Video :: USA vs Mexico Soccer Rivalry, Featuring Alexi Lalas

This is a great short video, featuring former USMNT player and current soccer analyst Alexi Lalas, recapping the rivalry between the United States and Mexico.

Check out: Mexico vs USA Rivalry Essay Feature from Pipa on Vimeo.

UVA Alumni and Hall of Fame Inductee, Tony Meola to play in Cinco De Jimi Cup

EL JIMADOR ANNOUNCES THE ‘DREAM TEAM’ ROSTER

FOR THE FIRST CINCO DE JIMI CUP

Lucky 10 will participate in the ultimate soccer experience as they play alongside their favorite players

LOUISVILLE, KY. (June 6, 2012) – el Jimador, 100 percent blue agave tequila, today announced the soccer legends from the U.S. and Mexican National teams and the 10 contest winners who will participate in the inaugural “Cinco de Jimi Cup” on July 10, 2012 at Casa Herradura’s Hacienda San José del Refugio in Amatitan, Jalisco. Part of el Jimador’s commitment to create once in a lifetime experiences for soccer fans, the Cinco de Jimi Cup is a friendly soccer game between former players from the U.S. and Mexican National teams.

A record-breaking number of adults 21 and older participated in the “What’s Your 100%” contest through el Jimador’s Facebook tab at www.Facebook.com/elJimador, by creating a list of characteristics that define them in percentages, adding up to 100 in alignment with the brand’s 100% blue agave attribute. Shane Evans of Goal.com, The Original Winger founder Benjamin Hooper, and two el Jimador executives, reviewed the entries and selected 10 winners based on originality, personality and use of the el Jimador brand.

The player roster for the “Cinco de Jimi Cup” includes:

U.S. National Team

·         Alexi Lalas (captain): el Jimador brand ambassador, National Soccer Hall of Famer and ex defender of the U.S. National team

·         Cobi Jones: National Soccer Hall of Famer and All-time leader in caps with U.S. Men's National Team

·         Tony Meola: recently named National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee and former goal keeper of the U.S. National team

Mexican National Team

·         Luis Roberto ‘Zague’ Alves (captain): former striker of the Mexican National Team and record- holding CONCACAF top scorer

·         Jorge Campos: former goal keeper and striker of the Mexican National team

·         Luis ‘El Matador’ Hernandez: former striker that holds the record for the Mexican National Team as the top scorer in the World Cup

The following ten lucky contest winners will be divided between both teams to play alongside and against their soccer idols:

• Cassandra Byerly (Green Bay, WI)
• Maria Cisneros (Millville, NJ)
• Walker Corl (Kannapolis, NC)
• Adam Gonzales (Bronx, NY)
• Sheridan Hurd (Tigard, OR)
• Baldo Romnel Ibarra (Denver, CO)
• Lucas Perry (Portland, ME)
• Anthony Rossi (Salt Lake City, UT)
• Edith Rodiguez Salazar (Crystal Lake, IL)
• Jacob Szopinski (Buffalo, NY)
  
  

“Ten soccer fans will have the chance to play with soccer legends that are true artists with the soccer ball and embark on the first of once-in-a-lifetime soccer experiences organized by el Jimador,” said Jesus Ostos, Brown-Forman tequilas brand marketing group manager. “Just like soccer is more than a game for passionate soccer fans, handcrafting tequila is a way of life and truly an art form for el Jimador.” 

In addition to participation in the match alongside soccer legends, the contest prize also includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and local transportation for all winners and a guest.

Alexi Lalas becomes Tequila Pitch Man

One way to get your product introduced to a specific market is to hire a brand ambassador that is well known and carries a certian level of name recognition in the market you are targeting. That must explain the latest celebrity/athlete endorsement between former U.S. Soccer star Alexi Lalas and El Jimador Tequila. See the press release below: 

EL JIMADOR ANNOUNCES SOCCER HALL OF FAMER ALEXI LALAS AS BRAND AMBASSADOR

Lalas Will Appear at Events to Support Soccer Sponsorship Program

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 24, 2012) – In an effort to expand its soccer platform,  el Jimador, 100 percent blue agave tequila, is excited to announce  former US soccer player, Alexi Lalas as a brand ambassador. Lalas will make special appearances at select events throughout 2012 and will support the brand’s corporate social responsibility initiative.

“As a brand that values authenticity, el Jimador acknowledges the importance of working with someone who represents a genuine link to soccer,” said Jesus Ostos, tequilas brand marketing group manager. “Having an individual of Alexi’s profile represent el Jimador will serve as a huge asset for the brand as we expand our soccer platform and continue to grow our corporate social responsibility initiative.”

Alexi Lalas is a retired American soccer player and was a member of the U.S. National Team during the 1998 & 1994 World Cups, as well as a member of the 1996 & 1992 U.S. Olympic Teams.  After a 10-year professional career, he retired from soccer in 2004 and joined the ranks of soccer legends when he was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006. Currently working as a sports analyst, Lalas also served as a General Manager/President of several Major League Soccer teams.

“I’m looking forward to working with el Jimador and am proud to be involved with a brand that understands and values the passion that exists for soccer in the U.S.,” said Alexi Lalas. “Every player knows the importance of being responsible on and off the field; it’s crucial to demonstrate respect and display sportsmanship and I look forward to reaching soccer fans across the nation with this message.”

As the official tequila sponsor of the MLS, U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams and the annual U.S. Tour of the Mexican National Team, el Jimador Tequila will be active in a variety of the teams’ activities in 2012 including the upcoming Mexican National Team match in Miami on February 29.

For more information on el Jimador’s soccer sponsorship and consumer experience, please visit the brand’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/eljimador.