MLS Season Preview: Chivas USA

By: Bob | April 5th, 2007

The players are just about ready to run on to the pitch to start the 2007 MLS season. Our all-star team of bloggers has been getting us prepared through their season previews. Today we take a gander at Chivas USA. Giving the rundown on the Goats is David, who writes for the Chivas USA Offside. His words of wisdom can be found after the jump.

Nuts and Bolts

After a solid season last year, this year will be a very interesting battle. Coming into their third season of existence, Chivas USA is battling against the odds as the most controversial team in MLS. With a mediocre first season, the second under Bob Bradley was very good. Winning and tying numerous games, Chivas proved to be a very strong contender in their second season. This season will be a new battle as Chivas USA is under the command of a new coach: Preki. A fiery coach, Preki was the assistant to Bradley and will taking the helm this season, bringing in the same aggressive attack scheme fans of Chivas have become accustom to, and with new players on the pitch it is almost certain that Chivas USA will be a contender for the MLS Cup.
Although Bradley is gone, Preki has proven himself as a viable replacement, implementing a strong workout regiment and continuing the aggressive nature that was instilled in the team last year. Couple that with the youth of Chivas USA and the talent, one can see the potential Chivas USA has for success.

As such, with the various changes that have occurred it is necessary to examine the necessary components for victory. We’ll win the league if Amado Guevara comes to play and the team responds to Coach Preki. There is a tremendous amount of talent on the team; however, success will depend upon the ability of all players to work together. Although, one of the main weaknesses of the team lies with the defense, the midfield and the attack will complement the weakness as they prove to be one of the most explosive teams in the MLS. The team will struggle at the beginning season without the leadership of Juan Francisco “Paco” Palencia and the aggressive nature of Juan Pablo Garcia, yet there are numerous components to the team that have proven to be stars.

The Stars

With the return of Ante Razov, Claudio Suarez and Jesse Marsch Chivas USA has a core of veteran players that will help to anchor the team, especially with the first half of the season. A lot of their ability will rest in Razov’s ability to regain his scoring composure as he tapered off towards the end of last season. Although, Razov had 14 goals there was point during the second year campaign that he entered a scoring drought and proved to be a burden on the team. Especially with a new manager and the lack of Paco and Garcia, the team cannot afford another dry spell by Razov. That does not mean the team is lacking in supporting players, as Jonathan Bornstein, Sasha Kljestan, Francisco Mendoza and Brad Guzan should return to top notch form as they help Chivas in their drive for the championship. Though, Bornstein was injured during international play, he is recovering fast and will be ready for the season.

The Newcomers

The one question mark for the team is Amado Guevara, a new addition to Chivas as he was traded for the team’s DP. Brought in with the thought that he would be playing under his former coach (Bradley), Guevara could prove to be a negative impact upon the team if he does not perform and continues the same antics that plagued his former teams. However, if in fact Guevara does not fight with Preki, he could prove to be a very dangerous weapon for Chivas as he is one of the best midfielders the MLS has ever seen. Couple that with the young talent that his been brought on during the off-season and Chivas’ looks to be a potential threat during the 2007 season. Of the players that have been brought in, Cuban National Maykel Galindo and John Cunliffe could prove to be the biggest surprises for the season. In my opinion Galindo will blossom into a very potent striker as continues the same success he had in the USL and prove that he is one of the best players in America.

The Beckham Factor

Yet as we all know one of the hardest things Chivas will have to contend with is the influence and attention David Beckham will bring to the game. One thing Chivas has going for them is they are not basing their entire team on just one player and will prove that the team matters more then the individual. Although the other team will gain in attendance, it is through the continued success that was started last season Chivas will overcome the “Beckham Effect.”

You might not know

With the season just a few days away, the success of Chivas rides on the ability of the team to work together and listen to Preki. One thing that you might not know is that the team does not receive any money for concessions and parking, as it is currently renting the space in the Home Depot Center. A large chunk of revenue that could used to pay off debt and help to purchase new players is non-existent as AEG controls rights to Chivas’ home stadium. Another thing you might not know is that Elsie Leon, coach of the Chiva Girls, is the wife of Chivas USA CEO Javier. Lastly, when I was an intern for Chivas and we lost to Galaxy our punishment was to wash all of the Gals FO cars. So let’s not lose this year and take that trophy.

Arriba Las Chivas!!!!

Stay on top of the action all season long at the Chivas USA Offside.

Your wardrobe will look better with a red and white striped shirt. Get your Chivas USA soccer gear.

Tomorrow’s preview: Real Salt Lake.