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Chivas USA midfielder Paulo Nagamura (L) is excited and looking forward to facing Gregg Berhalter (R) and the rest of the Galaxy in the first ever playoff SuperClásico. Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Defending champions, Columbus Crew, headline tonight's playoff action in Salt Lake as they try to defend their title. Most of the buzz, however, has been focused around the historic event that will occur on Sunday afternoon at the Home Depot Center.
For the first time in either club's history, Chivas USA and the Galaxy will face each other in a playoff series. Dreams of a playoff SuperClásico series had danced through the heads of L.A. area soccer fans from the day that Chivas USA joined MLS in 2005, but the Galaxy failed to qualify for the playoffs every year since Chivas USA's inaugural season and in doing so, dashing those dreams and disappointing fans.
In a strange way, the fact fans had to wait this long for a playoff SuperClásico series adds another layer of excitement we may not have witnessed had it instead occurred a few years back.
A number of events in the years since the first regular season SuperClásico have helped grow the rivalry. Chivas USA midfielder Paulo Nagamura, a central figure to the red-and-whites' success, won an MLS Cup in 2005 as a member of the Galaxy, but was then left unprotected in the expansion draft that followed that season, consequently ending up in Toronto. He is excited about the chance at eliminating the blue-and-gold and feels they match up well with the Galaxy. His teammate, defender Shavar Thomas, doesn't have such strong ties to the blue-and-gold, but will also be looking to help eliminate the team that shunned him away before giving him a chance. Ante Jazic has been on both sides as well, but now defends the Chivas USA colors. "It won't be a problem. I am looking forward to it," commented Jazic when asked about the reality of having to face old teammates in his first MLS playoff series.
The elephant in the room, of course, is the introduction of David Beckham into the rivalry. Beckham quickly found himself taking part in one of the rivalry's most memorable moments thus far -- back in 2007 -- when Chivas USA midfielder Jesse Marsch kicked him in the groin, an incident that garners questions to this day. Not long thereafter, Beckham rose to the #1 spot on the list of players Chivas USA fans dislike and so goes the history between the clubs.
All that aside, there is real sense amongst the ex-Galaxy players that they are relishing the opportunity afforded them. Tomorrow we all get to see how it will manifest itself.
Chivas USA at Galaxy
When: Sunday, November 1, 2009
Where: Home Depot Center
Time: 2:00 PM
TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
Radio: 690 AM, XEWW
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Angel,
I may not be able to use my ticket (Section 109, Row F, Chivas side)
I'll know late this afternoon. Do you know anyone who might want it?
I know this promoses to be a great match,hate to see the ticket possibly go to waste and none of my friends like football (yes, they're idiots).
If not, I'll use craigslist.
thanks!