Liquidation sale on defenders
By: Alex |
5 Comments
Carey Talley has been signed to Chivas USA.
“CARSON, Calif. (Friday, May 9, 2008) – Chivas USA announced today the acquisition of defender Carey Talley, an 11-year veteran of Major League Soccer and 1999 MLS Cup champion, from Real Salt Lake. Drafted by D.C. United out of the University of North Carolina in 1998, Talley has played 256 games in his MLS career (starting 206), scoring 18 goals and adding 25 assists as a defender and defensive midfielder. In exchange, Chivas USA sent a conditional pick in either the 2010 or 2011 MLS SuperDraft to Real Salt Lake.
“Carey is an experienced, consistent defender who can play both in the middle and on the outside,” said Chivas USA Head Coach Preki. “We’re glad he’s joined the squad and think he’ll be a good fit for us as we move forward.””
Gargan retired
“Chivas USA defender Dan Gargan, signed on April 25 as a Disabled List Replacement for defender Alex Zotinca, has retired from professional soccer effective immediately. A three-year veteran of the league, Gargan has left the sport for personal reasons.”
Chris (a guy I really liked) was waived.
“Defender Chris Pozniak has been waived. The Canadian international had played four games (starting three) as a right defender for the Red-and-White in 2008.”
Category: Team News
Tags: Chivas USA - New England preview
By: Alex | Add Comments
Two teams that don’t need to be reminded that MLS rosters are too small.
Both teams have been dealing with injuries.
Team status.
The back line in pretty thin. Vaughn is out for 4-6 weeks and will be replaced by Chris Pozniak. Chris is a solid replacement. The Canadian international has proven that he can slide into the right back spot without skipping a beat.
Suarez will serve a one game suspension for a red card he received against Houston. Jim Curtin will fill in. The giant-sized defender has taken a little time to adjust to the back line, but seems to be doing better as of late.
Both Jonathan Bornstein and Shavar Thomas should play their usual roles.
Midfield looks solid. Same four should be playing. Wicky may be available for the game. The talented midfielder has had inconsistent issues with his back, but may be an option.
The forward tandem of Ante Razov and Maykel Galindo will be available. The pair are the preferred choice and seem to be getting stronger in each game. Alecko Eskandarian is still out with no sign of return. The striker is desperately needed in the fold to add depth and attacking options to the front line.
Brad Guzan is looking forward to the game and has a trick up his sleeve.
Your guess is as good as mine.
Category: Team NewsTexas Draw
By: Alex | 1 Comment
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.
Category: Team NewsMore … Chivas USA - Houston Dynamo
By: Alex | 1 Comment
Here are a few clips for the pregame…… check them out.
Sounds like the team is getting healthier by the minute. Should be an exciting match.
This is why Chivas USA is my favorite team!
Link to the pregame guide.
Category: Team NewsChivas USA - Houston Dynamo
By: Alex | Add Comments
In preperation for this game, a few guys over at nutmegged brought a few questions up that I want to share. Here are the questions and how I answered them. Throw in your two cents.
1. What’s the deal with Guzan? Does the rumored hangover from his denied English work permt truly linger? Did someone put butter on his gloves? Or was last week’s derby match simply a bad game?
Brad is a spectacular goalie. I don’t think that Brad is the sole issue at back. The team is not playing as a defensive unit. The communication is lacking in the back 5 due to inconsistent line ups. Individually, no one defender has been to blame for the issues, but as a whole (Brad included), the unit has not done it’s job. The only thing that will help is time on the pitch. This defense is about 6 weeks behind the rest is terms of consistency. It will come.
2. Not only has Chivas struggled against the Dynamo the last few year, Robertson Stadium has been an impregnable Mordor for the Goats. This year, both teams appear to be in a bit of a funk, with the usual standouts not standing out. The Orange will come out like angry wasps bringing Guzan quickly under assault. What must Chivas do they haven’t done in previous away matches at Robertson?
This year Chivas USA, when healthy, have the strongest strike force in the league, especially taking into account new addition Alecko Eskandarian. Chivas USA have had trouble scoring at Robertson. I think the pieces are in place this year to score some goals.
One other issue Chivas USA have struggled with is adapting to the style of play. Chivas USA play a possession game, and as a unit. When Chivas USA hold the ball, they are the most dangerous. Houston does not give Chivas USA any room, not allowing the team to control the tempo or possession.
3. How do you feel about the decision to let Amado Guevara go without compensation or the decision to acquire him in the forst place? Given Guevara’s start in the Great White North where he’s taken off like a true hoser (Canuck), do you feel this was a mistake?
It was unfortunate that the relationship between Guevara and Preki did not work out. He has some of the qualities the team is looking for. I understand why Bradley gave up so much for a player of his quality. That said, I’m glad he left and supported Preki with his decision. No one person is above the team, and that mentality is a cancer in the locker room. I personally think the team did better without him, creating a core of great players, not just one star.
4. Preki pretty much was gifted with a very good team built by Bob Bradley. How do you think Preki has fared strengthening or improving what Bob brought (ie, your DP shines in Toronto while Chivas sits uncompensated)? Are his decisions beginning to become worrisome? If you had your druthers, who would you chose to manage the team- Bradley or Preki?
Bradley is a great coach, and there is a reason that he is now the coach of the National Team. Bradley put a decent team together, one with potential. I think in 2006, the team placed seventh in the overall table. The talent he acquired was raw, and predominately came from the MLS draft. Preki acquired a few key players that allowed the team to take the 2007 western conference. Key acquisitions were important, including Paulo Nagamura and Shavar Thomas. Those players may not get a lot of credit, but added the bit of experience and skill the team was missing.
The additions in 2008 made by Preki are outstanding. I say this only because of the practices I’ve seen and the conversations I have had with players. Wicky and Esky are two players that will perform for Chivas USA. Wicky is unknown here, but will show Beckham-like qualities when he gets healthy and playing time. Alecko is one of the best strikers in the league. He was quiet in RSL, mainly do to poor service and an injury he had for most of the season, but when these two players are healthy, they will be competing for a starting position.
As far as his move with Guevara, it needed to be done. Incase we forgot, his last game playing for Chivas USA, he was substituted and on his way off the field, he shoved an official. When Preki tried to trade Guevara to a taker (TFC), he refused to go (against MLS rules). I am glad he is not Chivas USA.
5. In the Galaxy game, when Razov scored, I thought, “Oh my. This is not the last goal in this game. This is going to get ugly.” And at that point if someone had told me the game would end 5-2, I would have predicted Chivas had won. But the defense just seemed to completely fall apart, not just Guzan, but Suarez and Lawson Vaughn. What do you think Chivas must do differently against Dynamo to solve these problems?
My opinion on the Galaxy game is the following. The team didn’t really fall apart. Donovan was unstoppable as he has been most of this year. You should agree that the only reason the Galaxy tied the Dynamo a couple weeks ago was because of Donovan. He is single handedly keeping that team in the hunt (by scoring goals). He is on a rampage and IF he can keep it up, then they will qualify for a playoff spot.
I attribute the 5-2 score line to Preki. He chased the game, and I applaud that. He pulled off a defender and inserted a striker to go after a win. Was it the right decision? Zero points are zero points, so might as well go after them.
6.What makes you most concerned about what you’ll see from Dynamo?
Hard play. The Dynamo play hard (on the borderline of dirty). No offense intended, it is always a hard match. If we can’t control the game, we find difficulty scoring.
And last,your final score prediction:
No prediction …… Last few I predicted W’s for the Red and White and we see what happened. I will predict this. These two teams, regardless of current form, are the best teams in the Western Conference. The match up will be intense.
Category: Team NewsDonovan defeated the Chivas USA 5-2
By: Alex | 15 Comments
Was that the Galaxy?
To be honest and fair, Donovan had a great game. Everyone in MLS knows if he is motivated, he could do that to any team at any time. The other two goals were not too important. Chivas USA were pushing up and took out a defender for a striker, it would happen to anyone. Great job to Preki for pushing for the win.
Some random thoughts on the game…
Obviously defensive issues. No one individually did horrible, but as a unit (4 defenders + Guzan) there are some issues. If I had to justify the result, I could blame the inconsistent line up in combination with Donovan being on fire.
Guzan needs to come up with those big saves.
Somebody put a curse on Chivas USA. Apparently Galindo and Razov cannot play at the same time? One person is always injured. I’ll try and find out if he is training tomorrow.
Not many complaints in the midfield, except for turnovers. Again, not playing as a unit.
Harris coming in off the bench as a third striker has been fairly ineffective. An extra midfielder to get the ball forward might be more rewarding.
The Good.
Did anyone notice Beckham was on the pitch? Probably not because Jonathan Bornstein kept him in check the entire night.
Offensively, the team did good and responded to Donovan’s goals. Justin Braun is going to be really good…. really really good.
Pancho Mendoza seems to be getting better each game.
This defeat could be a wake up. I think the team underestimated the Galaxy based on last years performances. The Galaxy played well. Donovan single handedly won the game.
Hopefully I will get thoughts together enough to do a post game. In the mean time, leave your thoughts. Who played well, who didn’t?
Category: Team NewsThe Semi-Official Offside SuperClasico Pregame
By: Alex | 5 Comments
Chivas USA take on the LA Galaxy this weekend at the HDC.
The Chivas USA are actually starting to resemble the side that won the Western conference last year. Suspension are done, and injuries are slowly healing. Game on!
Here are the MLS predicted line ups. Sacha Kljestan is back. Along with Pancho Mendoza, Ante Razov and possibly Raphael Wicky, we should see a very capable Chivas USA side. Ante Razov is match fit, maybe not 90 minutes fit, but still capable. Wicky has been training with the team all week and is listed as possible.
The key player for the Chivas USA will be Pancho Mendoza, and I think he is up for the task. Pancho in combination with Jonathan Bornstein will be responsible for covering David Beckham out wide. Constant pressure should keep him in check. Pancho has had trouble this season connecting passes and adding to the offensive attack, but no one can question his work ethic. Pancho will pressure Becks and hopefully eliminate those perfect crosses. Thomas and Suarez will have the responsibility of Donovan. They will have their hands full.
Most of the offensive play should come from the right side. Kljestan, Wicky and Nagamura can definitely overpower the midfield. I hope Razov and Galindo partner up well. Should be exciting.
My guess ……. Chivas USA win 3-1. Whats yours?
Category: Team NewsChivas USA Own LA ….. Will they keep it?
By: Alex | 1 Comment
Alright, I know this sounds a little weird, but I am super amped for the Battle of Los Angeles and I will do my official pregame tomorrow. In the mean time, I thought I would throw out some random thoughts that might be worth debating. And I don’t do this too often, but I am officially inviting Galaxians to drop comments as well. Just keep it clean (or I will clean them up for you).
So here’s the deal. Neither team is on fire right now. Both teams have suffered from injuries. So who is going to win? Here is my opinion.
Chivas USA will win. Here is why.
The key to the Galaxy (no secret) is the relationship between David Beckham and Landon Donovan. If those two players are given any room, then the SuperClassico is in jeopardy. The good news is that David Beckham is playing on the right side this year, not the middle. He will be matched up with a combination of Pancho Mendoza and Jonathan Bornstein. Both of those players have a tremendous work ethic and take care of their defensive responsibilities. Plus, the amount of speed the two players have cannot compare to the aging Beckham. What I’m trying to say is Becks won’t get an ounce of room.
Thomas will be responsible for Donovan and he will have his hands full. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sneaks one in. But overall, I don’t think the rest of the Galaxy will compete.
Where I see the Chivas USA shining is on the right, with sparkling plays coming from Sacha going to both Ante and Maykel.
So……… how do you think it will go? Who will win? Where will the goals come from? Can Becks play a full 90 with the likes of Pancho and Jonny B?
Category: Team NewsChivas USA’s slow start
By: Alex | 7 Comments
FC Dallas defeated the Red and White on Sunday.
Injuries exposed Chivas USA and contributed to the club’s loss. Most notable of the losses was Sacha Kljestan. The team’s playmaker served a suspension for a foul committed against the Crew last week. His absence left a hole that wasn’t filled. Pancho Mendoza was also suspended after receiving two yellows against the Crew. His speed and work ethic are tough to match. Other noticeable absences include Raphael Wicky, Alex Zotinca and Alecko Eskandarian.
Some notable inclusions on the pitch were Justin Braun, Claudio Suarez and Lawson Vaughn.
Claudio Suarez debuted for the first time this season. His presence was sorely missed. While the Captain was a bit rusty playing his first significant game of the season, his positioning and knowledge helped to solidify the defense. Claudio Suarez has a unique understanding with Shavar Thomas and Brad Guzan. He has a way to go, but his inclusion was a great help.
Lawson Vaughn is important to the squad. The defender was forced to play in the middle of the park due to suspensions. His offensive duties were lacking, and could not match those of the missing Sacha Kljestan, but his defensive presence was notable. His health means he can fall back to the right back spot and allow Chris Pozniac to move around the park, making the squad that much deeper.
Justin Braun was included in Sunday’s line up. Braun, a newcomer to Chivas USA, played an admirable game. The rookie stepped on to the pitch and displayed skill, strength and knowledge. He is raw, but could make a name for himself shortly in the MLS.
The team exposed some holes, and learned a lot about themselves. For Suarez’s first performance of the year, the defense looked decent. Jonathan Bornstein looked fast, and seems to be gaining his speed back. Chris Pozniak is proving to be a great trade. Hopefully the defense will have consistent starters from here on and be able to build on Sundays performance.
Jesse Marsch and Paulo Nagamura did well. They worked really hard, trying to make up for the missing pieces. In the end, it was those missing pieces that created the lack of intelligent attacking play. The midfield lost the ball …. a lot. Lawson Vaughn gave the ball away too many times. Atiba Harris couldn’t get the ball to the strikers. Chiles had some good spurts, but was non-existent most of the match. In the end, the midfield lacked cohesion.
The strikers did OK, they just couldn’t get service. Most looks at goal, they created themselves. Galindo is still lacking a little in the speed department and a little in the touch department, but he is getting there. Ante Razov had trouble getting into the game. It took him about 15 minutes to acclimatize, but at the end he started to work some magic, just not enough.
It was a tough loss, no doubt. If the team didn’t concede the early goal, a draw or a win could have been in the cards. However, Dallas made them push for it and in the end it resulted in the second goal.
Category: Team NewsChivas Host Dallas Part 2 - Preview
By: Alex | 7 Comments
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%. Sideline Views has an excellent interview with Preki about the situation.
We will protect this house!
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————
-Flores-Nagamura-Marsch-Savage-
-Bornstein-Suarez-Thomas-Pozniak-
———–Galindo—————
Bench. Atiba Harris, Justin Braun, Dan Kennedy, Daniel Paladini, Eric Ebert, and Jim Curtin
There are other several possibilities in the lineup, including Anthony Hamilton and Kraig Chiles. For having six 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.
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.
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.
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, they are 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.
Category: Team News
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