Battle for L.A. AKA Honda SuperClásico

Chivas USA has been riding a bit of a rollercoaster as of late. Long pauses in action throughout the summer months have further compounded their injury and performance problems, causing their place on the Western Conference standings to fluctuate to a point where their playoff chances are being jeopardized. They returned to permanent MLS action on August 8th after a 3 week break and their lack of play was clearly evident, dropping a 4 - 0 decision in Colorado. But the red-and-whites bounced back and quickly turned it around after that, winning their next two matches -- versus New York and Toronto respectively -- by a score of 2 - 0.

The Toronto match seemed to indicate the team had regained their form. New faces light up the offensive side and Sacha Kljestan had his strongest performance on the year, scoring two goals in the process. However, the team then traveled to Salt Lake last Wednesday and were routed 4 - 0 once again after a performance that looked a lot like that in Colorado from earlier in the month.

Now the red-and-whites find themselves in a bit of a precarious situation. Seattle is currently tied with Chivas USA on the standings, although the L.A. side has the advantage with 2 games in hand over the Emerald City club. The real danger for Chivas USA, however, is in what lies beyond that. Four teams are within striking distance of tying the red-and-whites on points. Should this happen, it will be a photo finish for one or more clubs as they all race towards a playoff spot in the final weeks of MLS action. A victory tonight by Chivas USA would catapult the club into second place on the Western Conference standings, surpassing the Galaxy and perhaps serving as a catalyst for more consistency in the final weeks.

To the contrary, the Galaxy have had quite a different experience during the summer. After their long stretch of ties and victory over Chivas USA in July, the team has continued to improve week after week. Their 3 - 2 - 1 record since then has helped the blue-and-gold move into the second place on the Western Conference standings, where, should they hold on to that spot, they would be assured a playoff spot for the first time since 2005.

Defense has led the way for the Galaxy this season, a sharp contrast from last year's side. The high flying offense that former Head Coach Ruud Gullit had bet on is no longer and the team is the better for it, but few would argue that this year's squad lacks character.

A handful of victories have demonstrated flashes of past offensive prowess, but most have been hard fought and gritty wins decided by the most minimal of margins. The dramatic shift in the team's form has led folks in MLS circles to consider the possibility of awarding current Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena with Coach of the Year honors and we still have two months left on the season.

This year's Galaxy is not only better than last year's squad, it is also in better form than it was the last time it faced off against Chivas USA. A victory or a draw would give the Galaxy the Honda SuperClásico title for a fourth time since its inception in 2005. More importantly, it will help the Galaxy solidify its spot in the playoff race with Chivas USA and Seattle only 2 points behind. A loss would be equally dangerous as it is for Chivas USA. In short, neither team can afford to lose.

These are the types of matches that soccer fans live for. It is a sure bet that it will heated, tight and hard fought. Neither team can afford to budge and fans for either side will be the winners tonight regardless of the scoreline.

Be there!

Galaxy vs. Chivas USA
When: Saturday, August 29th
Where: Home Depot Center, Carson
Time: 8:00 PM
TV: ESPN Deportes, ESPN2
Radio: KLAC, KWKW