LA Galaxy vs Chivas USA. Also known as the “Super Clasico”, it is one of the biggest rivalries in MLS. This will be their second meeting of the season. In their first match, Chivas won 1-0 after a penalty was awarded to them, thanks to a Lopes handball. That was the first time Chivas defeated LA Galaxy since September 17, 2007, almost 5 years ago. In this rivalry, LA Galaxy definitely has the upper hand. So far, LA Galaxy has won 16 matches, drawn 6 matches, and lost 4 matches.
LA has won 2 of their last 3 games, 2-0 against Chicago Fire and 5-3 against Portland Timbers. They also tied with Vancouver Whitecaps 2-2. These were all away games. Against Vancouver, LA went down 0-2 in less than 30 minutes. It looked like LA was heading for another loss. However, with 10 minutes remaining, David Beckham scored for LA, cutting Vancouver’s lead in half. There was still time for LA to score, but they would have to do it fast. In the 87th minute, Jose Villarreal, a Homegrown player, scored his first goal in only his second MLS match. He didn’t score just any goal though. He scored what most of us would call, a golazo. Here’s a clip of it if you haven’t seen it yet.
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Chivas won their last game, against Portland Timbers, 1-0 at the Home Depot Center. Earlier they had two 0-0 draws against Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas. One of the biggest reasons why Chivas has managed to keep clean sheet in their last 3 MLS matches is Dan Kennedy. He has been incredible for the Goats this season. He’s also been one of the best keepers in MLS, earning an All Star selection. When Chivas played Timbers earlier this week, all they needed was an early goal and they were able to get all 3 points.
Chivas has a really strong defense and an incredible keeper. LA will need to make sure their defense is strong too. All of LA’s DPs need to show up. Beckham has scored 3 goals in his last 2 games, Keane has scored 2 goals in his last 2 games, and Landon Donovan has assisted a couple. Bruce Arena should also consider starting Jose Villarreal, or at least subbing him when the second half starts. If LA wins on Saturday, there will be a 7 point gap between the two teams. Regardless of who wins, or if the match ends in a draw, it will be a very entertaining “Super Clasico”.
(image courtesy of lagalaxy.com)
