Chivas USA is Falling Apart at the Seams: Is this Team Going to Collapse? (Part I in Study of Chivas)

By: David | May 1st, 2007

Doom More doom and gloom posting this morning as I reflect on the structure and existence of this team. For three years, Chivas USA has proven to be an interesting commodity in the MLS, drawing in sizable crowds and attention. Everyone in the MLS knows of Chivas and has seen their potential grow exponentially. In fact, there is a lot of envy and hatred towards the team, as it is proving itself to be more then just another expansion team. Last year we saw Chivas evolve into a MLS contender, as Bob Bradley molded the squad, instilling a structured program. Attendance was stagnant, but still proved to be one of the best in the MLS, continuing the notion that Chivas had potential. Well, that is where our story begins to decline.

Following the defeat of Chivas in the playoffs, Bradley left the team to become the manager of the US Men’s National Team. Things seemed to be looking up for Chivas, as Bradley had left a squad prepared for great success the following season. In fact, during the off-season a few acquisitions were made to bolster the squad and address problems associated with attack and the midfield. Understandably, Chivas lost two key players in Paco and JPG, however, the team had been structured such that it would be able to accommodate this loss. Then came the first of many mistakes and failures by the team. While Bradley was now gone, Chivas did not immediately announce a manager; rumors spread as to who might be the next manager and a few exciting names began to pop up.

Well, around this time Galaxy stole Chivas’ thunder by announcing the signing of Becks. All of a sudden, the potential audience for Chivas was sucked away by their stadium neighbors, leaving them in the cold to announce the new manager. Before we knew it, Preki was selected as Bradley’s replacement with very little fanfare. We all thought this was a pretty good selection, as Preki had learned under Bradley and prided himself on an attacking scheme. Couple that with the roster addition and it looked as if Chivas was on their way to another successful season. All that was needed now was a shirt sponsorship, and maybe a big name signing.

Indirectly, Chivas had added a big name talent: Amado Guevara. Trading away their DP slot to New York, Chivas signed one of the best players in the league, someone who would be able to bolster their midfield with power and skill. But the problem was, Guevara came to Chivas thinking he was going to be playing under his former coach, Bradley. As we all know this did not work out, as Bradley left the team shortly after Guevara was signed.

Now we will speed up the story to the beginning of the season. It would seem that Chivas was looking well prepared to make a run at the Championship and there was a growing rumor that they were going to be adding an international star to the roster. Once again the attention was directed away from Chivas, as Galaxy announced a deal with Herbalife in the tune of $5 million a year. Chivas still had not announced their shirt sponsorship deal and was quickly loosing its media presence.

The opening game came and went with much potential, as Chivas thumped TFC. Everything was looking good. However, that was not the case as the structure of the team (both squad and the Front Office) was more fragile than we thought, leading to potential disaster….

What disaster you say? Well you will have to wait until Part II comes out, either later today or tomorrow.

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This is part I in an on going study of Chivas USA and its future in the MLS.