After 18 months with Chivas USA, Juan Pablo Garcia left Major League Soccer for his native Mexico as the allure of success with a new club and possibly the national team was too much to ignore.
Things haven't worked out that way, though. Heading into his second campaign with Tigres UANL, Garcia is far from establishing himself with his club and El Tricolor seems well out of reach.
"It's sort of ironic that I haven't adapted to Mexican soccer, but I'm going to see if I can establish myself in the league this season," Garcia said.
A star with Chivas USA, Garcia was a key part of a club that was within reach of the Western Conference final last season. Chivas USA led their aggregate-goals series by 2-1 until a late collapse against eventual champions Houston ended the Red-and-White's 2006 campaign.
Though that loss stung everyone involved with the club, Garcia remembers his time playing professionally in the United States with great fondness.
"I loved playing here in MLS," Garcia said. "I was very fortunate to have been a part of Chivas USA."
Nicknames "Loquito" or "Little Crazy," Garcia was never one to stay quiet or patient for too long. During his spell in MLS, Garcia talked about using the league as a launching pad to both Europe and the Mexican national team. His only cap with Mexico technically came as a member of Chivas USA, but he'd been with the club in name only as he played in the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup before having suited up for Chivas USA.
Garcia struggled to settle in with the club his first season, though he had only eight games to do so. Then given an entire preseason with the MLS side, Garcia began to shine. He scored eight goals and had six assists and was an integral part of the offense for the Western Conference power.
When he joined Tigres, it seemed like a good fit. Tigres featured several strong attacking players before the start of the Clausura 2007 season, such as Mexico striker Francisco "Kikin" Fonseca and talented playmaker Walter Gaitan. But Garcia's time in MLS was seen as a negative by then-coach Mario Carrillo, who spoke poorly of the league and what he called an extended offseason while Tigres participated in InterLiga during their Clausura 2007 preseason.
Carrillo said then that it would take time for Garcia to regain his match fitness and earn a spot on the club. He started just four games and scored only two goals. However, both those goals were clutch strikes. His first tally was an equalizer against rivals Monterrey, and his second goal sent Tigres through to the Liguilla.
After Tigres beat the Galaxy 3-0 in a World Series of Football match on Tuesday at Home Depot Center, Garcia said he remained optimistic for the upcoming campaign.
"Last season, I didn't meet my expectations. But this season I'll have a new coach and some new teammates, so I just need to gain the coach's confidence in order to start," he said. "I just have to be patient and produce when I am given opportunities."
Garcia did not play against the Galaxy. Still, he feels he'll have a better shot of establishing himself with the squad with new coach Americo Gallego, who won a league title in four seasons with Toluca.
"He's new and has certain goals to meet," Garcia said. "He wants to be champion and wants to have a good squad, so I just have to try and fit in with his expectations. You want always want to be a good member of the team and work hard for the coach. Hopefully, it's enough to win his trust."
Regardless of what direction his spell with Tigres takes or wherever else he may end up, Garcia keeps MLS as an option.
"I returned [to Mexico] because I wanted to be part of the national team and reach goals I'd set for myself, but I've fallen short," Garcia said. "I'm not worried. I know that sooner or later I will return to MLS because it gave me a lot and I'm very grateful to them."
At least his soccer career has borne more fruit than his brief tenure as a landlord. While a member of Chivas USA, Garcia bought a house near Home Depot Center. He kept his house upon joining Tigres. He's now on his second tenant, however.
"I'm renting it out to a teammate, but he hasn't paid," said Garcia, laughing. "At first I was renting it out [Amado] Guevara, but he's not there anymore."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
