So far this season, it has been a mixed bag for Chivas USA. They started the season with very low expectations, coming off a very poor 2010, and when they started an unbeaten streak in April, it caught many observers by surprise. The Goats have a new coach, former MLS defender Robin Fraser, and a multitude of new players, and it looked like they were really going to be a solid team in the top half of the league. In particular, their 3-2 victory over New York Red Bulls in New Jersey turned many heads. However, for the past six weeks or so, their form has dipped considerably, and a once stout defense has been increasingly incapable of maintaining leads. It seemed like it would be easier to turn the franchise’s fortunes around, but perhaps these growing pains are inevitable.
Despite the difficulties, there have been some real bright spots on the season for Chivas. The tandem of Nick LaBrocca and Marcos Mondaini has been invaluable for the Goats, and have linked up well together in leading the offense. Goalkeeper Dan Kennedy came in for veteran Zach Thornton the third game of the season, and he has really established himself as the number one between the posts for this team. And Heath Pearce has been the rock of the defense, the only member of the team to play every minute this season, and able to switch positions in Jimmy Conrad’s absence. Pearce has also helped to mentor younger players, most notably rookie defender Zarek Valentin.
Here are some mid-season awards for Chivas USA.
Midseason Most Valuable Player: Nick LaBrocca
Offensive Player of the Year: Marcos Mondaini
Defensive Player of the Year: Heath Pearce
Top rookie: Zarek Valentin
Most improved: Jorge Flores
(image courtesy of Juan Miranda/Chivas USA)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
