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.
A very familiar looking first half ended 0-0, where the opposition dominated and Dan Kennedy made some saves to keep us in the game. But just like last season, this still gave the home fans hope that this group of mainly MLS newcomers would grow into the game in the second half and turn things around.
The brand of soccer that Chelís had promised us was not on show, but it was still different from the class of 2012. It wasn’t anywhere near good enough to take on an experienced Crew side, but you could still see the glimpses of the Chelís effect. Like preseason, you got the impression the players simply wanted it more than last year.
Nevertheless, back to the similarities of last season and it didn’t take long for Chivas to be on the back foot in the second half. Just 6mins after the restart, Federico Higuain found the back of the net with a goal worthy of winning any game, as he beat Dan Kennedy from outside the box with a curling shot. 1-0 down and Chivas USA’s task of proving their doubters wrong in the first game of 2013 was now in jeopardy.
Chivas did have their chances, and were perhaps on the wrong end of some poor refereeing, but they simply didn’t have enough on the night break down a team with significantly more MLS experience. They held on though, and it quickly became apparent our only real chance of a result was to rescue a tie rather than the dream of an opening day victory. So when Columbus found a second from a corner kick in the 88th minute and a stoppage time third from a break away, Chivas fans were left stunned that the score line got so out of hand.
It was a deserved result for the visitors, albeit a bit flattering considering the lateness of the last 2 goals. Another defeat however, and another goalless home performance, left fans with distinct memories of 2012 and fears it could all be happening again. Not to worry though. It must be remembered that this was only the first game of the season under a new coach with a roster of new players. Of course there is reason to be concerned but you won’t see other teams’ fans being engulfed in panic at losing their first game. Cliché after cliché can remind us that this is not the time to write Chivas USA off.
After the game Chelís acknowledged that Columbus were worthy winners, but also pointed out that he was pleased with the ‘fight’ his team showed and was proud of their effort.
“This team [Chivas USA], I’m sure is going to succeed. This team has what any team requires to succeed which is, they never stop fighting and never walks with their head down, they look ahead and fight.”
Despite the obvious disappointment of another dismal opening day result, the fans remain optimistic like their head coach. After last season, one defeat is not going to get us down. We were always going to be prepared for a tough season considering what we went through last year. And more so than ever, we are prepared for the deluge of criticism and hatred that is directed towards not only the club but the fans as well.
If you were following the action of MLS’ first kick this weekend you would have surely heard that Chivas USA had very poor turnout for the game against Columbus. It was reported that just over 7,000 fans were present. However, like every attendance in soccer, this was not accurate and there was a lot less than the figure quoted. I could write a whole other article on what this spells for the club and their future and even the reason why the attendance was so low.
But it is quite obvious why the attendance was low.
The majority of neutrals, pundits and camera men focused on the empty seats, and Twitter was unsurprisingly awash with snapshots of empty sections of the Home Depot Center accompanied by the usual jibes at the fan base. So again, just like last season, what people failed to do was give credit to the fans that did make the journey to the game and who spent their hard earned money on tickets. The Union Ultras and the Black Army were once again in fine voice and filled the stadium with noise and numerous visual displays. But of course, Chivas USA has no fans.
It is a huge problem for the organization but what are more important right now are results. Chelís hinted after the match that with a MLS game now under his belt, and changes in the line-up inevitable, we might just see his intended Chivas USA against FC Dallas on Sunday.
(image courtesy of USA Today Sports Images)
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