Tuesday's Column: Sending Out a Search Party for Sacha

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."