Chivas USA take on DC United Saturday at the HDC.

Two teams, two conference champions, Both are struggling to find form after a rocky start.

Chivas USA have six people on this weeks injury list, five out and one questionable. The out includes Alecko Eskandarian, Raphael Wicky, Alex Zotinca, Lawson Vaughn and Jonathan Bornstein. Carey Talley is questionable.

Mentality is key and defense is the issue. If Chivas USA wants to see success, then the team has to defend as a unit. The midfield has to track back and pressure the squad. The burden will fall on Pancho Mendoza and Sacha Kljestan. Both players will need to play both defense and offense all game.

I anticipate the usual starters in the offense and midfield. The defense is anyone’s guess. Both Shavar Thomas and Claudio Suarez will start in the midfield. I would give Bobby Burling the nod for right back. I thought he put together a decent performance. On the left, I would like to see Gerson Mayen get the start. If not, Mayen, maybe go after a 3-5-2 with Thomas wide. Have Talley (if healthy) or Marsch as the defensive mid. Something like this.

——Razov————-Galindo——-

Mendoza————————-Kljestan
——–Paladini-Marsch-Nagamura——

—-Thomas—–Suarez—–Burling—–

Play what you have.

I guess the only thing that could save the team is that DC is almost as injured as Chivas USA. DC is not expecting Olson, Peralta, McTavish or Fred. Emilio may be benched due to poor performance.

Chivas USA and Houston Dynamo draw in Houston.

Houston is always a tough match. This team proved to be a little tougher than normal. Houston are desperately looking for their first win. Plus, the team had a ring ceremony to commemorate their MLS Cup, so the team came to the field on a mission.

The match was choppy, with both teams committing fouls. There were nine cards pulled out on Saturday, eight yellow and one red. It was tough for the ref.

Dwayne DeRosario did a bicycle kick ten minutes into the match in a crowded box. He ended up kicking Lawson Vaughn in the face, breaking his nose and cutting his face. While unintentional, this kick was a poor choice by the talented midfielder. MLS should investigate the kick and DeRo should be suspended. It was a poor decision on his part.

The game was very important for Chivas USA. A lot of good came out of it. Most importantly, Brad is back. As a whole, the defensive line is regaining their form. Lawson being injured is really frustrating for a team that is trying to find a consistent line up.

This was also the first game that Galindo and Razov played significant minutes together. For these two strikers to mesh well, the need time on the pitch together. Slowly but surly, the team is getting there.

Taking a road draw against Houston on the road is a good result.

Side note, Raphael Wicky did not travel with the team. Hopefully his health issues get sorted out.

Nothing can excite a city like a Derby. A sense of pride, a feeling of place and plenty of passion. The Honda SuperClasico is a feud that has been four years in the making and has become one of the most exciting games to watch in MLS. All the ingredients have been added including competitive clubs, world class stars and passionate fans.

The Chivas USA were introduced to Los Angeles as an expansion team in 2005. With historic ties and a winning pedigree inherited from sister Club Deportivo Guadalajara, Chivas USA have been taking MLS by storm. In three short years the team went from bottom to top, winning the Western Conference and qualifying for several prestigious tournaments. However, perhaps the most passionate trophy attained last year was the SuperClasico. The Chivas USA defeated their neighbor, the Los Angeles Galaxy, and won bragging rights in the City of Los Angeles.

In those three years, the Chivas USA have grown with the league. The team currently caters to the Mexican-American market, but is starting to attract interest from everyone with the style of play displayed by the club. The team plays a possession and passing game, not often seen in the MLS. It’s this beautiful style that attracts fans that follow different leagues and international teams.

With the quality of soccer contained by the two clubs in Los Angeles, the biggest rivalry in the league has formed. Historically, the match up has not been pretty. Last year we saw on the field match-ups as England International David Beckham and MLS original Jesse Marsch battled in the midfield. Shoulder charges from Beckham and an irrational challenge from Marsch generated a yellow card. The ejections of both Galaxy defender Kevin Harmse and Chivas USA defender Alex Zotinca due to a confrontation added fuel to the flame.

However, this year is a fresh start and both teams are looking for a win. It hasn’t been easy for either club. Chivas USA have suffered from injury and suspension, missing up to five starting players at times. The LA Galaxy has been trying to find their form, with inconsistent results the past few matches. However, all lights are green for the game this Saturday. Slowly, Chivas USA are getting healthy and stronger while the Galaxy has been finding their form. This should be the most exciting game yet.

Chivas USA are starting to take the shape of the team that was the Western Conference Champion last year. Suspensions and injuries are slowly subsiding. Upcoming MLS star Sacha Kljestan is back in the lineup after a one game suspension. The midfielder is the catalyst for the Chivas USA offense. World Cup veteran Claudio Suarez is training again after a rocky start to the season. Suarez spent the first two weeks of the season in Mexico with family after his father passed away. He then came back to training and a teammate accidentally broke his nose. Claudio will need surgery after the season ends, but is currently training with the team and should make an appearance Saturday night.

Other Chivas USA stars should be back, including midfielder Pancho Mendoza, defender Lawson Vaughn and striker Ante Razov. Razov looks to capture the record for all time MLS goals this season. He is currently in second place, four goals behind DC United veteran Jaime Moreno. Swiss International Raphael Wicky has been dealing with a few injuries but has been training with the team as of late. This new addition in the midfield is one of the strongest acquisitions of the winter. Wicky has played for several European giants, including Hamburg SV, Werder Breman, FC Scion and Athletico Madrid.

The Los Angeles Galaxy is no stranger to stardom. English International David Beckham and all time leading US goal scorer Landon Donovan have paired up this season for a strong partnership. If the Chivas USA can keep this partnership in check, the Chivas USA has a strong chance of success. This responsibility could fall on the shoulders of fan favorite Pancho Mendoza. This speedy midfielder could be responsible for applying pressure to Becks in conjunction with defender Jonathan Bornstein. Thomas will largely be marking Donovan.

Big players show up at big games. And this is no exception. Will this be an easy game for either team? No. Who will win? Probably the fans. These derby’s usually end up exciting and suspenseful.

The three game series starts Saturday at the Home Depot Center in Carson and should be exciting. If you are in the mood for excellent soccer, great company and the biggest feud in MLS, I will see you at the Home Depot Center Saturday at 7:30.

So come over to the Chivas USA!

Chivas USA host FC Dallas this Sunday in a rematch.

This may be the shortest roster ever to step on the field. Players not available include Lawson Vaughn, Alex Zotinca, Raphael Wicky, Sacha Kljestan, Pancho Mendoza and Alecko Eskandarian. Maykel Galindo and Ante Razov are still not 100%. Both Jorge Flores and Gerson Mayen are playing in Portugal with the US U-20s.

Sideline Views has an excellent interview with Preki about the situation.

I’ll throw out a possible line up, but Preki has stated that the next few training days will determine who plays on Sunday.

———Razov-Galindo————

-Braun-Nagamura-Marsch-Savage-

-Bornstein-Suarez-Thomas-Pozniak-

———–Guzan—————

Bench. Atiba Harris, Anthony Hamilton, Dan Kennedy, Daniel Paladini, Eric Ebert, and Jim Curtin

The only outfielder not on my roster is Kraig Chiles. For having eight guys out, the side does not look half bad.

The team will have a decent chance of taking three points. The play on the wings will be different, and could affect the flow of the game. Jesse Marsch and Paulo Nagamura will have to step up, and I think they have it in them. Both midfielders have looked exceptionally strong this year. The leadership of Marsch brought the team back into the game against the Crew and Paulo always impresses me. Paulo has a touch with the ball… not too far from Wicky’s.

Other than that expect the play to be raw. The midfield will not be able to dominate in usual fashion. Marsch and Nagamura will have their hands full controlling the game without the play of Kljestan and the pace of Mendoza. Savage and Flores if played will do OK… Flores plays a style very similar to Mendoza and has a very strong work ethic. Savage has surprised the team with his intelligence in the game.

Both teams are promoting the veteran Mexican defenders and their associated rivalry. I think the real fight will be between Kenny Cooper and the back line. The defense will have their hands full dealing with the strong striker. However, with Suarez and Pozniac in the line combining with Bornstein and Thomas, the lone striker should be contained.

Galindo, Razov and Atiba will do fine up front if they get the ball from the midfield. I expect all three to see time. No word on Alecko’s status/surgery.

Dallas have a few people in the injured list, including Alvarez and Toja. However, the team looks pretty strong. Should be a good match.

Always rooting for positive results and the team has the potential to produce, but it will be hard fought. I’ll go along with a 2-1 win for the Red and White.

Leave your prediction!!!

Chivas USA lost their first match of the season on the road against Columbus Crew Saturday. The game was hard fought, exciting and full of goals. However, the game left Chivas USA fans wondering.

Will Chivas USA get healthy? This may be the biggest question. Chivas USA have been playing short handed and stealing results. The team is not healthy.

The key to any team performing is health. Preki has been forced to put together interesting line ups. The biggest issue has been in the back. Chivas USA played without several starters in the rear and this left a hole. The team has a great starting four in Bornstein, Thomas, Suarez and Vaughn, and even Zotinca. However, Curtin has had trouble adjusting and Pozniak does not seem to be at 100%. These players make great substitutes, but nothing can replace the starting line up.

We’ve been found out. Chivas USA are not a surprise this year. Everyone in the league knows who Chivas USA is, the Western Conference Champions. They all know how we play, possession football. The last three game have shown that other teams will no longer allow the Red and White to control the game. The midfield have a steep task ahead of them.

Officiating? The match was spectacular, and had potential to be even more exciting. However, no better way to kill a match like a red card. I’m going on the record and saying “Chivas USA had AT LEAST one more goal in them” I’m not saying either player didn’t deserve a card. Pancho Mendoza probably didn’t deserve his first yellow, but he did deserve his second. He went into the tackle knowing he had a yellow, so in that regard, he deserved a yellow. Where on earth would Sacha Kljestan get a red card for that? Where was the intent? Maybe he deserved a card, but that? Wow.

What good came out of this match? The answer in short… A lot. First off, the strikers on the team, even as injured as they are, are scoring. And the goals are coming from everywhere. Three of the four midfielders have scored, and the same goes for the strikers. HUGE step in the development of the Chivas USA squad. Jesse Marsch is another bright point. The co-captain is pushing his squad as hard as he can. The midfield belongs to him, and it is strong. Lastly, Shavar Thomas is looking better than ever. He has been adjusting to different players and picking up slack in the back. He looks solid.

Did the Chivas USA deserve to lose? Let me know wat you think.

Chivas USA travel to Columbus to take on the Crew Saturday at 4:30.

Team update here.

Chivas USA have been working to get back into form after a rocky preseason plagued with injury. A majority of the starting line up was injured or out due to surgery.

Lets start with the possible line up. Chivas USA have yet to announce the status of Ante Razov, Lawson Vaughn or Alecko Eskandarian (listed as questionable). I’ll update you if I hear anything. All in all, we may see a line up like this…

——Galindo——-Haris——–

Mendoza-Marsch-Nagamura-Kljestan

Bornstein-Suarez-Thomas-Pozniak

———–Guzan——————

Bench: Razov, Wicky, Eskandarian, Ebert, Curtin, and Kennedy

A pregame from a crew supporter here

The opposition.

The Columbus Crew have had their share of tough times. However, they are still a solid team. Key players to look out for.

Schelotto. The Argentine is crafty, and has been known to create plays out of thin air. If Chivas USA can contain Schelotto, Chivas USA can contain Columbus Crew.

Moreno. Alejandro Moreno is good. He positions himself well and can shoot from outside the box. Look for him to clash with Thomas a few times.

Gaven. Eddie Gaven and Sacha Kljestan will match brains and brawn when they meet on Saturday.

Chivas USA.

Raphael Wicky. The talented Swiss International is getting closer to match fitness. As soon as the midfielder learns how to play with his teammates, the better. With his service, any striker will look good.

Shavar Thomas. Thomas spent last game cleaning up after Curtin. he will likely be playing with Suarez this time. If he connects well with the emperor, the defense should be impenetrable.

Maykel Galindo. GOLindo is getting stronger each game, and is expected to start. His talent makes hose around him look better.

I think the Red and White have a good chance of walking away with three points. As for the score, I’ll put the Chivas USA up 2-1.

Whats your prediction? Comment below!

Chivas USA defeat Real Salt Lake 3-1 in Saturday’s home opener.

The Chivas USA hosted 2005 expansion rivals in a thrilling 4 goal affair. The Red and White weathered the storm even though the were missing several starters, including captain Claudio Suarez and star strike Ante Razov.

Real Salt Lake assisted the Red and White by supplying two of the three goal scorers. Both Atiba Harris and Alecko Eskandarian played for RSL last year and each striker scored a goal in Saturday night’s game. The key to Chivas USA’s success lies in these two strikers. The team is up against the hardest season to date with possibly twice the amount of games. Ante Razov and Maykel Galindo will need help and these two strikers need to be able to step in.

American Soccer Reader caught up with Alecko Eskandarian before the game to talk about health and his groin issue. “I don’t know to be honest with you. It’s day by day. It’s a really weird injury and to be honest with you I don’t even know whats going on or what the rehab is or the return date is so I’m just kind of taking it day by day doing every thing I can pushing myself so I come back as early as possible. It’s kind of tough because we haven’t figured out exactly what the problem is yet and it’s really frustrating because obviously I want to get out there and I have good days and bad days but bottom line I just want to get better.”

When asked about his playing time against Real Espana he stated “That was the weird thing I trained the week prior to that. Everything was progressing, feeling good and then after that game we had an extra day off as well and I couldn’t even walk. It was one of those thing where it was weird because there was nothing specific in the game that really happened that hurt or anything like that. It was just the next day just the soreness… They (Chivas USA medical staff) were thinking it was nerve damage that could be the issue. That’s the frustrating thing I’ll feel better and I’ll play and then I’ll go back to square one.”

The striker made himself available for Saturday when Ante Ravoz was officially unavailable. He ended up scoring a goal, but did not appear 100% healthy. The next few weeks will decide whether or not he will need surgery.

Chivas USA currently have 4 points and sit on top of the western conference at week 2.

Chivas USA take on the new and improved Real Salt Lake Saturday April 5th at the Home Depot Center.

The game should be exciting as the team continues the road to recovery. Look for Maykel Galindo to see some minutes in this match. Preki may not start the skilled striker, but he definitely will play a part. Ante Razov is a maybe for the game. He was pulled out of last weeks match due to a minor calf strain. There are also concerns in the back. Both Claudio Suarez and Jim Curtain are possibly out for this match as well. Alecko Eskandarian will be out for the match as the talented striker is still nursing a groin strain.

Preki commented on last weeks match, “It’s been a long preseason, and we played one game in Dallas and got ourselves a decent result. We would have liked to have taken three points, but we took one. We are now preparing ourselves for the home opener.” When asked about previous results against Real Salt Lake, he responded “We don’t look at the past. It’s a new season, a new team. They (RSL) have some good players, better than last year. We are taking the game seriously.” However, the coach is concerned about the status of his team’s health. “Ante (Razov) has a minor thing (calf strain) and Jim (Curtain) has a minor thing and hopefully they can be ready so we will see.”

A newcomer to look for is Raphael Wicky. Chivas US fans got just a glimpse of the potential partnership between Wicky and Maykel. Wicky can place the ball in dangerous places. Also, newcomer Justin Braun came on for Ante as a striker against FC Dallas. The rookie did well, taking several shots on target.

Preki discussing the depth of the squad stated “This year we might be a little deeper. We have people that can step in and be a starter or come off the bench because we are going to play in four different tournaments this year it’s very important to have a deep squad.” He added “You saw on Saturday a few guys mix in (Braun, Curtain and Wicky), with Claudio and Aleco still not fully fit. I felt all three guys that came on the field made an impact.”

The team opens the 2008 season with their first home game against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, April 6. Join the team as they begin their campaign for the 2008 MLS Cup.

The Chivas USA tied on the road against Dallas. The opening game pitted Chivas USA against Davino, Cooper and the rest of the hoops.

The game was a nail biter for Chivas USA fans. The first half was a fight. Juan Toja opened the score card this week in the 21st minute with a ball in the box from Abe Thompson.

In the second half, the Chivas USA took control of the match. Even though it was the first game of the season and many players were coming off of surgery, the team looked good overall. It was surprising to see the score end in a draw, as Chivas USA arguably deserved the win. The Red and White out shot the Hoops in the second half 18 to 2. Galindo was brought on in the 55th minute and created an offensive spark. He was not 100% fit and still terrorized the Dallas defense. A tactical move made by Preki in the 71st was made as Wicky made his MLS debut. He was another player coming off surgery and not at 100%, but made a definite impact on the match. Wicky entered for Lawson Vaughn as the team switched to a 3-5-2 formation. The midfield addition added to the potent attack. The team equalized in the 84th as Wicky tossed a ball up field to Galindo. Davino mishandled the lob and allowed Galindo to get a clean shot on goal.

A promising start for the Chivas USA as they get their first point of the season. The defense looked secure. Curtain filled in for the team captain, Suarez, and did well. Jonathan Bornstein lacked his usual speed, still recovering from his surgery. Midfield did great, and Wicky is proving to be an asset to the team. The strike force looked new, different and exciting. Rookie Justin Braun saw playing time and Harris was active up field. Both Razov and Galindo proved themselves to be irreplaceable.

Time to update the FIFA 08 squad.

Chivas USA traded John Cunliffe to the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for Canadian international midfielder Chris Pozniak.

“Chris Pozniak is an experienced defensive player at both the MLS and international levels,” said Chivas USA Head Coach Preki.

John Cunliffe was acquired in the ‘07 draft and comes from Bolton, England. The young player filled in for Ante Razov and Maykel Galindo late in the season when both strikers were struck with injury. In the ‘08 preseason, he has played several roles, including central and left midfield. This trade will definitely benefit the Earthquakes as they try to build their squad.

This move seems to be in response to the recent injury of Alex Zotinca. The right back may not play this season after he tore the MCL of his right knee earlier this month.

The Canadian International of Polish decent played in several leagues, including the Norwegian First Division and Swedish Premier Division. Most recently he played for Toronto FC. The Canadian was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in the expansion draft. His talent will definitely help fill the void left by Jason Hernandez and Alex Zotinca.