Bell Gardens, Calif., is getting ready for another weekend full of action as the 60 participants for the second round of "Sueño MLS Chivas USA Wants You!" prepare for their next challenge.
Unlike the first round where 2,000 hopefuls were scouted, now the pressure builds as only 60 dreamers will be carefully studied and analyzed. Less than half will make it through to the "Final 24."
After a brief check-in and registration in the morning, players will be split into four groups by the coaching staff for a 30 minute warm-up. The players will then engage in six 25 minute games for the duration of the trials. After this grueling day the scouts will then have to make their choices and pick the talented 24 that will go on to the third stage in this month-long quest.
For some, the opportunity of being in the second round is already a dream come true, and while the task is difficult, many players are willing to do what it takes. Goalkeeper David Lindholm of Salisbury, Conn., shares some of his thoughts with www.suenomls.com in this journal entry:
Thursday, February 22nd
I'm trying to wash the dishes but my hands are shaking and I can't quite concentrate. One bowl in front of me has been cleaned about six times, but all the other dishes are waiting for me to wrap my head around a pair of ideas. First, I've been called back as part of a group of 60 participants in the second round of the Sueño MLS tryouts, getting me closer to a long-held dream of playing professional soccer. And second, I have to find a way to get 2,500 miles across the country for the second time in less than a week.
The first tryout had gone well, but while part of me expected to get invited back, I certainly wasn't prepared for the call. I had already missed two days of work for the initial tryout, and hadn't considered the possibility of missing another pair. Not to mention another plane ticket, and on such short notice - my teaching salary was not prepared for the sudden jet-setting change in my lifestyle.
My stepfather told me that I should fly out, no matter the cost, and that he'd figure out a way to pay me back. After driving me to about 30 soccer games a year for my entire childhood, I owe him the respect but I certainly don't feel like he owes me more money. At this point, chasing the dream should be my responsibility.
So, it's settled. I just wrote an e-mail to my bosses here at school, asking for their blessing. They don't know that I've already called Sueño MLS back and booked another plane ticket. I've already gone from Connecticut to Los Angeles and back once, but it turns out that wasn't quite far enough. It's time for another journey to the West.
Lindholm is part a small handful of the participants that will be coming to Southern California from states including Florida, Texas and New York. This group of players, including a large representation from all of California, will make up the group of 60 that will fight for a chance to stay in the game and move on to the "Final 24" of "Sueño MLS Chivas USA Wants You!"
To meet some of the participants and watch the intensity of the second round tune into Univision's Republica Deportiva this Sunday from 11 a.m-1 p.m ET (12 p.m.-2 p.m. PT).
