The stage was set for Chivas USA on Sunday night as it marked one of the most important, and perhaps season defining, Super Clasicos in years. With the Shalrie Joseph trade, and debut, being billed as a statement of intent for The Goats’ push for the playoffs, and their chance to take the Super Clasico series for the first time in eight seasons, the game against the Galaxy could not have been any more exciting (and nerve-wracking) for the expectant Chivas faithful. Instead, they witnessed a mauling at the hands of their Los Angeles rivals and easily one of their worst performances of the season. Four unanswered goals from the Galaxy not only put a major dent in Chivas’ playoff hopes, but disheartened the fans who had such high hopes going into a game of this magnitude.
Embarrassment at ‘Home’
Prior to this match, I wasn’t the only one who described this game as a ‘make-or-break’ or ‘must win’ match. And it wasn’t the first time this season that the Goats have had such an important game like this. However, it also wasn’t the first time this season that Chivas USA failed to turn up on the big occasion (see USOC Seattle semi-final). With only seven points separating the two sides, four games in hand, a new ‘blockbuster’ signing and the opportunity to break another poor Clasico record, Chivas USA had a chance to not only step towards the playoffs but back up their belief that the playoffs were actually an attainable goal.
Of course a win against an improving MLS Cup winning LA Galaxy side was a big-ask, but a performance worthy of their ambitions and at least a point from this game was not out of the question. Despite a terrible performance (one that Fraser described as ‘embarrassing’), LA Galaxy were completely deserving of their win as they exuded their big match experience and quality. They also scored four well worked goals that all stemmed from the unstoppable assist master Landon Donovan, who himself was assisted by unforced Chivas USA errors. Dan Kennedy, again left out of the USMNT squad, was the only Chivas USA player to leave with any credit. Even at 4-0 he still managed to prevent an even more dreadful score-line and show everyone watching (apart from Jurgen Klinsmann) why he can justifiably be described with that ‘world-class’ soccer cliché.
Make or Break? Chivas Broken
Once again though, Chivas USA fans will not only be disappointed by the result but the way in which it was handed to them. Slack in both passing and possession throughout the game, they never gave anyone reason to suggest a shock result was a possibility.
In the first half, the Galaxy took the lead through Robbie Keane as the Irishman breezed into the Chivas box unchallenged and sent the ball past the blameless Dan Kennedy. It was Donovan’s first assist of the night but the goal originated from another error this time from Ben Zemanski. Dominating and highlighting the weaknesses of the Goats, Galaxy went into the half 1-0 up and in control. Despite their dominance, Chivas were maybe still in it. This season has seen several low scoring poor first half performances from the Rojiblancos, and on occasion they significantly up their game in the 2nd half. Add to this LA’s dismal start to the season that saw them lose leads late on in a number of games and maybe Chivas had a glimmer of hope. However, this was a different, improved LA Galaxy from earlier this season. Unfortunately though, it was the same Chivas USA.
The 2nd half did see the home side start brightly and after a few opportunities it looked as though Robin Fraser’s half time team talk had boosted his ailing side. However, this only seemed to anger their rivals and in the 64th minute the game was put beyond Chivas’ reach. A wonder strike from Juninho left Kennedy with no chance and it was game over. Another assist from Landon but again it started with a misplaced pass at the other end of the field. It was a great goal, worthy of winning any game, but extremely poor from Chivas’ point of view especially when their defensive record is what has been keeping them competitive in games. And to rub salt into the already gaping wound, a third and fourth goal was added through a second Juninho goal and an Omar Gonzalez header.
Negatives and the Only Positive
There are various aspects of this performance that will not only infuriate Robin Fraser but enrage every Chivas USA fan out there. Not only was it a Super Clasico but it was a game that had so much hype surrounding it. With only one place and seven points separating them from the Galaxy, and having played fewer games than everyone in and around them in the Conference, Chivas USA had a run of games that could soon see them up fighting in the top half of the table. Somehow the Goats had found themselves in a position where the playoffs were a possibility and their local rivals were in their sights. Although scoring isn’t their forte, defending and grinding out results is. However, their knack of doing so deserted them on Sunday night and they were given a harsh lesson in finishing by their neighbors.
Possession was dominated by the visitors and mainly due to Chivas’ inability to hold onto the ball or string more than two passes together. But, as usual, it was their lack of invention or cutting edge going forward that was their downfall. Despite having the youthful talent of Agudelo and the experience of Angel we still have the poorest goals scored record in MLS and it doesn’t look like it will get any better.
As I mentioned earlier, the only positive of this game was the fact we were again shown just how good a goalkeeper we have at Chivas USA. How often does the goalkeeper at the wrong end up a 4-0 drubbing win your team’s man of the match award and trend on Twitter for not being included in the USMNT roster. Simply put, if we lose Dan Kennedy we lose more goals and ultimately lose more games. It’s simple. So when is someone at the other end of the field going to step up and match his contribution to the side?
Players like Minda and Califf are vital to our side and shine even in the poor performances but this is still from a defensive point of view. Who is going to step up at the far end of the field and get us the goals that will win us games and get us to the playoffs? Yes we have a promising young roster, full of potential but they aren’t taking the game by the scruff of the neck and getting us any points through goals scored. More than ever it is time for someone to start producing and taking the pressure and focus away from our #1.
Going Forward
‘Must win’ and ‘make-or-break’ were phrases that I used in my match preview and that could prove to be true in the next couple of games. The players now have to prove that this Super Clasico defeat was not the end of their playoff hopes. After a derby defeat emotions run high and disappointment can often cloud rational thinking. So one final constructive point from this game is actually the fact that Chivas USA were outclassed. We were beaten by a better side and we have to accept that. The teams we play next, however, are also in a battle to extend their season. We have a better chance of picking up points from some of those games in hand, than we did against the Galaxy on Sunday. Robin Fraser just has to find a way to convince his players all is not lost and the playoffs can still be targeted. More importantly though, he has to make sure we play in a way that is good enough to get us there.
(image courtesy of Chivas USA)
