Another semifinal over, and another MLS team defeated a Mexican first division team in the Superliga. And another ugly ending, as punches, shoving and a fracas marred the end of the match. It happened yesterday as Houston downed their nemesis, Pachuca, and it happened again tonight as New England Revolution defeated Atlante. Houston Dynamo will now meet the New England Revolution in the Superliga final next week.

Before, there was no question which league was stronger between the Mexican league and Major League Soccer. But now that difference is shrinking. MLS is catching up to it’s older soccer brother south of the border. It wasn’t always this way. The Mexican National Team pretty much owned the USA until the 90’s and MLS was barely a presence. Now, the USA owns Mexico on US soil. It was only a matter of time before the MLS would catch up.

This is the first time that two MLS teams are in the Superliga final, a tournament that showcases the best teams from Mexico and MLS. Now, the rivalry that existed between the USA and Mexico has spilled over to club soccer. And Mexico does not like it. Not one bit.

Those frustrations spilled over in last night’s game and tonight’s game as extracurricular activity after the game erupted. In the Houston-Pachuca match, Pachuca must have been upset that an apparent goal was waived off for off-sides, a very questionable call. I thought the Pachuca player was on-side. But the final score was 2-0. Probably academic, in my view.

And now, the final of the Superliga will have zero Mexican teams. That’s got to hurt their pride. And those frustrations that played out as violence after the games are representative of the begrudging respect Mexican players are having for U.S. Soccer and MLS as a league. I guess anger is the sincerest form of respect!