Weekend Craze- A Time to Reflect the State of Chivas USA (Updated)

By: David | March 31st, 2007

Day 4 of the Chivas USA blog has finally come at The Offside and well its a slow day. Saturdays are usually not the most exciting of days to blog on, especially when the MLS season has yet start. But that does not mean we are at a loss. There is still plenty to go over and some blogs to point out.

As many of you saw last night I was quite paranoid about an issue that might affect the team. However, after further thought it has become apparent that my concerns might have been a little over the top. Although, there is a possibility of something happening, as Chris stated “…he’s [vergara] a smart businessman. I don’t think he’d take on anything that wouldn’t make him money.” So now that we have gotten that out of the way we can look else where.

Chivas beating the Gals
(A little diversion from all of the discussion, before we move onto the next topic)

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Dan Loney over at Dan Loney Says it All, posted a great article about Chivas USA and marketing. Mr. Loney delves into an analysis of the various factors impacting the team in the Los Angeles region and brings up a few interesting points, especially about the fact that Claudio Suarez has not received as much “international” attention that he is deserved.

Chivas USA doesn’t have 11 stars on David Freaking Beckham’s level, but they have one that should be - Claudio Suarez. His career compares favorably with David Freaking Beckham’s, and he might be more famous than David Freaking Beckham among the Chivas fan bases. But he didn’t fill the Home Depot Center last year, even with Ramon Ramirez and Paco Palencia along for the ride. It’s certainly not Chivas USA’s fault that the international media didn’t embrace Suarez as an Elizabeth Taylor-esque cultural icon. But the sad truth is that good players, even great players, aren’t enough.

Winning might help. But they can’t simply win more than the Galaxy - that was sadly proven last year. I think Chivas USA would have to win something like eighteen to twenty games to get an audience simply based on how good they are. Los Angeles was a fickle market long before Vergara and Cue got here, and it’s things like this that would lead one to rue the decision to choose Chivas Carson instead of Chivas Houston….

This is exactly the complaint that I have had with the Los Angeles market and sports in America for that matter. In this region the fan is constantly looking for the next great thing (which usually means a winner) and will shun that team regardless of their history. Just look at the Angeles, a team that for years had been looked down upon by the LA market as the bastard child of sports due to its lackluster play, became a huge hit all of a sudden when the team won the World Series. Everyone was an Angeles fan. The same can be said for the other sports teams in the LA market and that is one of the reasons why it has been so difficult for Chivas USA to sell itself.

The Chivas FO is always looking for new ideas to expand itself into the LA market, and from the bit of conversations that I have had with them, this season will bring in some new ideas

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With this post winding down I felt it necessary to let you know about a few important sites and links:

Copa Chivas USA 2007: Chivas USA’s co-op with the Coast Soccer League

Chivas USA on Myspace: Another initiative to gain exposure, Chivas USA has created an official Myspace page.

The DCenters’ Fan Guide: An initiative that everyone should take a look at, D at DCenters has started a community involved project that will help to expand the MLS experience. I think this is something that everyone should look into creating for their team.

EPL Talk: A very comprehensive site on the English Premier league.

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Update:

Over at the Climbing the Ladder blog, scaryice has posted a MLS Survey that I think everyone should take…make sure to make your way over to their blog so as to participate in this great MLS experience.

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Update #2: Chivas USA beat the Fire yesterday in a 1-0 match to close out the preseason. The winning goal was scored by Ante Razov and let us hope this is a sign of things to come as Razov restarts his goal scoring with the new season. If you remember, he kind of tapered off towards the end of last season. 4,214 attended the match which is not bad for a preseason game.

Only six days till the beginning of the season, and Chivas’ match against TFC.

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Don’t forget to check out my recipe for Landycakes and send in your recipe.

Enjoy the rest of your day.