Chivas USA Preseason Camp Notes
Defender Emilion Hassan is one of the new faces at Chivas USA Preseason Camp. Angel Magaña/LAist
Vasquez takes over a club that in recent years has been hampered by numerous injuries and inconsistencies on the offensive side. But despite the challenges, the Red-and-White have had their successes including playoff appearances in 4 out of their 5 seasons and winning a regular season Western Conference title in 2007. Along the way they have helped expand the U.S. National Team player pool, helping develop players such as Sacha Kljestan, Jonathan Bornstein and Brad Guzan.
The challenge for Vasquez lies in maintaining the ability to develop quality talent while doing away with the inconsistencies on the field, specially those related to playoff performances where the team has never been able to advance beyond the first round.
Vasquez graciously shared some thoughts with LAist.com regarding the loss of Paulo Nagamura, plans for the upcoming season and other aspects of importance to the Red-and-White faithful.
Perhaps the biggest concern for fans relates to the loss of Nagamura to Tigres UANL of the Mexican First Division and finding a suitable replacement. As such, it was the first matter he addressed. Here is what Vasquez had to say regarding finding someone to fill the void left by Nagamura:
"That process is currently in progress. As I have previously mentioned, the loss of Paulo, Jesse Marsch and Shavar has been considerable, but we need to focus on the present...on the current year...and that's what we have been doing during preseason, finding those reinforcements that can replace them and help us."
Expanding on the subject, Vasquez then responded to the question of whether or not any of the players currently in camp appeared to be suitable replacements. To that, Vasquez said:
"Yes. As a matter of fact, there are some that we've brought in because we have a lot of confidence in them and the importance of the positions we need to fill. Three days into it, I believe we weren't mistaken. I believe they are players that will be able to help us out and more importantly, there are others making their way onto our radar for future consideration."
A couple of interesting faces spotted at practice include Costa Rican International (and former Galaxy) Michael Umaña, along with Emilio Hassan, a veteran Mexican First Division defender who last played with Cruz Azul. Based on Vasquez's comments, they may be well on track to donning the Red-and-White, but what about the others on the radar, are they local or International? Here is what Vasquez had to say:
"Right now we have players from the draft, collegiate ranks, International players that we have invited, as well as local players...we will find the players we need for 2010 from that pool."
The next few weeks will likely see a lot of personnel moves as the club will need to trim its roster prior to the season and home opener on March 26th. In the meantime, we asked Vasquez to comment on his analysis of the team's current status. Here is what he said:
"We spent the first two days conducting physical and medical examinations. We have the results of the physical exams and in general, they are good. They were positive, which is what one hopes for at the start of preseason as it gives us more time to focus on the soccer side of things rather than conditioning. They are coming in with a good base and are a step ahead. That allows us to work on team chemistry, getting into rhythm and finding the ideal squad that will help the club accomplish its goals."
Vasquez then wrapped it up by commenting on the team's scoring troubles of past, team mentality going forward and lastly, whether the youngsters or other players would take over the midfield. Check out the video for his final comments.