SuperLiga 2007 officially kicks off Tuesday at Pizza Hut Park when FC Dallas and Mexican giant CD Guadalajara -- better known as Chivas -- meet in their Group A opener.
Chivas come to Frisco having won their 11th professional championship last December, a record for Mexican soccer, while FCD enter the match looking to see how they measure up against the top team from south of the border.
Chivas are certainly well known to the FC Dallas coaching staff, having played D.C. United in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in April, and having each of their games televised as a byproduct of their massive popularity.
"They play more of a 3-4-3 with three at the back," Morrow said. "They play four in the middle and the two wide guys are a real focal point for them. It's quite offensive. They'll come at us for sure. They throw bodies forward, especially in wide areas.
"We feel that with the shape of their team that there are a lot of things that we can do, especially with their back three. We feel that we can get at them, keep the ball long enough to open up some gaps and get some one-v-ones in some wide areas."
For the most part, the Hoops enter the match with a full complement of players. Goalkeeper Dario Sala, who injured his left knee in training Monday, will be a gametime decision, but will likely start.
Also in the mix will be 19-year-old Brazilian forward Ricardinho, who was added to the roster over the weekend after receiving his work visa. He could make his FCD debut tonight.
Center back Adrian Serioux, who made his Hoops debut in a 3-3 tie at D.C. United on July 14 but played just 66 minutes because he wasn't still fully fit coming off knee surgery, now looks match fit and could play the full 90.
Offensively, FCD will be led by forward and captain Carlos Ruiz, who netted his first goal since April 12 in the tie at United and could be on the verge of a rash of goals.
Leading scorer and all-star midfielder Juan Toja also enters the match on a hot streak of his own after scoring twice against United and netting another goal in last week's MLS All-Star Game.
The Hoops players have an immense amount of respect for tonight's opponent but still fell like they will deliver a good performance against Chivas.
"They are one of the best teams in Mexico," said midfielder Dax McCarty. "I have seen them play in the Champions' Cup. They are a typical Mexican team. They move the ball well and have a lot of good skillful, technical players. They're going to be a very tough match for us but I think that we're preparing well. It's going to be a dogfight."
Defender Drew Moor agreed. "Chivas are a good team and have some good players. They play a different formation than what we're used to. We're going to have to be on our toes, especially in the back. But it's something we're looking forward to."
Morrow sees SuperLiga as another great opportunity for MLS sides to see how they stack up against quality clubs from around the world.
"I think it's another opportunity for us to do that. In the last week, our league has played against quality opposition from around the world like Celtic and Chelsea. I think this league has given a good account of itself on both occasions," Morrow said. "I feel like it really has and that we're really ready to compete with the bigger leagues in the world. We're ready to prove that."
Morrow, for one, is also looking forward to playing some different opposition in the middle of the season.
"It's a nice, refreshing break in a way from the rigors of the regular season," Morrow said. "It's an exciting challenge for me and something different. It's a big game against different opposition and the players should see it as an exciting, different challenge and something they can look forward to. We feel like we have something to prove and need to go out and give a really good account of ourselves."
In addition, SuperLiga will give the Hoops a good chance to enter the last third of their league season on a high note.
"I think we're looking forward to it," Moor said. "It's nice to get a little break from league play, especially since we have played so many games in the first half of the season. This is a big tournament for us. We're looking to get off to a good start. It's nice to have all three games at home."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
