clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Chicharito reveals his NFL team, which may (or may not) surprise you

Plus, some thoughts on the tragedy gripping Los Angeles.

By Alicia Rodriguez
Soccer: Croatia vs Mexico
There’s a reason Chicha likes Mexico wearing black.
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles is in mourning this Monday, with the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others on Sunday in a helicopter crash.

It’s uncanny, considering I was at an event and just spoke to him 12 days ago, when he brushed off the soccer question many Angelenos were wondering: Which LA MLS team does the noted soccer fan follow? (His answer? A diplomatic, “Ask me something better.”).

Kobe’s life was complex, a player and person both beloved and reviled. Basketball fans are hurting, but this seems to touch everyone in Southern California, understandably so. Our thoughts go out to all those families affected by the crash, and we know a piece of Los Angeles is well and truly gone with this heartbreaking news. We all mourn today.

More news for your Monday:

  • Galaxy players make USMNT cut: Both Julian Araujo and Sebastian Lletget remain on the U.S. Men’s National Team roster, ahead of this week’s friendly against Costa Rica at Dignity Health Sports Park. Lletget will likely feature, while Araujo could make his senior team debut in the match. Sometimes Gregg Berhalter gives the youngsters a camp to watch things, but we’ll see if the defender gets his first appearance for the full national team.
  • Chicharito talks to Alexi Lalas: The best parts of this interview (they won’t let me embed it, here’s the YouTube link) is that both Chicharito and Alexi kind of don’t care about being polite here. The second best part? Chicharito immediately identifies as a Raiders fan. Incredible.
  • Good Efrain Alvarez profile: The teenage phenom has been going under the radar a bit this preseason, but could he be in line for more playing time this season? We’ll see. In the meantime, here’s a great video profile of the player, featuring tons of insight from his father. While he may unintentionally dunk on his kid for saying he has no charisma, he also seems to understand Efra has a different mindset from most, and that could potentially make him great as a player.

Today’s question: Your favorite Kobe memory? Let’s chat in the comments.

More From LAG Confidential