As if a game between Chivas USA and LA Galaxy wasn’t exciting enough, and then somehow it turns out to be another one of those season defining games for the Rojiblancos. This Sunday night marks the return of the Super Clasico for the third time this season, and what could also be the most decisive LA derby in recent years…for Chivas USA at least. With both teams occupying either side of that playoff line in the Western standings, this weekend’s match at the Home Depot Center could spell the beginning, or indeed the end, of the Goats 2012 playoff hopes. Add to this the possible debut of new Goat Shalrie Joseph and Chivas USA have the perfect opportunity to show their neighbors they mean business and might not be the only team in LA having a post-season this year.
Returning from yet another break in their season, the Goats face another difficult run of games that will undoubtedly be billed as make-or-break. With LA, Colorado, Seattle and New England making up the opposition for the rest of August, Chivas USA finally have the chance to build some momentum and, more importantly, some form again. And this starts with Sunday’s Super Clasico.
BEST OF 3
Chivas USA and LA Galaxy have already met each other twice this season and this weekend’s LA derby could be the one that decides their 2012 series. Both Super Clasicos this year could not have been any different. With the Goats finally securing a historic 1-0 Clasico win back in May fans were unfortunately reminded of the Galaxy’s dominance in this fixture when they exacted their revenge in a 3-1 defeat just three weeks ago. Although Chivas deserved their rare 3 points against the Galaxy, they still have a long way to go in this fixture. May’s victory was their first since 2007 (only 1 in the last 13) and after July’s defeat they only added to their poor overall record against their rivals. However, despite their inferiority in the record books, Chivas USA still have that inspiring 1-0 victory to build upon going into Sunday, and have a genuine chance of causing another upset. Chivas USA’s roster has improved significantly over those previous Super Clasicos and Robin Fraser’s side will prove much more of challenge than those of the past.
RECENT FORM
The 2012 season has been a bit up-and-down for both Chivas USA and LA Galaxy. Struggling for form and continually being interrupted by weeks without any MLS action, Chivas USA results have reflected this. Recently though, the Goats have been picking up the necessary points to keep them in with a shot of the playoffs. Bar the LA defeat, Chivas have taken six points from two games against Portland and a point from both Vancouver and FC Dallas in recent weeks. This has pushed them up to sixth place in the Western Conference, and although only a point ahead of Colorado, the Goats have at least two games in hand on anyone below them. More importantly however, Chivas USA now have a case for a serious challenge on LA Galaxy who sit one place above them in the league.
With just seven points separating them, Chivas USA do not only have the home advantage in the Super Clasico but also four valuable games in hand as well. Although, a defeat to LA would definitely damage their chances of catching their rivals the Goats still have 12 points to fight for in order to catch up with them.
LA Galaxy, on the other hand, were recently undergoing something of a revival. With an extremely poor start to the season, Bruce Arena’s stars finally started picking up some results and also started to convince America they were back to their best. However, after conquering Chivas and FC Dallas, the Galaxy were brought back down to earth with a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Sounders (Arena’s worst as Galaxy Coach). A 5-1 defeat to Real Madrid last week, although meaningless, will also mean a win against Chivas is the very least their fans will expect.
THE INJURY LIST
Going into not only the Super Clasico but a tough month of games, Robin Fraser has few injury concerns to deal with. Although on the road to recovery, Marvin Iraheta is still the only long term absentee in the squad and only a couple of players are possibly on the injury list. Midfielders Ryan Smith and Peter Vagenas, both struggling with hamstring strains, are considered doubtful but the good news is Oswaldo Minda is more likely to feature. Missing of late due to his shoulder injury, the Ecuadorian has been missed in the heart of midfield and if he can make it for Sunday fans will breathe a sigh of relief. The combative midfielder has been crucial in Chivas’ ability to grind out results recently and his energy will again be needed to frustrate the strike force of the Galaxy.
The one player making the headlines though is Shalrie Joseph. Arriving in California after his trade from the New England Revolution, Chivas’ new recruit has been training with his new team mates and is apparently all set to make his debut against LA Galaxy. With a vast amount of MLS experience, Robin Fraser is unlikely to be afraid of giving him his debut in a Super Clasico of this magnitude.
Since the inception of the Super Clasico between Chivas USA and LA Galaxy, the Goats have not enjoyed the best of records against their rivals. However, the 1-0 victory over LA earlier this year hinted at a possible change of fortunes for the Rojiblancos. Although a defeat followed in their 2nd Super Clasico of the season, Chivas USA’s improvement is highlighted in their proximity to their rivals. Galaxy may not hold this game in the highest regard, however with so much at stake for both teams there will be no lack of effort from either side. The Rojiblancos showed their desire to make the playoffs this year with another shock trade in the form of Shalrie Joseph. Another strong statement of their intent would be all three points in the Super Clasico this weekend.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
