Some 25 years ago, Thomas Rongen and Javier Aguirre were roommates, friends and members of the Los Angeles Aztecs.
Now, the two will be together in Los Angeles yet again.
Rongen's Club Deportivo Chivas USA side will host Aguirre's Osasuna club in the inaugural Copa Fundacion Chivas de Corazon at The Home Depot Center on Saturday night.
"We're extremely pleased to be able to play such a great team coached by Javier Aguirre, a good friend of mine," Rongen said.
Aguirre, who played alongside Rongen for the NASL club in 1980, said the offer to play here against Chivas USA was unique and exciting.
"This was a great opportunity that I could not pass up," Aguirre said. "I have players on my team who are not familiar with the United States, who are not familiar with the style and level of play in the United States."
Osasuna have hit the skids in the Spanish League. The club last won on Dec. 22, a 2-0 win over Numancia. Since then, Osasuna have four draws and seven losses, including a 6-1 rout by Malaga and a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Levante last week.
However, Osasuna's season is not completely lost. The club is in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.
"We're trying to get ready for the last 10 games (of the Spanish season) and finish strong and also to get into the final of the Copa del Rey," Aguirre said. "We won't be out just for show (against Chivas USA). It will be a very competitive game, I'm sure."
For Aguirre, Chivas USA's red and white kit is extra special. Aguirre spent six seasons with Chivas de Guadalajara.
"It's a shirt that I am very fond of and Guadalajara is a city I've been endeared to," said Aguirre, who has a son born in Guadalajara.
Saturday night's match is also the first for Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center. Additionally, the club will reveal its inaugural jersey.
"What better way to present those colors than against an important club like Osasuna who not only plays in a very strong league but is coached by a Mexican who is very respected and admired in Mexico in Javier Aguirre," Chivas USA President and Owner Antonio Cue said. "We're going to face one of the best coaches Mexico has had and has produced and is something we're very happy about. Chivas USA represents Mexico in many ways."
And while Rongen and Aguirre share a friendship that spans nearly three decades, the match will be anything but friendly.
"Rugby players play each other tough during the game and drink three kegs of beer afterwards," Rongen said. "Just like against Club America, there is no such thing anymore as friendly games."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
