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 News from Around the Americas | February 2006 
Chivas USA Fall Short Vs. U.S.
 Luis Bueno - MLSnet.com
| | The Chivas USA goat mascot stands with a Chivas Girl during introductions before a match. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) |
Carson, Calif. - A year ago, Chivas USA got their first real test against the United States national team and suffered a heavy defeat. Wednesday, Chivas met the national team again with quite a different outcome.
The U.S. beat Chivas 3-2 in a scrimmage at The Home Depot Center on Wednesday morning. Claudio Suarez and Estuardo Sanchez scored goals on either side of halftime for the Red-and-White.
Like last year, the U.S. national team has represented the toughest test for Chivas in the preseason to date. But unlike 2005 - when an MLS-laden U.S. squad routed Chivas 7-0 - Chivas stood firm. The club's players said it speaks to the new and improved atmosphere surrounding the club.
"We have improved a lot. There has been a radical, 180-degree change here," Chivas striker Francisco Palencia said. "This team will be much more improved this year than last. This team looks dedicated and focused and we are showing that in games."
Chivas used 11 different players in each half. Palencia played alongside returning players Francisco Mendoza and Juan Pablo Garcia as well as newcomers Sacha Kljestan and the newly-arrived Jesus Padilla in the first half. In the second half, Ezra Hendrickson and Antonio Martinez came on along with newcomers Carlos Llamosa and Andrew Helm.
The result seemed to speak well for Chivas.
"Even though we've only been playing for a couple of weeks and we lost to the U.S. 3-2, we played them straight up," Palencia said.
Both sides had a vastly different goal from the game. With its MLS-heavy roster, the U.S. is looking to build depth and prepare for the upcoming World Cup. Chivas, meanwhile, are busy sorting out their roster and having their new players gel with the returning players. The opportunity for Chivas players to play against the U.S. was not lost on the players.
"Playing against the United States is important but not just because of the rivalry (between the U.S. and Mexico)," former Mexican national team stalwart Ramon Ramirez said. "It's a good team and they've improved and are getting ready to go to the World Cup so for us it's a test even though it was just in training."
Until Wednesday, the club's stiffest preseason competition had come from the Galaxy reserves, whom Chivas beat 2-1. The Chivas players were visibly up for their opponent.
"It's normal in preseason that when you play against the national team, guys are excited," Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley said. "It's a little different kind of game than normal. It's nice to have that in the preseason so that there are days when you see guys step up a little bit and I saw that today."
Emotions seemed to run high on both sides at time throughout the match. In the first half, Palencia, who twice represented Mexico at the World Cup, and D.C. United's Ben Olsen forcefully pushed each other. Slide tackles were tough at times as both sides played physically, and a few yellow cards were handed out.
"A scrimmage is not the same as an official game but at the same time it was physical because nobody wants to lose," Palencia said. "They're preparing themselves as a team and players are trying to win spots. We have an obligation to always give 100 percent and take everything seriously. Both sides were going in with a lot of intensity but it was no more than that."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs. |
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