Why he's an underdog.
Although initially touted as an exciting acquisition (Garth made the statement that he is a combination of Kyle Beckerman and Javi Morales), the initial feedback after his first week in camp was that Cordoba had been a disappointment. I believe there were fitness concerns, and he was slow to pick up on what we were trying to do. Early last week, Cordoba was also not included with the first team in the scrimmage against Newell's Old Boys in Rosario.
Why I'm rooting for him.
REASON #1: Style! Described as a linking, two-way player with tremendous technical ability, makes me excited to see what he can do on the pitch against MLS competition which typically relies more on physical ability than foot skills and combination play.
REASON #2: Demeanor! I had a couple of brief interactions with Matias at practice in Park City. I asked him if I could take his picture. I asked several players this, and he was the only player to say "thank you" after I took his picture (despite the fact that he doesn't speak English). He then asked me, through Espindola, if I could send him some of the pictures so that he could share with his family. The next time I saw him, he sought me out at the practice and thanked me for sending them. Call me a sucker, but I like this type of humility in a professional athlete.
REASON #3: The beautiful game! If Cordoba manages to secure a starting spot, I assume he will do so along-side Kovalenko, Beckerman and Morales in the midfield. I am excited about this midfield potential. However, I am also interested in late stages in the game for the potential of having Morales, Bomma and Cordoba playing together with Beckerman shoring up the defensive midfield. This combination seems to be very technical and could produce a very attractive, flowing style of play. Now that's what they mean by The Beautiful Game! Call me a sucker for this style of technical play.
REASON #4: Vindication! Call me a sucker for a good story (yes there's lots of reasons that I'm a sucker.) I'd like to see Cordoba vindicated that he deserves to be here, and have him prove his critics wrong (assuming there are critics). Also, I'm pulling for Garth to be successful as many of you know. His success will be invariably connected with the team's success. I'd like to see Garth vindicated for this acquisition.
REASON #5: Human interest! Hearing Garth describing how difficult it was for Morales last season; being in a new country, trying to learn the language, and being away from his loved ones - I feel for Matias who is in a similar situation and who appears to have less English skills than Morales had last season.
Matias - I'm rooting for you, man!
