carlos_amezcua's Blog

Wow, What a match! As a golf fan it doesn't get any better than this. The world's greatest golfer against the nicest guy in golf. Both gutsy performers under the pressure of the U.S. Open in Torrey Pines. As I watched the tournament from my home I kept saying I should be there! It is, after all, just a short drive from L-A. Watching on TV was really the only way to view the whole experience and I feel lucky to be watching sports history. The fact that a 45-year old guy put up a fight against a man who is becoming the greatest golfer of all time was something to behold. I so admire Rocco for his gutsy play and easy-going style. The crowd just loved him and he seemed to be relishing his moment in history. Then there's Tiger's lucky chip-in on Saturday and clutch putt at 18 yesterday, just eight weeks or so since knee surgery he puts on a show like that. What can you say but wow, how does he do that time and time again? Tiger is a champions champion. He has, as they like to say in sports, ice water in his veins. How great was this contest? Well, it took an additional 18 holes on Monday and even that wasn't enough! It went to a 19th. hole and sudden death and finally Tiger prevailed. It was the kind of sporting event I will remember for a long, long time.

I have been fighting the battle of the bulge for most of my adult life. Yes, I surf and ski and stay pretty active, but I'm also quite active at the dinner table, I love to eat! So I'm always in the gym working out and trying to keep the weight in check. I have been on quite a rigorous workout regimen for the past three years with great success. Those of you who have watched me over the years have seen me at my heaviest and now I'm 60 pounds lighter than that. I owe it to working out every single day and doing pushups away from the table. Lately I've changed up my workout to include what I thought was a girlie workout, Pilates. Well I'm here to tell you PIlates is no girlie workout! It is kicking my buttttt! The stretching, breathing and exercises are challenging and painful.. I thought I was in pretty good shape, but clearly I am far from being in excellent shape and certainly not as flexible as I should be. Anyway, as a former critic of the so called "fad" of Pilates, I sincerely apologize for all those girlie comments and humbly bow down to the inventor of this impressive form of exercise Joseph Pilates!

Billions around the world believe and I believe that soccer (football) is life! I grew up playing it in empty dirt lots near my home and eventually played at the collegiate level. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, my dad was also a rabid soccer fan and he somehow brainwashed me into believing that soccer was a gift from the almighty. Not the case, he was and is a soccer fan but I have always loved the game. I have spoken about my passion for "the beautiful game" on as many broadcasts as I can and tried to convince as many as will listen that there is great joy and sense of community in following your favorite clubs around the world.

Just yesterday I watched the England versus France friendly match on the big screen at the King's Head Pub in Santa Monica with a couple hundred fans. It was a lot of fun and I can't wait for the Galaxy to begin their season this weekend. David Beckham is more than just fodder for the tabloids he continues to be one of the world's best players and he proved it, once again, at the highest level of the game. England needs him and they will do well to let him play as long as he is able to keep sending those glorious crossing passes right into the box. His impact on the Galaxy has yet to be fully realized but soon you will all see how he will elevate the team's play just by being out there.

I am challenging all Fox11 viewers to take your children to an MLS game this year. I promise you will have a great time with your family and you will see terrific soccer, great sportsmanship and be in a wholesome environment. I will be there as I have for more than ten years ( yes, I buy tickets to support the cause) and I would love to say hello to you new soccer fans.

I also want to challenge LA's sportscasters on television and radio to seriously cover our Galaxy and Chivas teams instead of just acting like soccer doesn't matter. It does, and your ratings might go up if your seriously do your jobs as sports journalists! Remember soccer is life and for those who love soccer as much as I do keep watching the Fox Soccer Channel when you're not watching the Fox11 Ten o'clock News!