Dynamo defender Andrew Hainault and goalkeeper Pat Onstad are in Argentina preparing for a national team friendly for Canada against Argentina at the famed Estadio Monumental on Monday, May 24. Hainault checked in Sunday afternoon.
We took a direct flight from H-town to Buenos Aires last Monday night, but Pat had the better seat!
One of the first things we noticed is that the traffic in Buenos Aires is probably one of the most impressive things about the city. I've driven in Prague (Czech Republic) before and thought it was fast-paced and wild there, but here it is something else. There's no messing about here on your cell phone texting or calling, as they try and cram six cars into four lanes, with motorcycles wizzing around everywhere and non-stop honking.
On our drive from the airport to the hotel, we passed the Argentine Football Federation training center. I used to think The Home Depot Center in LA was impressive, but this was something else: over 20 perfect-looking fields with all their sponsor boards around, two different office complexs, and a stadium. By then you know you're in soccer country!
We've been training at River Plate, which takes us anywere from 1-2 hours to get to with the traffic, even though we have a police escort. So a lot of our days are spent on the bus. Pat especially loves that! :)
[inlinenode:4244]
The city is fast-paced and especially busy, as they're celebrating their 200-year anniversary since separating from Spain, so the main streets are closed off. I think they are planning on capping off their celebration with the Argentina vs. Canada game, so it seems like we're going to be playing the role of the party-crashers after we beat them!
Now don't worry back there in Houston; we haven't forgotten where we came from. Pat and I were both crouched arround Pat's computer last night watching the the boys' good win against DC. Now we'll try and do the same tomorrow.
Well, that's all from me. Signing off from Buenos Aires,
Andrew
As a special treat, courtesy of the Canadian Soccer Association, we hear from Pat Onstad:
