Results tagged “Sacha Kljestan” from 100 Percent Soccer

The lack of form by midfielder Sacha Kljestan (below) has been one of the talking points of the season for Chivas USA. I took a look at the issue in today's column.

Down but not out? (AP Photo)

I had a few quotes left over that didn't get in the column for space reasons.

Here's Preki on what the club is doing to support him:

"We're doing as a staff and the guys in the locker room whatever it takes to get him where he needs to be. Why is he not performing to the level he can? Honestly, that's a question for him because I try to talk to him every day. The staff tries to talk to him, we try to encourage him to do good things."

Here's defender Jonny Bornstein on the reason for Kljestan's sub-par performances:

"I don't know. All those qualities are still there. Some of the bounces haven't been going his way. I don't know. It's a tough question. It's something that all players go through. I've gone through that myself. You're playing pretty well and then all of a sudden you might get a little nick here, a little nick there and it's kind of hindering you. Your confidence stops being so high and you stop playing as well."

Finally, here's Kljestan on his determination to win back his spot on the U.S. squad in time for next year's World Cup in South Afrca:

"I'm motivated for sure. (U.S. Coach) Bob (Bradley) and I have always been honest with one another and when I wasn't called up he went and talked to me and told me I wasn't going to be going to Mexico. He said we both know I need to be on a confident level and consistent level of play that's equal to the national team. So since then I've tried to refocus and regroup and (I've been) working with Preki a little bit extra and working with the staff and trying to get a few goals and trying to help the team win. So I think if we keep playing well and we keep winning I'll hopefully be back on the team."

Chivas USA 1 Toronto 0

Sacha Kljestan has just scored his first goal of the season for Chivas USA.

The move started from a Cary Talley corner in the 32nd minute.

The ball came to Jesse Marsch on the other side of the penalty area who lobbed in back in. Maykel Galindo nodded it toward goal where a lurking Kljestan had the simple task of tapping it in.

It's only on the front of the new EA Sports FIFA 2010 video game, but it's more than Chivas USA have seen of him this season.

Besides, it makes sense: Frank Lampard, Cuauhtémoc Blanco - and Kljestan.

The game goes on sale Oct. 20.

Shameless ad copy:

Responding to consumer feedback from more than 400 million online games played* last year, FIFA Soccer 10 will deliver gameplay refinements and innovations that will make it the most complete and intelligent simulation of soccer. The first-ever true 360° dribbling system gives players finer control of the ball, enabling them to find spaces between defenders that previously were not possible. A new Freedom in Physical Play concept enables players to perform wider dribble touches and new collision sharing creates a varied, less predictable, and extended fight for possession between the dribbler and a defender. Master the game before stepping on the pitch in a new practice arena that enables users to design free kicks for different dead ball situations. Record and test plays before taking them onto the pitch with Customizable Set Pieces.

But can it stop Kljestan disappearing from games (and the U.S. National Team squad)?