Team
Chivas USA arrived early this morning at The Home Depot Center’s Field 6 for a final training session before flying to Vancouver. With training at 7:40 a.m., the team began warming up and then proceeded to one-touch passing.
Forward Casey Townsend picked up an injury during a scrimmage but continued training with team staff in separate exercises. Goalkeeper Patrick McLain continues filling in for an injured Tim Melia.
The team will arrive in Vancouver this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s match against Whitecaps FC at BC Place in the third and final match of the season between the two clubs. The first two games were played at The Home Depot Center; the first encounter was a 1-0 victory for the Whitecaps on March 17. Vancouver returned to Carson on July 7 and played to a scoreless draw with Chivas. The Goats have an overall record of 0-1-3 (W-L-T) against the Whitecaps.
After having Sunday off, Chivas USA returned to training this morning ahead of tomorrow’s flight to Vancouver. Upon their arrival in Vancouver, the Goats will not be able to train; therefore, all final preparations for Wednesday’s 7 pm match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC had to be set today. All players reported to today’s training with the exception of Ryan Smith who was attending Chivas USA’s first career panel of the year.
Training continued as usual, starting off with light warm-ups followed by short scrimmages. Players that went the full 90 minutes in last Saturday’s match against Real Salt Lake had light training and were sidelined thereafter while the remaining group resumed training.
Goalkeeper Tim Melia was seen in full uniform, but did not train with the team. Melia has been out of training since mid-September for low back pain. Cdchivasusa.com asked Melia how his recovery was going and he responded, “I’ve been feeling good. There are days when I’m fine but then the next day, it’s not. I’m just taking it day-by-day.”
On another note, haircuts seem to be the trend in the Red-and-White locker room. Last week, it was defender Rauwshan McKenzie and Miller Bolaños, and now this week, Jorge Villafaña. Check out the photo:
It’s an annual ritual for every team to take a team photo, and on Wednesday it was Chivas USA’s turn. After practice, everyone headed to the locker room to prepare. Despite being the first one dressed and ready to go, Jorge Villafaña was the last one to step out onto the field for the photo. And to hush all of the rumors out there, General Manager Jose Domene was indeed a part of the team picture (and yes, he was wearing one of his many crazy pairs of socks- check out the photo below).
Expect the final photo to be available soon, but until then, here’s a behind-the-scenes photo gallery of what went down today:
Chivas USA held a fast-paced, physical practice this morning at The Home Depot Center’s Field 6 – complete with an inter-squad workout. Left back Ante Jazic and midfielder Oswaldo Minda remained absent from practice as they return from completing their participation with their respective national teams. Starting center back, Danny Califf, was held out of practice for precautionary reasons and is listed as questionable because of a right hamstring.
QUESTIONABLE: Danny Califf (R HS); Tim Melia (Low Back)
PROBABLE: MF Ryan Smith (R HS); Peter Vagenas (R HS)
Yet another exciting edition of the BarraClásico was disputed last night ahead of this Sunday’s SuperClásico match. For those that don’t know, the BarraClásico is a trio of games between Chivas USA and LA Galaxy Front Office staff and Supporter Groups.
Chivas USA’s Front Office took yet ANOTHER win last night, this time with a 4-3 final score. It was the Marketing Department’s time to shine as Promotions Coordinator and Front Office top goal scorer Kevin Ramirez scored his two goals (adding to the two he scored in previous editions); Street Team member Jesus also scored a pair for the Front Office adding to his two goals he counted with.
Meanwhile, Black Army 1850 was looking for their first victory of the year against the LA Riot Squad. The match was looking like a 1-1 draw (BA goal scored by Angel Mendoza), but the Galactic supporters took the 2-1 victory in the last minutes.
Last match of the day was between Union Ultras and the Angel City Brigade. The Ultras had lost their first match 1-0, but took a 3-1 victory in the second. The third match ended in a 1-1 draw, but due to goal aggregate that BOTH teams agreed on, the Ultras took the Supporters Trophy.
Joining the Supporters, Chivas USA Forward and Captain Alejandro Moreno as well as Cesar Romero were in attendance last night. On behalf of Chivas USA, we’d like to thank everyone who came out to support our club. Now it’s on to getting the win the win this Sunday! Arriba las Chivas!
There are four days left to the Meet the Team event… so do you know when the event is? It’s this upcoming Saturday, August 4th! If you haven’t prepared for the big day, head over to the Team LA store in The Home Depot Center to buy your 2012 season jersey, scarf or whatever you want the team to autograph! They will all be here waiting to meet YOU!
Remember this event is for Season Seat Holders ONLY. If you haven’t sent your RSVP, feel free to contact Gary Gomez at (310) 630-4581
After earning three points at Jeld-Wen Field last Saturday vs Portland Timbers, MLSsoccer.com has placed Chivas USA in the 13th spot of the MLS Power Rankings for Week 21, moving on up one spot from last week’s rankings.. The club also ranks 13th in the overall league standings with a record of 7-8-5 (W-L-T) and 26 points, just three spots from playoff contention. If the Goats earn nine points in the next three games (LA Galaxy, Colorado Rapids, and Seattle Sounders respectfully), the team could be in contention for a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Aside from the Power Rankings, the Goats are currently the top defense in the Western Conference, and third league-wide with just 21 goals against in 20 games disputed.
Click here to see all MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings and let us know if you agree or disagree with the rankings!
We’re just five days away from you, our season seat holders, meeting our amazing team. In case you haven’t heard of the event (or if you’re not a season seat holder), our fans will be able to enjoy a nice afternoon with the team which includes (and is not limited to) chatting and taking pictures with the team.
Aside from being just five short days from the big event, we’re also very close to getting our fifth win against the LA Galaxy! If the Goats are able to earn their second win of the season against the Galaxy on Sunday, August 12, then the team will take home its second SuperClásico title in history (the last time the Red-and-White took home the trophy was back in 2007- so yes, it’s time we bring it back where it belongs).
If you're a Season Seat Holder and you haven't RSVP'd to this event, feel free to contact Gary Gomez at (310) 630-4581
After three games in one week, Chivas USA has landed in 15th position in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings, coming down one position from the previous week. In the one week, the Goats we’re able to earn four points; three valuable points at home against Montreal Impact on Wednesday and a scoreless draw in a scorching hot Dallas.
Although the Goats might place among in the 15th spot of the Power Rankings, the club ranks 13th in general league standings with 19 points. Up next for the Goats in MLS, is the July 7th match vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC at The Home Depot Center.
Click here to view MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings, or here to view the standings.