2012 was a disaster for Chivas USA. Finishing bottom of the Western Conference with just 30 points, fans were left not only with a lack of season highlights, but they were left in complete disarray. How could the club possibly recover from one of their worst ever seasons? And, more importantly, in what direction was the new ownership going to take the club? Well after what feels like a relatively quick off-season, things are starting to take shape at Chivas USA and there has been no shortage of headlines.
The following is a look at who is currently listed as being the players to take Chivas USA forward into the 2013 season, and what we can expect from these Goats. It seems like there are more haters out their than usual now, so with all eyes on this so called ‘Chivas experiment’ can we finally build something stable and competitive to shut them up?
IN CHELIS WE TRUST
The first thing that had to be addressed after the disaster of 2012 was the position of Head Coach. Robin Fraser’s position was untenable after consistently poor performances and records being broken for all the wrong reasons. But who was out there that could possibly turn things around? The owners decided that the man up to the task was José Luis Sanchéz Solá or simply ‘Chelís’. From the word go, Chelís has made an impact both on and off the field, with his straight talking, no nonsense, controversial style. He might not be pleasing everyone with his (and the owners) vision for Chivas USA, or his quotes to the media, but after seeing his training sessions and speaking to him after preseason games, I genuinely believe he has the ideas and the passion to take Chivas forward this year. (More articles on the genius of Chelís will follow).
GOALKEEPERS
The position of Goalkeeper at Chivas USA is an easy one to call. Dan Kennedy is not only No.1, but he is the newly elected Captain of the Goats. However, his future with Chivas was continually called into question throughout the off season.
The rumors began early with him being traded to LA Galaxy…which would have been the worst possible scenario. These rumors then morphed into the suggestion that the hierarchy of Chivas USA wanted to move Kennedy on and they were actively ‘shopping’ him around. As this idea died down, it then conveniently emerged that his trade to another club was imminent and his departure was still possible.
Despite the conjecture, Dan Kennedy is still with Chivas USA and he has been named as Captain by his new Head Coach. His future (for 2013 anyway) seems to be secure and much to the delight of the support he will start the season as No.1. After an outstanding 2012 season, the fans favorite’s presence between the sticks will be a welcome relief.
Early in preseason Antonio Rodriguez was brought in for training, but it wasn’t long before he was on his way back to Mexico. Therefore, this leaves Tim Melia and Patrick McClain as back-up. With both fighting it out in preseason for minutes, it remains to be seen who the official #2 will be.
DEFENDERS
What started last year as a fairly good platform for grinding out results, ended with a poor run of form that was pivotal in their late season downfall. Big changes were needed but, at the moment, the defense is by no means a trusted unit.
Leaving in the off-season was MLS veteran Danny Califf, Raushawn McKenzie and John Valencia which left us very short in that department. There is also still a question mark surrounding the future of Ante Jazic. Therefore Chivas USA only have James Riley, Bobby Burling, and the versatile Jorge Villafaña, as our registered defenders.
Despite the lack of numbers on the roster though, Chelís has brought in several players on trial who have featured in preseason games. Walter Vilchez, Emilio Orozco, Carlos Borja, Mario de Luna, Steve Purdy and Joaquin Velasquez have all been used in preseason so far. So with Chelís adopting a 3 man defense in some games, the potential numbers are certainly there but until the final roster is released we are still unsure as to who will be Dan Kennedy’s first line of defense.
MIDFIELDERS
The midfield is arguably where Chivas USA had the most strength in depth last season. Although that was nothing to really brag about, it remains the department in which Chelís has the most recognized options. According to the official website the following players are our current midfielders: Carlos Alvarez, Eric Avila, Miller Bolaños, Laurent Courtois, Marky Delgado, Marvin Iraheta, Oswaldo Minda, Ben Zemanski, Jorge Villafaña and Shalrie Joseph.
First off, let’s look at the one player on that list who has been making the headlines…the expensive and largely ineffective Shalrie Joseph. After being told he was not part of Chelís’ plans, he has been on trial with Seattle but that has fell through after he was described as physically unfit. That unfortunately leaves Chivas with a player who is not wanted and a large part of the wage bill that Chelís wants rid of.
Players no longer on the books include Nick LaBrocca and Ryan Smith who were integral to the side last year. Despite their absence though, it is a relief to see Minda return to team as he was actually the best outfield player at Chivas last year. As a result, Chelís has brought in trialists including Rodrigo Lopez, Daniel Antunez, and Giovanni Casillas.
Turning up to see Chivas train has always been interesting as there have been so many new faces in and around the field that has become a chore to try and devise a potential roster. But like the defense, if these players stick around (which Chelís has hinted at) then there will be a new look midfield on show this season.
FORWARDS
One of the main reasons why Chivas USA were rooted at the bottom of the Western Conference last season was because they failed to score goals. Despite the experience of Juan Pablo Angel and the potential of Juan Agudelo the season ended with a dismal tally of just 24.
With JPA departing MLS, the forwards on Chivas’ roster at the moment are Juan Agudelo, Jose Correa and Tristan Bowen. This certainly won’t frighten the back line of most MLS teams but the potential exists here for a very good frontline. Also, depending on the formation, many of the midfielders particularly Bolaños will add to an attack that must improve on last season.
Agudelo continually flirted with Europe throughout January but he remains with Chivas USA and, along with Dan Kennedy hanging around, that was the best news regarding this roster.
DO THESE PLAYERS HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Unlike other MLS teams that can afford to splash the cash on designated players or big names, Chivas USA do not have that luxury. However, despite their financial situation, they have also failed to bring in any experienced names that most fans would recognize. Instantly, people will look at this potential line-up of players and will consider Chivas USA 2013 another lost cause.
There might not be any marquee signings, but remember Chivas of 2012 had a decent roster, with some ‘big’ signings (Joseph and Agudelo), that many claimed were so full of potential they would soon be ‘a really good team’. And look at how that turned out. The few players I was genuinely excited about last year though (Kennedy, Agudelo, Bolaños and Minda) are still at the club. Poor performances from any of these players aside, Robin Fraser and his staff not only failed to build a winning team but they failed to inspire the players. It was time to start again.
The key part of this current roster is the man leading it. Chelís’ passion has shone through at the training sessions and his desire to get his team playing attractive football has made me a fan. He has stated he is happy with the current group of players at his disposal and being undefeated in preseason so far has raised the fans’ hopes once again. It is still a few weeks before the season begins, and players may still come or go, but one thing is for sure this attractive brand of soccer we have been promised from Chivas USA this year will certainly be from a very different group.
(image courtesy of Olivia Cervantes)
