Last night news broke that Chivas USA could be on its last legs. Rumours surfaced that the club was about to be sold to either Carlos Slim or back to MLS and in both cases the future did not look good for the Goats. They are of course still rumours, however in either scenario there is not a lot of hope that Slim or MLS want to see Chivas USA have a future...well not as "Chivas USA anyway. However, even before all the drama and conjecture fans were not happy.
After being humbled by Sporting Kansas City last week, Chivas USA went back on the road to try and redeem themselves on Saturday with a match against the Portland Timbers. Hopes were once high amongst the support that this would be the type of game that Chivas could take all three points from, and mount a serious challenge for the playoffs. Despite their good run, Portland were fellow Western strugglers last year and probably our direct competition for a playoff spot this year. But once again, the Goats failed to turn up and played out a second road game with a heavy defeat. Conceding three goals against the Timbers without reply left fans scratching their heads at what was not so long ago exciting times for the Rojiblancos.
After a blistering and unexpected start to their 2013 season, Chivas USA were suffering from a minor setback during April when they failed to score or pick up any points. However in their last game of this difficult month, they ended it the way their season started - with an entertaining and very encouraging performance…and a positive result. The San Jose Earthquakes had travelled south to Carson and although they came from behind to earn a point on Saturday night, there was little disappointment from the Chivas USA fans both in the result and the performance.
Chivas USA have now lost two games in a row. Last week they lost at home to the Colorado Rapids, and they followed that up with another 1-0 defeat on Saturday, this time away to Real Salt Lake. They have now missed out on six points and dropped to fifth in the Western Conference. But is there any reason to panic? Absolutely not. The last two games have been just a mild stutter to what has been a very respectable and completely unexpected start to the season for Chivas USA.
“Surprise or no surprise, Chivas USA exists” - Chelís.
After three games at the Home Depot Center to kick-start their 2013 season, Chivas USA had their first road game of the season on Sunday against the Chicago Fire. With only 1 point to their name so far, Chicago have struggled to get their season going and a visit from the Goats would normally have been ideal in order to pick up some points. Although Chivas USA of 2013 is all about entering a new era, it was actually a phrase from last year that cropped on Sunday: “Road Warriors”. Looking to build some momentum to prove they won’t be the whipping boys of the Western Conference, Chivas USA put in another determined performance and fired four goals past the hapless Chicago Fire.
There were a couple of games in MLS’ Rivalry Week that were not considered genuine rivalries amongst the fans and, although hailing from the same city, LA Galaxy and Chivas USA was one of them. Chivas USA fans, despite their inferior record in this fixture, look forward all season to playing the Galaxy for various reasons. However, it seems LA Galaxy fans do not hold this match in such high regard and disagree that is worthy of the “Super Clasico” title.
CHIVAS USA 3 – 1 FC DALLAS
The New Era of Chivas USA didn’t quite get off to the start that the fans were hoping for. Much had been made of an offseason that included a new coach, a whole raft of changes to the roster, their fair share of controversial headlines and an excitement built up by a successful preseason. However, it all came down to Saturday night. All eyes were on the Goats to see if they could transfer that preseason form into the real soccer of the 2013. It was only their first game of the season, but the pressure was certainly on. Unfortunately though, it was all a bit of an anti-climax and they fell 3-0 to the Columbus Crew. Despite the doom mongering though, this was only the first game of the season for this new look side…just like it was ‘only preseason’ when they were winning.
The 2013 MLS season is finally upon us and for Chivas USA the action kicks off at home against the Columbus Crew. With all the headlines and controversies of the offseason, it is also time to see if this new look Chivas USA has what it takes to silence their critics.
