Despite coming into the game with renewed confidence, Chivas USA could not beat their local rivals and lost 1-0 to the LA Galaxy in the first SuperClasico. Chad Barrett headed a free kick from David Beckham in the 26th minute to put the Galaxy ahead, and that was all it took for the Galaxy to continue their winning streak in the LA derby.
Although the Goats could not find any goals in this match, it was very much a tale of two halves for both sides. The Galaxy looked dangerous throughout the first half, and Landon Donovan made several strong runs on the right flank. Meanwhile, Chivas played at a frantic pace in the first half, and seemed really unsettled on the offensive end in particular. The only bright spot in the first 45 minutes came from Jorge Flores, who was able to keep the ball on his feet and initiate some runs into the Galaxy half, but his teammates could not hold on to possession or get any good chances on goal. I think that half really demonstrated Flores’ progress. He still needs to work on his consistency and add some goal-scoring prowess, but he really seems to be blossoming this season.
In the second half, the run of play reversed, as Chivas held most of the possession and the Galaxy were content to sit back and absorb the pressure. One could say that LA’s defensive gameplan was pretty dangerous, but since it got the job done Coach Bruce Arena’s tactics can’t really be questioned. The big problem for Chivas in this match was a lack of link-up play between the midfield and forwards. Alejandro Moreno was anonymous overall, while Justin Braun had a huge target on his back after his hat trick in the previous game and was well-marked. Academy product Chris Cortez came on in the middle of the second half for Braun, but he did not really seem to have his sea legs in MLS under him yet, and spent his time aimlessly running around. Likely Cortez will be Robin Fraser’s option for Moreno’s spot when he goes away on international duty for Venezuela, but he hasn’t yet shown a great deal in his limited time on the field.
Each team had a great chance in the second half. Ben Zemanski’s shot was deflected off the post in the 65th minute for Chivas, while Chad Barrett had a open shot on goal early in the second half to ice the win, but completely muffed the shot at Dan Kennedy and missed the goal entirely. Frankly, it was fortunate for Chivas that Barrett had the breakaway and not Donovan, who surely would have made the Goats pay.
It was my first game watching the Galaxy in person, and I had a couple of thoughts about Juan Pablo Angel. He still can be a dangerous player, as his touch is still good, but I was never that scared of him actually scoring. I think it might be time for him to change positions, where he can move from forward to playing ‘in the hole’ or even moving back to attacking midfielder. I think at this point in his career he can move and be effective a la Diego Forlan for Uruguay. And with Landon Donovan missing several games while on international duty, perhaps the Galaxy can experiment with Angel’s place and role on the team and maybe get more effective play out of him at this stage in his career.
At the end of this three game stretch for Chivas, I look back and feel a mixture of accomplishment and regret. My goal for them for these three games was four points, which I thought would mean they really have elevated their play in this league. They only managed three points, and I think they could have gotten a point each against Real Salt Lake and the Galaxy, but considering many observers would have predicted zero points means Chivas have improved. I think what they should do is use this stretch as motivation to continue to gel as a team and pick up more points in the coming weeks.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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