Unfortunately I was only able to watch the first half of both the DCU/Chivas and Dynamo/Pachucha matches. Especially upset about missing the second, not so upset about sparing myself the emotional distress of watching the ball slip through Troy Perkins hands. Anyways, one thing that seemed to stand out is how the Mexican squads had very complete teams, while the difference for both MLS teams might have been just one or two weak spots on the field that consistently failed to produce.
For DC, it was Clyde Simms who really disappointed, although he was playing out of position. The ball was given away time after time, and from what I hear they eventually just stopped playing him out wide. That wide position may continue to be a thorn in the side of United depending on the damage done to Gros.
In Houston's case it was the severe lack of pace at right back. Craig Waibel was just not at the level needed for intense international competition against much more skilled and swift attackers. Clumsy challenges were abound - the other man badly missed was obviously Ricardo Clark due to injury.
The level of play between Mexican and MLS teams is obviously drawing closer. The DCU match proved to be a balanced affair, and Houston showed an immeasurable amount of toughness going down two goals before fighting back ahead of the tie several times. It's too bad neither team could produce the moment needed for victory, but if these matches are any indicator, Mexican regional dominance on the club level is waning.
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