just took place at Goode Company Texas BBQ here in Houston:
Restaurant employee (in Spanish): Who are you rooting for tomorrow, Mexico or USA?
Customer (in clear but very American accented Spanish: USA
Restaurant employee: Why would you root for USA? You’re Latino.
Customer: I grew up here and USA has beaten Mexico the last six times they played.
Restaurant employee: That’s no excuse.
Customer: Can I get my order to go?
Restaurant employee: No takeout for USA fans.
The light-hearted exchange is the kind that is taking place all over the United States today. What Mexican fans are starting to realize is that more and more Latinos who aren’t Mexican are now rooting for the United States. That’s what beating Mexico regularly will do for you.
And yes, I’m writing this from Goode Company Texas BBQ, where I just had lunch. It was recommended by readers and it definitely gets the SBI seal of approval. Of course now I’m going to need a nap before the United States press conference at 4pm local. No time for a nap unfortunately.
I’ll check back in after the festivities at Reliant Stadium so stay tuned.
I think the U.S. is going down tonight, although I hope I’m wrong. I think we (USA) have slightly overachieved against a competent Mexico side during this amazing nine year unbeaten stretch of games played in America. Looking at the starting elevens tonight, and knowing the crowd will (once again) be pro Mexico at an American arena, and factoring in what must by now be an obsessive drive for the Mexicans to topple the US on US soil, I have to believe Mexico gets the result tonight. But as I said, I hope I’m wrong and Dempsey and Donovan score early, and Altidore scores late to give us another dramatic win (3-2), and they another heartbreaking and frustrating loss.
I’m one as well. My mom is Mexican (though a US citizen now), my dad was born in El Paso and while I have a lot of family still in mexico, I’ve always cheered and rooted for the US. These last 10 years have been fantastic after putting up with the first 20 being humiliated.
Viva Los Estados Unidos!!!
American of Mexican Descent, or an AmericanMexican, Don’t go caling me Mexican-American!….way more American than Mexican 3rd generation, although I’m fluent in Spanish.
Cheer for Mexico? Sometimes maybe..can’t think of when, no real animosity except of the lack of professionalism that emanates from the Mexican nats, However I would never cheer for Mexico against any other Concacaf opponent, loved when Mexico lost against Guatemala earlier this year!
With that food exchange, I hope no one spat in it!!
FYI guys, there are a few well-placed people who have told me Jozy will be up top with Dempsey to start the game.
Born in Los Angeles to Salvadorean parents, raised in Houston, ive never rooted for Mexico. Ever! Even if its Nigeria vs Mexico, ill go for Nigeria. Now, i dont hate Mexicans, but ill never root for them. My girlfriend and I (who are brown) will be seating next to all my “white” friends, on the US side rooting agaisnt Mexico.
I hope you got the chopped brisket on jalapeño bread. That food’s enough for me to forget about Houston’s weather for a bit.
Not Mexican, but I am hispanic. I root for the U..S..A. BUT I also root for Mexico when they play someone else. The better the MEX do, the better we’ll do.
I’m happy to hear about all the support for soccer and the Dynamo in Houston. And I second your opinion Dannyc58