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 Soccer Goals: After the recent hoopla of Mexican Primera Division signings Jesus Padilla (Chivas USA) and Luis Landin (Houston Dynamo) in MLS circles and in soccer forums, one would have thought that the US soccer revolution had taken place. Attacking flair, fancy back heels, and the famous scorpions goals would better influence the league and raise the level of play, traits that have made Mexican soccer technically gifted and fun to watch.

 

These soccer videos feature interviews with Padilla and Coach Preki

 

 

Both coaches stated that their players could rise up and be considered in the top echelon of Major League Soccer. With little impact in their first several games, their performances evoked questions of "Why more Mexican players don't come to MLS?" Let's examine the two players progress and discover why they have experienced a slow start.

 

Considered potentially to be one of the best attacking players for Chivas USA and MLS, Coach Preki stated that Jesus Padilla's attacking arsenal is plentiful, but he needed to work on his positional sense. "He has good attacking instincts and can play in a couple of different positions. He can play on the right and up top. So, that is a good option to have. He is going to be one of the better players if he wants to be" said Preki.

 

With the majority of his playing time at  right wing, the Chivas attacker has looked lost for long stretches during games and uncertain what do when he received the ball. As defenders and midfielders apply pressure during the entire 90 minutes, the former Goat of Guadalajara has struggled with the intensity, speed of play, and tempo. In his initial observations of his squad when he was brought into his first training camp with Chivas USA, he mentioned that the team's fitness was strong and the ball skills were comparable to the Mexico's level.

 

Since Sacha Kljestan has struggled most of the season after a failed transfer to Celtic, Kljestan has regained his swagger, attacking opposing defenders relentlessly, as the Padilla signing suggested that the US international was expandable. It is interesting that Sacha Kljestan has demonstrated a greater willingness to attack players 1v1 than the San Jose native.

 

So, why is Padilla struggling? There are probably a myriad of reasons: Fitness, lack of playing time with former club,Chivas de Guadalajara, confidence, and MLS' super athletic play have contributed to his slow integration and average showings. Against TFC, RSL, and Galaxy, he demonstrated little to warrant the #10 but has shown flashes of technical ability on several different occasions. Wearing the #10 bears great responsibility and demands consistency, will this pressure diminish his creative play? His athleticism and frame bodes well in this physical league. Couple this with his technical ability and attacking instincts, and Padilla could improve into a talented MLS player.

 

The question now remains: Will he integrate before the season concludes as Chivas USA aspires for a strong playoff run?

 Luis "El Escorpion" Landin signs with the Dynamo

After Luis Landin signed a  18-month Designated Player contract to play for the Houston Dynamo -- their first ever DP-signing -- many suggested that he would be the impact player that combined size, technical ability, and strong finishing, while still in the prime of his career. Most noted for his Scorpion goal in the Apertura for Cruz Azul where he scored on an acrobatic set-piece play, the U-23 Mexican international has big shoes to fill.

 

These soccer videos feature Landin signing.

 

 

 

In his first two appearances against the Seattle Sounders and Colorado Rapids, the target forward blended in with the opposing defense, failing to make the impact, which has merited the high-priced DP signings, such as Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Freddie Ljungberg, or Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Although he finishes well in the 18-yard box, his skill set is too similar to that of Brian Ching, crafty, strong hold-up play, and solid finishing. Paired with a fast player that can create space for Landin and chase down his headers, the former Cruz Azul forward would find consolation in this ying-yang approach.

 

Considered one of the deepest and most talented midfields in MLS, the Dynamo midfield will create chances for the 24-year old Mexican.  But, his initial showing has produced a resemblance of an ordinary forward who is slow, passive, and unengaged. Incorporating his skill set and participation will offer another facet to the Dynamo attack.

 

It is my hope that he integrates well with the Dynamo and experience success in MLS. If both Jesus Padilla and Luis Landin succeed in Major League Soccer, additional interest would be garnered from a Mexican and Mexican-American audience and viewership. The Latin community loves its futbol, and their further participation could elevate MLS to another level. Gaining exposure and acceptance from its southern neighbors would benefit MLS both from a marketing and financial perspective.

 

For the Dulio Davino's of the world who tried their fortunes in MLS but never really integrated well, there is Cuauhtemoc Blanco who has been a marketing grand-slam. Mariano Trujillo, Claudio Suarez, and Eduardo Lillingston have provided solid performances in their MLS careers. Perhaps, Luis Landin and Jesus Padilla can raise the bar even higher, opening the door for future Mexican prospects while bringing additional exposure to Major League Soccer.

 

What do you think of their play? Will either player experience a solid finish to the 2009 season? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Why more Mexicans don't play MLS?

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