TImberlog - Byron Alvarez Interview 2003
So you were born in Guatemala is that right?
BA - No, I was born in Mexico. My family is
from Guatemala. I’ve been in Guatemala for a couple of years, but I
was born and have spent most of the time in Mexico.
I’ve noticed at some of the games I’ve seen a Guatemalan flag, are those friends of yours or family
BA - Yeah, I have a lot of friends from Guatemala
here and because of my family, when I came here they identified me as
being from Guatemala too, so it was hard to explain. I don’t have anything
against any country, but for me Mexico is #1 you know...and Guatemala
of course, I keep Guatemala in my heart because of my parents so...I
don’t mind that my friends bring the Guatemalan flag and also my family
bring the Mexican flag so I don’t mind
So your family comes to all the games?
BA - My
family have been to every single game...haven’t missed a game. I
really like that because it’s the first time I’ve played in my hometown
so I really enjoy that.
When your family moved from Mexico did you come to
Oregon straight away or did they move around a bit?
BA - I stayed in Mexico, they came to Los Angeles
first, and then they moved to Oregon. They liked it here, they settled
everything here and they’ve been living here for years. I was still in
Mexico at that time. I played there, I started my career in Mexico so
that’s where I stayed.
What age were you when you started playing in
Mexico?
BA - I started playing when I was like 16...well professional
at 16.
Which clubs did you play with professionally in
Mexico?
BA - I
played for a few clubs. I played for La Piedad, Michoacan,
Tampico, Tamaulipas, I played for Ciudad Juarez just
across from El Paso so I’ve been playing for a few clubs there.
And then what age were you when you moved here?
BA - Maybe a year, 2 years ago. I was in NY, playing
for MLS, the Metrostars, from there I visited my family more often
and I started liking the place so I decided to come and live here.
Did you go to High School here?
BA - Yeah they ask me all the time did I go to High
school here and stuff, I didn’t, my brothers they were the ones who
go to high school here and they confused that with me
When you signed to the Metrostars, how did that
come about?
BA - My agent Igancio Baez, who I’m really thankful
for, he’s really helped me a lot, he’s the one who contacted the
MLS and they were looking for a forward for the Metrostars.
At that time I was playing good in Mexico, we won the championship twice, so I was really was on their list you know so they could give me a contract. At the end they decided to go with me and my agent called me and said hey you need to get up to the Metrostars so I just packed my bags and left the other club I was with.
At that time I was playing good in Mexico, we won the championship twice, so I was really was on their list you know so they could give me a contract. At the end they decided to go with me and my agent called me and said hey you need to get up to the Metrostars so I just packed my bags and left the other club I was with.
What was the experience playing with the Metrostars
like?
BA - It
was a good experience. I really liked it, it wasn’t like I had that
much playing time because in front of me was Clint Mathis from the
national team, there was Mamadou Diallo from Senegal so there was
really a lot of competition. I was a young kid coming up from the Mexico
second division so it was hard to come and win a starting position.
I really worked hard and everything and I earned maybe 20 min each game so I really enjoyed it. The people were not really as nice as in Portland you know, there’s no way you can compare Portland to NY. It was a big city, nice to visit...I got to know the city, but I didn’t really like to live there you know.
I really worked hard and everything and I earned maybe 20 min each game so I really enjoyed it. The people were not really as nice as in Portland you know, there’s no way you can compare Portland to NY. It was a big city, nice to visit...I got to know the city, but I didn’t really like to live there you know.
I also notice there was at least one person in the
crowd at PGE Park with a MetroStars jersey with your number on it #9. You
obviously have a lot of people who follow your career?
BA - Like I said, I have a lot of friends in Oregon,
especially here in Portland and they follow me and if they don’t follow me
by watching the games live they follow me on the internet, talking to
me on the phone, by email, so we really keep in touch.
They’re really true fans, they are the people I really appreciate their support and everything...no matter what happens on the field they support me and I really like that. Everyday I’ve been making friends and I really appreciate that.
They’re really true fans, they are the people I really appreciate their support and everything...no matter what happens on the field they support me and I really like that. Everyday I’ve been making friends and I really appreciate that.
How did you come to try out for the Timbers this
year? Did Jim and Bobby know about you?
BA - They knew about me because I’d trained with
them a year before when it was the off-season in Mexico. So I trained
for about 3 weeks before I went back to Mexico. Then my agent at the time
told them that I would leave the MetroStars if I had a better chance
somewhere else. I was looking for a team that would give me some
playing time, to give me the opportunity to show what I have so I don’t
waste my years sitting on the bench.
So then we had an agreement with the Timbers that, hey I should come down and see if I fit in the team and the system of Bobby Howe, and I came and I show up and everything work out. I know my visa situation has been a pain, but still I’m happy here. Money for me right now is really an issue now, but hey I love the sport of soccer.
I’m getting paid just to see other people happy you know, watch me score goals and really enjoy it. That’s how I feel I get paid you know. So money wise, I know I won’t starve to death, for food or rent I know somebody’s going to help me so I don’t worry about that. I just want to concentrate on the title for the Timbers and keep going and bring happiness to the fans.
So then we had an agreement with the Timbers that, hey I should come down and see if I fit in the team and the system of Bobby Howe, and I came and I show up and everything work out. I know my visa situation has been a pain, but still I’m happy here. Money for me right now is really an issue now, but hey I love the sport of soccer.
I’m getting paid just to see other people happy you know, watch me score goals and really enjoy it. That’s how I feel I get paid you know. So money wise, I know I won’t starve to death, for food or rent I know somebody’s going to help me so I don’t worry about that. I just want to concentrate on the title for the Timbers and keep going and bring happiness to the fans.
What’s your favorite position to play in? How did
you play with the MetroStars? You’re playing kind of central forward here
is that your preferred position?
BA - Since I grew up I was playing center forward.
For the MetroStars I played midfield, like coming from behind the
forwards...almost like an offensive midfielder.
Now I come here and I see my position, the one that I really like to play a lot. I like to play everywhere. I like to go on the side, I like to go back and get the ball. I like to do everything. I like to be like a "free forward".
Now I come here and I see my position, the one that I really like to play a lot. I like to play everywhere. I like to go on the side, I like to go back and get the ball. I like to do everything. I like to be like a "free forward".
And you get to play that here?
BA - Bobby really gave me the freedom to do
what I can do, you know. I know what to do and I can get anywhere in the
field and score goals and at the same time also assist my friends. I
really like it you know.
How do you like playing with the Timbers? Do you
think they’re a good team? How is the quality compared with MLS or Mexico?
BA - It’s always going to be a little bit of a
disadvantage compared to Mexico, but it’s improving. I’ve always
been saying that the athletes here in the US are the fittest, so with
that and by improving their skills they going to be great players. Here is
more fast, quick, whereas in Mexico it’s more paced,
skilled, but I really like it, I’ve got used to it so I don’t see
that much difference.
How important is it for Latino players to have some
other Latino players in the team? People always talk about a cultural
difference in the ways that teams play, is that important to you at all?
BA - Right now for me I don’t think that it
matters. If it was my first year in the United States I think I would
really struggle to get used to that system and everything. But I’ve played
MLS for 1 year, played here and trained with the team so I’m already used
to it.
I would like to see more Hispanic players in the team, like with Hugo. Hugo, he’s a Latino player, but he’s really like a guy from here, he plays a style all these guys play so he’s really used to the system. I really just go with whatever you know.
I would like to see more Hispanic players in the team, like with Hugo. Hugo, he’s a Latino player, but he’s really like a guy from here, he plays a style all these guys play so he’s really used to the system. I really just go with whatever you know.
Coming into the final month of the A-League season
how do you see the Timbers chances? We have games against Seattle, a team we
have always struggled against. Do you think the team has a good chance?
BA - We had a small meeting yesterday and we
talked about, hey we have to step up if we want to make the playoffs
and get back to how we were playing in June.
I’m not saying that if I had of played against Seattle the first couple of matches of the season we would have won because that's ridiculous to say that but I’ve never played Seattle, the first game I played like 10 min the second time 12 min, but I really know the team and I know we can win it...we can beat them. I felt it when I was on the bench...we can beat this team. And now we have the mentality that we have to win and beat them to make the playoffs.
There is no tie, there is no loss we have to win and I know we are going to. I really feel positive about that. So now were working hard on the mistakes we just made last couple of games, so we win and go to the playoffs. That’s our goal We’re not worried about the championship, were not worried about the future right now just game by game, so we have to go and beat Seattle.
I’m not saying that if I had of played against Seattle the first couple of matches of the season we would have won because that's ridiculous to say that but I’ve never played Seattle, the first game I played like 10 min the second time 12 min, but I really know the team and I know we can win it...we can beat them. I felt it when I was on the bench...we can beat this team. And now we have the mentality that we have to win and beat them to make the playoffs.
There is no tie, there is no loss we have to win and I know we are going to. I really feel positive about that. So now were working hard on the mistakes we just made last couple of games, so we win and go to the playoffs. That’s our goal We’re not worried about the championship, were not worried about the future right now just game by game, so we have to go and beat Seattle.
Who are your favorite teams and which players you
admire?
BA - I really like Brazil and the Mexico
national team of course. I really admire Pele because he’s
really humble and I look up to him. He’s really good on and off the field.
He does things not just for him, but for his country and his
community. He’s always been my idol. And I wish someday I could be
like him.
Do you watch a lot of soccer in your spare time?
Are you soccer-mad?
BA - When the season’s on I really try and
concentrate on my club first, then on my time off I try to spend it
with my wife and try to take my mind off soccer otherwise I’ll get
crazy!
Once I have to get up and come and practice I just concentrate my mind on practice. Right now I’m doing some work with the Hispanic community, helping to develop some soccer cup, a tournament, so now I go there work for a few hours go home spend time with my wife. Sometime I talk to my wife about soccer, but it’s not soccer all the time.
I like basketball; I really like watching the Lakers play. Also American football, the Dolphins, I’m a Dolphin fan.
Once I have to get up and come and practice I just concentrate my mind on practice. Right now I’m doing some work with the Hispanic community, helping to develop some soccer cup, a tournament, so now I go there work for a few hours go home spend time with my wife. Sometime I talk to my wife about soccer, but it’s not soccer all the time.
I like basketball; I really like watching the Lakers play. Also American football, the Dolphins, I’m a Dolphin fan.
So you’re involved in the Hispanic community
here?
BA - I try to get involved as much as I can, because these
kids are going to be the future of the Timbers, not only the Timbers,
but national team players, superstars. I see real talent here in
Portland, more than other places I’ve been in the US, so I’d really
like to help them develop that.
Whenever I talk to players I always ask them about
the fans here, because there seems to be a group here who really appreciate
the players. What do you think of the fans here?
BA - I’ve played in NY, I’ve played in Mexico,
and I’ve played in Italy with the Metrostars pre-season so I have 3
places to compare the fans.
The ones in Mexico they pack the stadium, 30,000, everything you hear is negative to your players, in NY you see 20,000-19,000, but it doesn’t feel like there is 100.
I come here to Portland I see the Timbers Army, I see probably 100, I don’t know how many, but it sound like 15-20,000 you know. So I really like that. I have nothing negative to say about the fans here in Portland, it’s great to have them and be here with them. I really enjoy them.
I know we don’t pack the stadium, but the people who come are really true fans and that’s what I like. I don’t like 20,000 people and only half true fans, I’d prefer to see 5,000 enjoying the game and really true fans. I really love the fans here and I hope can stay and score more goals for them. It’s what I’m here for.
The ones in Mexico they pack the stadium, 30,000, everything you hear is negative to your players, in NY you see 20,000-19,000, but it doesn’t feel like there is 100.
I come here to Portland I see the Timbers Army, I see probably 100, I don’t know how many, but it sound like 15-20,000 you know. So I really like that. I have nothing negative to say about the fans here in Portland, it’s great to have them and be here with them. I really enjoy them.
I know we don’t pack the stadium, but the people who come are really true fans and that’s what I like. I don’t like 20,000 people and only half true fans, I’d prefer to see 5,000 enjoying the game and really true fans. I really love the fans here and I hope can stay and score more goals for them. It’s what I’m here for.
What are you future plans? Do you see your future
here or are you looking for MLS clubs.
BA - I was talking to my agent and he was telling me
that the way I’m playing there’s a chance that other teams may ask
for me, but I really have to think about it because I’ve been
enjoying playing here and I think if I go it would be hard to get used
to another club, other fans.
So it would break my heart if I have to make a decision because I really don’t want to leave here, I really want to stay here and I hope we can get to an agreement with the club so I can stay with you guys for a couple more years and you can have more Byron Alvarez!
Also I enjoy the city. It’s so peaceful. I really love it. So my goal is first to win the championship with the Timbers, that’s my priority. Then if the opportunity comes somewhere else...it would have to be really good to leave the Timbers.
So it would break my heart if I have to make a decision because I really don’t want to leave here, I really want to stay here and I hope we can get to an agreement with the club so I can stay with you guys for a couple more years and you can have more Byron Alvarez!
Also I enjoy the city. It’s so peaceful. I really love it. So my goal is first to win the championship with the Timbers, that’s my priority. Then if the opportunity comes somewhere else...it would have to be really good to leave the Timbers.
Do you have any superstitions or things that you
have to do before a game?
BA - I have to wear something red before a
game. And if I do something before one game, I have to do it the same way
the next game! I’m very superstitious. My parents say, “don’t
be superstitious”, but that’s the way I grew up.
I have a "liston rojo" here on my waist and I never take it off so that way I don’t have to wear nothing red, I always have something red on. I feel all the negative stuff is not with me during the game. I always pray to god before the game, ask him to bless me with a good game and make sure I don’t have any injuries and to enjoy the game.
I have a "liston rojo" here on my waist and I never take it off so that way I don’t have to wear nothing red, I always have something red on. I feel all the negative stuff is not with me during the game. I always pray to god before the game, ask him to bless me with a good game and make sure I don’t have any injuries and to enjoy the game.
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