It struck me that I ought to explain a little bit about why we cheer for the teams we do. Well, in part, it’s because I thought we ought to, and I’m the one of us most capable of complex thought and logic. But also, each team has a special something that captures part of what I love about life, and part of what makes you who you are.

So periodically (like during international breaks, long summer holidays, or say, global pandemics that completely alter everything we understand about our lives and ourselves), I want to introduce you to the teams we are tied to.

Our ninth team to meet is a team that continues their race to redemption: Alebrijes de Oaxaca a team that takes pride in their style

Wherefore Oaxaca?

Far to our south, beyond the beginnings of Mexico, there’s the southern region of Oaxaca. It’s an area that has been settled for tens of thousands of years, long before there was a Mexico, long before there was soccer, long before there was even a Spanish or English language to give us those words.

As with Emelec, we owe our allegiance to Oaxaca less to what we know and more to who we know. Strangely, a large crew of immigrants from the southern coast have settled in the frigid north. I’ve worked with many, taught with more, and sincerely appreciated all that they bring to our community.

Who is Alebrijes de Oaxaca?

One of the youngest teams in our group, Oaxaca owes it’s existence to the struggles of another. Tecamachalco, just to the north of Oaxaca had earned promotion, but they had run out of funds. Worse, they couldn’t move up without a stadium to suit their needs.

That’s where the Oaxacan government and local businessmen stepped in. They brought the team south, financed a beautiful new field and led the team to rebrand as Alebrijes de Oaxaca. When I say rebrand, I mean rebrand. Gone are the simple colors, and the basic kits in are the bright local colors and the vivid local uniforms.

They haven’t been around for long, but with one title already in the bag, they are ready and eager to break the longstanding northern vice grip on Mexican soccer.

How are we Oaxaca?

I will make no pretenses to be stylish. I’ve been accused by more than a few students of dressing like I wanna be a banker. I know that I’ll never be mistaken for a fashion plate or a model, but the truth is, I’m fine with that. I have my style, and frankly I like it.

That’s all that matters really. Don’t worry what your style should be, enjoy what your style is.

That’s what Alebrijes de Oaxaca offers that again and again. The mascot, the Alebrijes, is a vivid embodiment of local folklore. And a name chosen by the fans. The kits are a riotous combination of colors and patterns that match the local artifacts and fervor.

Oaxaca is boldly, proudly, absolutely true to themselves. The name, the kit, the stadium, all of them are part of the local style and scene. You don’t have to adopt their style, frankly I think they’d hate that. But please, be like Oaxaca, enjoy your style, whatever it may be.