Work Rights of Players in Question
Galaxy officials have discovered a problem with the immigration status of two prized rookies and are searching for a way to enable the players to work legally in the United States.
Though Jose Retiz, 21, and Tomas Serna, 20, became soccer stars as teammates at Saddleback High and Santa Ana College in Orange County, they remain citizens of Mexico.
The Galaxy selected them in the third and fifth rounds, respectively, of the 2000 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. The team went so far as to trade up in the draft to acquire Retiz.
But now it appears the players do not possess the documents required for employment in this country.
“We drafted them thinking they were playing in college and we figured the paperwork was pretty much in line,” said Luis Garcia, a team spokesman. “We found out otherwise afterward.”
Retiz could not be reached for comment. Serna did not return telephone calls.
However, the players have been in contact with Jose Vasquez, a former Galaxy forward and currently assistant coach at Santa Ana.
“My worry is that these kids won’t be helped,” Vasquez said. “It’s unfortunate. I’m a legal citizen and, honestly, I’m willing to trade that for them.
“Send me back to Mexico,” he said. “Let them stay here and play soccer.”
The players spent their boyhoods in Mexico and attended junior high school in Santa Ana. As is the policy, they would not have been asked for immigration documents when entering ninth grade at Saddleback.
“If a student is living within our attendance area, that student is eligible for an education,” said Dr. Alfonsina Davies, the Santa Ana Unified School District assistant superintendent.
Similarly, Retiz and Serna were eligible for CIF competition. In their senior seasons, Retiz made the All-County team and Serna, scoring 45 goals, was The Times Orange County player of the year.
Their reputations only grew after they enrolled at Santa Ana and led the Dons to state titles in 1998 and 1999. Last year, the team went unbeaten and earned a No. 1 national ranking. Retiz made Junior College All-American both seasons.
But, as far back as high school, there were hints of trouble.
“When we were applying to UC Irvine for Tomas, I knew there was some snag with their documentation,” Saddleback Coach Mel Silva said. “But I believed they had a right to be in this country.”
So did Galaxy officials. They drafted the left-footed Retiz to play midfield, praising his pace and timing. Serna, a forward, is considered a natural goal scorer.
They were also unusual in a league where most foreign players are recruited and signed by MLS headquarters. Galaxy officials could not recall having acquired a foreign player though the draft.
Now, just a week into the season, their futures appear clouded.
“It’s like we’re teasing them,” said Erik Kirsch, coach of the Orange County Waves, a Galaxy farm team.
It’s as if the team were saying, “We’re drafting you, but now we can’t pick you up because we can’t pay you,” said Kirsch, who has closely followed the players’ careers.
Galaxy officials said they have not given up on Retiz and Serna. The team has met with attorneys and league officials in recent days, searching for a solution.
“We drafted them because we knew they had talent,” Garcia said. “We’re not just going to drop them.”
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