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.

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I have to give it up to Alex, the Chivas USA columnist here at American Soccer Reader. He is professional and his writing style could fit seamlessly into any publication. I, however, have no such lofty aspirations. I am a Blogger, plain and simple. I post my opinions and am in no way unbiased. That’s why I can say, I hate Chivas USA. Everything from their fans, to their players, to the fact I have to see their banners in the parking lot. Now that that’s cleared up, lets take a look at tonight’s 5-2 Galaxy win.

You’ll have to excuse Chivas’ early 1-0 deficit, they were still in shock of seeing what a full Home Depot Center looks like. Better take note Goats, because rent is due on the first and you can’t pay it in empty seats. There were no empty seats tonight though. What an atmosphere at the HDC. It must be said that all the supporters groups showed great spirit. Having both the Angel City Brigade and The Riot Squad at separate ends really fills the stadium with sound. In the last 15 minutes even the soccer moms started picking up the chants.

The Super Classico always brings out the best of these two teams and tonight was no different. Every ball was fought over and as usual there was controversy. Landon started it off early with an intentional hand ball to try and create a goal scoring opportunity. He was rightly carded, but what a great way to start the game off… instant animosity. Speaking of Landon, what a great month the Inland Empire native is having. Eight goals in five games is good enough to put him atop the league goal scoring list. Best of all he did it with grit tonight. It was a very Taylor Twellman like effort, scrappy. He fought for every goal and was rewarded with a hat trick.

Another person enjoying a great first month of the season is Sacha Kljestan. His curler into the far 90 was a superb strike. What I didn’t enjoy however was his taunting of the Galaxy supporters groups and fans afterwards. Haven’t players learned yet not to piss of Landon Donovan? Once you do, you bring him into the game. Donovan’s response? Two more goals. It felt so good to see Sacha make the walk of shame past the Riot Squad with the scoreboard reading 5-2 above him.

Not everything was rosy with the Galaxy however. Another defender goes to ground, another goal scored by their opposition. When will the Galaxy backline start staying on their feet? Abel Xavier had no need to go to ground to clear the ball that would eventually result in Chivas’ second goal. The Galaxy insist on playing a crazy style of soccer that is both absolutely infuriating and entertaining as hell.

I guess I owe Alan Gordon a bit of an apology after his two goal performance tonight. But in my defense, tonight, he was playing where he should be, up top as a target man. And credit to him for not giving up on the third goal. His desire to will that ball into the net completely eclipsed Guzan’s routine approach to a very dangerous ball.

In all, the Galaxy sent this fan home happy tonight. My belly is warm with a Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog, my heart is full of pride for my team and my mind is at ease that perhaps my team has turned a corner from the dark memories of last season.

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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!

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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!!!

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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!

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