MEXICO CITY – LA Galaxy fans will have a conundrum on their hands on Sunday when Galaxy star Giovani dos Santos leads Mexico against the United States.
When dos Santos dons the Galaxy strip, fans cheer his every action, but when he lines up for El Tri on Sunday against the United States, it gets a bit complicated.
Split loyalties are nothing new in the beautiful game, but Galaxy supporters making the trip to Estadio Azteca admit that it’ll be a little strange to see dos Santos lineup for a rival team.
"Gio is right there with Chicharito and Rafa Marquez as someone who has come up big against the USMNT in big moments," Galaxy season ticket holder Antonio Borjon told LA Galaxy Insider. "Anyone who saw it wouldn't forget his chipped goal over Howard to cap Mexico's comeback victory in 2011 Gold Cup Final. I try to separate club and country, but I understand that Gio will only get significant minutes with Mexico when he is consistently in good form with LA.
"He's also very prideful about putting in the best performances he can for his national team. Given that dynamic, I do get a bit concerned how he'll play for the Galaxy coming out of the international break if he doesn't get minutes or doesn't play well. I hope Gio does well for Mexico just not against the USMNT."
However, for fellow Galaxy fan Nathan David, the answer is much simpler.
"I can separate the two. I think players are able to do that too," he said. "The rivalry doesn't follow him to the Galaxy for me. But when the Mexico shirt is on the disdain is real."
