Chivas USA Fighting Until the End
Chivas USA players listen intently to Head Coach Martin Vasquez during post practice briefing. Angel Magaña/LAist
A minimum of nine points (and some favorable results) continue to separate Chivas USA from this year’s MLS playoffs, and with 7 games left in the season, it is still mathematically possible for the red-and-white to qualify.
Oddly enough, Chivas USA finds itself in a situation similar to that which their in stadium rivals -- the LA Galaxy -- found themselves in back in 2005, fighting tooth and nail in the final games of the season to get into the playoffs.
Back then, Galaxy legend Cobi Jones and Landon Donovan led the squad through a memorable playoff campaign after barely qualifying, and then capped it off with an MLS Cup victory in Frisco, Texas against the New England Revolution. Will it happen again for another L.A. team? With a little luck, Chivas USA might get a crack at doing so.
“Nothing is impossible,” says Chivas USA midfielder Osael Romero about the team’s chances at mirroring the feat. Following a 2 - 0 victory over New England a week ago Friday, and another against big brother CD Guadalajara on Tuesday night, the players seem to be feeling confident and relaxed.
“We can’t let our guard down” adds Romero as he further comments on the matter, pointing out they won’t give up and are working hard.
It is hard to argue against his point when players like Dario Delgado, Marcelo Saragosa, Ben Zemanski and Paulo Nagamura continue to work on refining their skills and fitness well after practice has come to a close. While relaxed, there is a noticeable level of intensity they and others demonstrate on the pitch.
Tomorrow, they will need to bring that intensity from the practice field and onto the big stage to face Kansas City Wizards who, like the red-and-white, are also on the bubble. This one should be a battle.
Game Details
Chivas USA vs. Kansas City Wizards
Where: Home Depot Center, Carson
When: Sunday, September 19, 2010, 5:00 PM
TV/Radio KWHY, Prime Ticket, 690 AM