Chivas USA Returns to MLS Action in SuperClásico
Alecko Eskandarian fights off a challenge from Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter in April's edition of the SuperClásico. Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Thanks to their blazing start to the season, Chivas USA retains its second place spot on the overall league and Western Conference standings with 27 points despite having been out of action for 2 weeks. However, the club has hit some bumps on the road and struggled through the matches leading into the break. Now they return to league action to face a Galaxy squad that is in an upswing and only slightly resembles the squad the red-and-whites faced three months ago in the first leg of the SuperClásico.
Three red cards were handed out the last time the two clubs met, including one to MLS newcomer Gregg Berhalter that came by way of a foul on Alecko Eskandarian, who coincidentally is now on the blue-and-gold roster after a trade between the two clubs a bit over a week ago.
It was a typical match between the clubs back in April. Hard tackles and open play from both sides characterized the majority of the match. Chivas USA dominated the game and created the best scoring opportunities and the Galaxy should consider itself lucky to have earned a draw. Tonight's match promises to have a lot of the same action.
Chivas USA needs to get back to its winning ways quickly if it wants to capture a good playoff spot. The season is quickly reaching the final third and while the red-and-whites are only 4 points from the top stop in the standings, they are also only 2 points above Seattle and 6 above Colorado and the Galaxy. A loss tonight could see them slip into third place in the conference standings. Fortunately for the red-and-whites, Sacha Kljestan and Jonathan Bornstein are back from National Team duty and eager to make their contributions.
The blue-and-gold will pose a formidable challenge. Strong defensive performances have carried the team to 2 straight wins, including a victory over league leading Houston. With Landon Donovan back in the fold, the offensive side may soon start to show more life.
A certain level of urgency must also be building within the Galaxy organization. The closer the final third of the season, the more real the possibility that the blue-and-gold will once again miss the playoffs.
Tonight's match has the potential of building a lot of momentum for either team.
Game Details:
Chivas USA vs. Galaxy
When: Saturday, July 11th
Where: Home Depot Center, Carson
Time: 8:00 PM
TV: FSC, FSE
Radio: XEWW, 690 AM