MY LA SOJOURN

Sam Mbonu

The 2021 MLS All-Star has come and gone but the echoes still revibrate across all nooks and crannies of both MLS and Liga MX. The result may not be the intended outcome that Liga Mx stars were expecting.

FC Dallas prodigy, Ricardo Pepi shone like a million stars as he slotted in that finals kick that handed the 2021 MLS ALL star trophy to MLS Stars, while New England Revolution Matt Turner saved 2 Liga MX penalties and was adjudged to be the MVP of the All-Star game.

This All-Star defeat of Liga MX is a strong reminder that the rivalry between the USA and Mexico in soccer is closing. At the 2021 CONCACAF Gold cup and Nation’s League, the US pipped Mexico, another bitter pill to swallow from the Mexican affiliated Liga Mx players.

The All-Star activities started on Monday, August 23rd with several skills challenges between Liga Mx and MLS stars, I arrived in Los Angeles California on Tuesday, August 24th. Quite an eventual flight from Houston to LAX. First, there was a mask rule breaker onboard the flight, but flights attendants did not do jack about it, secondly, the flight landed safely, GLORY BE TO GOD.

The short drive from LAX to the hotel was a reminder of the housing epidemic that has engulfed the state of California which spiked the rate of homelessness, tents scattered in every available space under the bridges. The air is filled with the sweet scent of cannabis because the state of California is one of the few states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use.

Even the gas price extinguished any slight hope I may be nursing in relocating to California. In Texas, the pump price for a gallon of fuel is $2.65 against the $4.03 gas price in California.

 When it comes to the security at the Banc of California Stadium, it was top-notch. Military helicopters patrolled the skies during the game, and one positioned strategically hovering over the main bowl of the stadium. Also, private security officers were on the ground to help the men and women of LAPD in maintaining orderliness at the stadium.

The Banc of California Stadium is a 22,000-capacity stadium and it is the home ground of Los Angeles Football Club, their fans always make the arena electrifying with their chants and songs. I was opportune to sit among these fans and experience the game-day atmosphere during this MLS All-Star outing. The Banc as the fans fondly calls the stadium has its ritual, and some said how can I come to the Banc without eating the street hotdog stuffed with grilled onion and I finally got inducted into the Banc by tasting one of those street foods.

When I set up my tripod to start my matchday coverage, one Mexican fan was quick to remind me that his country thrashed Nigeria 4-0 at the stadium. I understood his banter, that’s part of being a soccer fan.

Finally, I am looking for to second missionary journey to the Banc of California Stadium.