I told you posting would be busier. Next up in my MLS Preview '09 is Club Deportivo Chivas USA.
It was this club that had the honours of being our first ever opponents in a Major League Soccer match. On April 7, 2007, they beat us 2-0 at the Home Depot Center. More commonly known as Chivas USA, or simply Chivas, the club joined MLS in 2005. They are a sister club to Mexican giants Chivas de Guadelajara, and therefore wear the same style kits and have a similar club logo. They were originally stocked with second-string Mexican players from their sister club, however this plan backfired, as Chivas finished its expansion season with a record of 4-22-6. Often overlooked by their LA rivals the Galaxy, they have emerged as the city's best team, finishing either first or second in the Western Conference since their first year.
Coach: Preki Radosavljevic
Stadium: The Home Depot Center (capacity 27,000)
Average Attendance in 2008: 14,286
2008 Record: 12-11-7, second in the Western Conference, fifth in MLS
v. Toronto FC in 2008: 2-1 win @ Chivas, 3-1 @ Toronto
2008 Season Summary
Chivas USA had a very inconsistent start to the 2008 season, the cause of which being a rash of injuries to some of its best players. Included in their list of injuries throughout the season was former Swiss international midfielder Raphael Wicky, 2007 golden boot winner Maykel Galindo, veteran striker Ante Razov, and midfielder Jesse Marsch. They also sold Brad Guzan, arguably the league's best goalkeeper, to Aston Villa of the English Premier League, and have yet to find a suitable replacement. As the 2008 season progressed, the Goats had a late run of good form, during which they clinched second place in the Western Conference. In the first round of the playoffs, though, they lost to upstart Real Salt Lake.
Player Movement (as of February 21, 2009)
In: Ante Jazic, Michael Lahoud
Out: Alex Zotinca, Roberto Nurse, Francisco Mendoza
Outlook for 2009
In 2008, they were probably the league's most injured side. If they can stay healthy in 2009, they should easily make the playoffs in the somewhat weaker Western Conference.
There are still question marks over their goalkeeping situation, as aging American Zach Thornton is no longer considered to be one of the league's top keepers. Their defense, however, is pretty solid. Jonathan Bornstein will continue to lead the line from left back, meanwhile Bobby Burling and Jim Curtin proved to be solid players last season. The addition of Ante Jazic could be a good one as well, as the Canadian can play anywhere across the back, as well as in the midfield. It will be interesting to see if 41 year-old Mexican legend Claudio Suarez can still cut it after an injury ravaged 2008.
Their midfield is obviously lead by USMNT player Sacha Kljestan, and a healthy Raphael Wicky could be immense. Brazilian Paolo Nagamura will likely continue to anchor the midfield in a holding role, allowing Jesse Marsch to roam a bit more. If the club's injury problems persist, the loss of tricky Mexican winger Francisco Mendoza could be a significant one.
Up front, charismatic striker Alecko Eskandarian proved in 2008 that when he's healthy, he can still do the job. A lot will be expected of Cuban Maykel Galindo, who scored 12 in 2007, meanwhile youngsters Bobby Braun and Jorge Flores could provide some added flare from the bench. I can't forget to mention Ante Razov, one of the league's all-time leading scorers. Chivas has a good mix of experience and youth in their strike force.
Star Player: Sacha Kljestan (MF)
One to Watch: Jorge Flores (MF)
Possible Best XI
GK: Zach Thornton
DF: Carrey Talley (RB) / Claudio Suarez (CB) / Jim Curtin (CB) / Jonathan Bornstein (LB)
MF: Sacha Kljestan (RM) / Paolo Nagamura (CM) / Jesse Marsch (CM) / Ante Jazic (LM)
FW: Maykel Galindo / Ante Razov
In case you missed my preview of the Chicago Fire, click here to check it out.
Disclaimer: This preview is not an official preview, but my own view. Some things might be a little off, but I'm a poor college kid, not a paid reporter. If you support the team being previewed and something is wrong, or you have something to add, please leave a comment.
It was this club that had the honours of being our first ever opponents in a Major League Soccer match. On April 7, 2007, they beat us 2-0 at the Home Depot Center. More commonly known as Chivas USA, or simply Chivas, the club joined MLS in 2005. They are a sister club to Mexican giants Chivas de Guadelajara, and therefore wear the same style kits and have a similar club logo. They were originally stocked with second-string Mexican players from their sister club, however this plan backfired, as Chivas finished its expansion season with a record of 4-22-6. Often overlooked by their LA rivals the Galaxy, they have emerged as the city's best team, finishing either first or second in the Western Conference since their first year.
Coach: Preki RadosavljevicStadium: The Home Depot Center (capacity 27,000)
Average Attendance in 2008: 14,286
2008 Record: 12-11-7, second in the Western Conference, fifth in MLS
v. Toronto FC in 2008: 2-1 win @ Chivas, 3-1 @ Toronto
2008 Season Summary
Chivas USA had a very inconsistent start to the 2008 season, the cause of which being a rash of injuries to some of its best players. Included in their list of injuries throughout the season was former Swiss international midfielder Raphael Wicky, 2007 golden boot winner Maykel Galindo, veteran striker Ante Razov, and midfielder Jesse Marsch. They also sold Brad Guzan, arguably the league's best goalkeeper, to Aston Villa of the English Premier League, and have yet to find a suitable replacement. As the 2008 season progressed, the Goats had a late run of good form, during which they clinched second place in the Western Conference. In the first round of the playoffs, though, they lost to upstart Real Salt Lake.
Player Movement (as of February 21, 2009)
In: Ante Jazic, Michael Lahoud
Out: Alex Zotinca, Roberto Nurse, Francisco Mendoza
Outlook for 2009
In 2008, they were probably the league's most injured side. If they can stay healthy in 2009, they should easily make the playoffs in the somewhat weaker Western Conference.
There are still question marks over their goalkeeping situation, as aging American Zach Thornton is no longer considered to be one of the league's top keepers. Their defense, however, is pretty solid. Jonathan Bornstein will continue to lead the line from left back, meanwhile Bobby Burling and Jim Curtin proved to be solid players last season. The addition of Ante Jazic could be a good one as well, as the Canadian can play anywhere across the back, as well as in the midfield. It will be interesting to see if 41 year-old Mexican legend Claudio Suarez can still cut it after an injury ravaged 2008.
Their midfield is obviously lead by USMNT player Sacha Kljestan, and a healthy Raphael Wicky could be immense. Brazilian Paolo Nagamura will likely continue to anchor the midfield in a holding role, allowing Jesse Marsch to roam a bit more. If the club's injury problems persist, the loss of tricky Mexican winger Francisco Mendoza could be a significant one.
Up front, charismatic striker Alecko Eskandarian proved in 2008 that when he's healthy, he can still do the job. A lot will be expected of Cuban Maykel Galindo, who scored 12 in 2007, meanwhile youngsters Bobby Braun and Jorge Flores could provide some added flare from the bench. I can't forget to mention Ante Razov, one of the league's all-time leading scorers. Chivas has a good mix of experience and youth in their strike force.
Star Player: Sacha Kljestan (MF)
One to Watch: Jorge Flores (MF)
Possible Best XI
GK: Zach Thornton
DF: Carrey Talley (RB) / Claudio Suarez (CB) / Jim Curtin (CB) / Jonathan Bornstein (LB)
MF: Sacha Kljestan (RM) / Paolo Nagamura (CM) / Jesse Marsch (CM) / Ante Jazic (LM)
FW: Maykel Galindo / Ante Razov
In case you missed my preview of the Chicago Fire, click here to check it out.
Disclaimer: This preview is not an official preview, but my own view. Some things might be a little off, but I'm a poor college kid, not a paid reporter. If you support the team being previewed and something is wrong, or you have something to add, please leave a comment.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment