Chivas USA post-game

Chivas USA 2 New England Revolution 0

i-6745b2ce23879c49411e7a440b3c3f30-nagamurarevs.jpgChivas USA midfielder Paulo Nagamura shoots just wide Friday against the New England Revolution. (AP Photo).

Chivas USA (7-12-4) had the Revs pinned down in their own half for the vast majority of the first 45 minutes. They scored two goals. Game over.

Quotable: “Offensively, defensively, I thought everybody was solid, and it’s a good win for us,” said Chivas USA Coach Martin Vasquez. “It comes at a very good moment, a very good time.”

But probably way too late to save their season.

Standings

Game story

You have to say that the Revs made Chivas look good. New England were barely capable of getting out of their own half especially during the initial 45 minutes.

But still, Chivas USA played a fairly tidy passing game and took advantage of what they were given.

Notable: Justin Braun plus Alan Gordon (two assists tonight): a productive front line. Who woulda thunk?

Chias USA XI: Zach Thornton, Ante Jazic, Daro Delgado, Michael Umaa, Mariano Trujillo, Michael Lahoud, Ben Zemanski, Paulo Nagamura (Marcelo Saragosa 88), Rodolfo Espinoza , Alan Gordon (Sal Zizzo 68), Justin Braun (Giancarlo Maldonado 80)

Next for Chivas USA: Against CD Guadalajara Tuesday in San Diego.

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Chivas USA Friday gameday

If you are one of those types who can’t resist gazing at car wrecks on the freeway then this match-up is for you.

Technically, Chivas USA is still in with a post-season shot; realistically that’s not going to happen.

Phil Collin had a more in-depth look at Chivas USA Thursday in case you missed it.

On the bright side for Chivas USA, it sounds like some Revs will be really, really tired.

Need another reason to go to Home Depot Center tonight? Oktoberfest starts tonight at nearby Alpine Village.

Updated

Almost forgot – it turns out there was a very good reason Chivas USA didn’t give Claudio Suarez, perhaps the greatest Mexican defender ever, a big retirement farewell when he left the club. He didn’t retire.

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Another reminder we live in Soccer City

You never know who you’re going to bump into on Fridays near the Daily Breeze newsroom, especially when both Chivas USA and the Galaxy have home games.

MLS teams stay at the Torrance Marriott, which is next door to our office, so while grabbing a quick cup of coffee this morning at the nearby Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf who should I spot at a table, but goalkeeper Matt Reis of the New England Revolution (which plays Chivas USA tonight) and Frankie Hejduk of the Columbus Crew (which plays the Galaxy Saturday).

I know Matt reasonably well from his time with the Galaxy (and he’s married to a Torrance girl), but I didn’t interrupt. Frankie was in full flow doing all the gabbing; as for Matt, he was just nodding his head.

I’ll post a Chivas USA preview a little later.

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RSL pulls into tie with Galaxy, Lewis to retire & more

The second scoreless MLS tie in two nights (is it stage fright time?) saw Real Salt Lake tie 0-0 with the Seattle Sounders Thursday and pull into a tie with the Galaxy in the MLS Western Conference standings.

Meanwhile, veteran Galaxy midfielder Eddie Lewis announced today he will retire at season’s end.

Wonder who will be next in the long in the tooth Galaxy squad?

Finally, the UCLA men (2-1) beat UC Riverside in their home opener Thursday night with freshman forward Victor Chavez scoring the game-winning goal in the third minute of overtime.

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Gratuitous U.S. World Cup bid update

Told ya.

i-26af3ff177ad339f7a1405917604de44-DALLASCHEER0022.jpgHowdy boys: The FIFA delegation visited Cowboys Stadium today. (Photo by Rick Yeatts, ISI).

FIFA’s World Cup inspectors wrapped up their three-day, five city visit of potential 2018 and 2022 World Cup venues today:

HOUSTON (AP) — The United States made its pitch for the World Cup.

Now it’s time to wait.

FIFA’s World Cup inspectors concluded their trip in Houston on Thursday touring Reliant Stadium as they weigh potential venues for the tournaments.

The 24-member executive committee of soccer’s governing body will vote on Dec. 2. Europe is expected to be awarded the 2018 tournament, with England, Russia, Spain-Portugal and Belgium-Netherlands competing. The U.S. is facing Australia, Japan, Qatar
and South Korea for 2022.

The inspectors also visited New York, the White House, Miami and Dallas before Houston.

Harold Mayne-Nicholls, the head of the inspection delegation, said the group gathered all the necessary information to present a complete report to FIFA’s executive committee. He said he was confident that the U.S. could fulfill all the necessary standards set by FIFA to host the World Cup.

“All the stadiums we have visited, with some very small adjustments, would be great World Cup venues. There is no doubt about that,” Mayne-Nicholls said. “We have seen a
number of excellent locations. All requirements and expectations should be met.”

U.S. soccer head Sunil Gulati, head of the U.S. bid committee for the World Cup, told Mayne-Nicholls that the next World Cup here would likely set records for attendance, ticket
sales and international visitors. The U.S. drew a total of 3.6 million fans when it hosted the
event in 1994, still a record.

Gulati doesn’t see a negative in the fact that the U.S. is lobbying for its second World Cup
in three decades, while Australia and Qatar are vying for their first.

“I don’t think hosting a successful event and setting multiple records should be a disadvantage,” Gulati said. “It will have been 28 years, if it’s 2022. Clearly, that’s an issue for some, going out to new and uncharted water, but we think there’s some advantages. “FIFA knows we can do this, we’ve done it well, and we can do it again.”

i-09cf7ede9bc15dc9da4027849984d298-sunilbid0022.jpgHarold Mayne-Nicholls, left, head of the FIFA Inspection Delegation and U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati enter the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday past dozens of Houston youngsters on Thursday. (Photo by Thomas Shea, ISI).

The FIFA delegation visited the White House on Wednesday, and Mayne-Nicholls came away with confidence that the event would have the full backing of the American
government.

“As you know, a World Cup only works if it becomes a fully national treasure,” he said.

Brazil defeated Italy at the Rose Bowl in the 1994 final.

While the inspectors didn’t visit California this time, Gulati wouldn’t rule out the possibility of including stadiums there if the U.S. was awarded the World Cup in 2018 or ’22. He also invited the chance of new stadiums being built there between now and then.

“Is it likely that some stadium would be built between now and 2018 or 2022 that could become part of the eventual World Cup? The answer is yes,” he said. “Since the decision is made in 75 days or so, it wouldn’t enhance our bid at all.”

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Beckham’s participation in Saturday’s Galaxy game uncertain

That’s because, as I observed was the case here previously, Coach Bruce Arena is by no means certain David Beckham is ready after a six-month layoff due to a torn Achilles tendon to play against a top team like the Columbus Crew.

And since that injury occurred when, as Beckham himself later admitted, he was pushing himself too hard, you can be sure Arena doesn’t want to make the same mistake.

Reporter Phil Collin has the full story for the dead tree edition I’ll post here later, but kindly sent over some quotes he didn’t use for his story.

Here’s Arena on Beckham’s return:

“All of the decisions are going to be made day to day, week to week. (It’s) very soon. … That decision (to play him Saturday) hasn’t been made yet, but he’s getting close.

“He played in a practice game yesterday for 45 minutes. I guess we are six months in (from the date of the injury) September 15. Our original goal was to get him on the field Oct. 1. The decision-making has to be based on getting David on the field when he’s ready to play and not susceptible to an injury. Also, it has to be in the best interests of our team, but it’s getting real close.”

Here’s Arena on Beckham’s performance Wednesday in a scrimmage:

“He did fine. It was a practice game of 45 minutes where both teams were not playing like it was the World Cup final. It was just really a practice, a practice game and didn’t have the kind of intensity you have in a game, but David did better than I thought.”

On Beckham’s resilience and looking forward to next season:

“He is a guy that likes to defy the odds. When you say he can’t do something then you’re getting yourself in a lot of trouble.

“At this point in his career it would be good to have the right kind of preseason and get himself ready. We’d love to go start to finish with him next year. I don’t think that’s ever been done here. It would be remarkable if we could accomplish that. However, we’re
jumping ahead. That can certainly be done if he gets himself right. I don’t think that’s a critical issue at this point.”

Beckham, of course, is more optimistic about appearing Saturday:

“I’m ready to be honest. I’ve been working hard with the rehab and trying to get the stength back in my legs. After the practice match yesterday and seeing how I felt today, the
recovery was I feel remarkably good so yeah, I’m ready. … If I can play 10, 15, 20 minutes then hopefully I can do that.”

Here’s Beckham on his optimism that he’s ready to play:

“Whether I’m fit or not I always feel I can play and I want to play.That is partly a problem and partly a good thing. I’ve still got a way to go to get match fitness.”

Has Beckham learned his lesson and will rest his body during the offseason this time around?:

“I think so, yeah. I need that, my body needs that. I’ve been hitting it quite hard for the last couple of years and the injury is because of that so I think it’s now time for me to maybe look at myself and look at my fitness and make sure I have that first before I make any other decisions.”

Of course, that doesn’t want to play for England anymore (of course):

“I’m always motivated. Of course, I’ve always said I want to be available to play for my country but my main objective for the moment is to get myself fit, get myself playing and what happens after that we’ll see.

“I could play for quite a few more years. Things get said in press conferences and things get turned around at times, but I’ve always had a good relationship with Fabio (Capello) and that’s not changed. He’s England’s manager, he has to look for the future, he
has to look for players that are coming through in our country and we’ve got some great, talented young players coming through. These players need to be given their chance and they will be. Also the manager is aware there still needs to be old heads in there and some experience. If I’m part of that then great.”

As far as other players are concerned central defender Gregg Berhalter remains sidelined with an undiagnosed ailment:

“We still haven’t finalized what it is,” Arena said. “It’s above the lungs.”

Lastly, here’s Landon Donovan on the team’s – and his – loss of form since the World Cup:

“What I tell the players is you don’t realize how much the World Cup takes out of you. You see even players coming back and their seasons in Europe that have had a month off, they’re struggling. It takes a lot out of you. Mentally and emotionally it’s very difficult to go through that, especially the way our World Cup went.

“And then (to) come back and have that same passion and fire, that’s challenging. I’ve talked to Edson (Buddle) about this and it’s something I’ve looked at myself, if you want to be a top player and a top professional it’s something you have to find a way to overcome. It’s not easy.”

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Thursday Kicks: Galaxy activate Becks from disabled list & more

As expected, the Galaxy today formally removed David Beckham from the disabled list ahead of Saturday’s game against Supporters Shield challengers Columbus Crew at Home Depot Center where the midfielder could make his season debut coming off the bench after returning from a torn Achilles tendon injury.

It would be his first Galaxy game since last year’s MLS Cup. He played only 11 times last season after playing the first half of the season in Italy, scoring twice and notching another three assists. He returned to Italy in a bid to make England’s World Cup team and suffered the injury March 14 in a Serie A game with AC Milan.

Because of injury and overseas loan spells, Beckham has played just 41 regular season games – or about 10 a season – since joining the Galaxy in 2007, while scoring seven goals.

BTW, there’s a special ticket offer for the game on Facebook –

SPECIAL OFFER: Sit with the Angel City Brigade this Saturday when the Galaxy take on the Crew in a battle for the Supporter’s Shield! Now through Saturday morning, get two tickets for $24 (and no additional fees!) in section 121! To purchase contact Aaron at aarak@lagalaxy.com or 310-630-2246.

In other news:

*Reporter Phil Collin took the pulse of Chivas USA ahead of Friday’s clash in Carson against the equally hapless New England Revolution.

*Former El Tri coach Ricardo La Volpe has been hired as the coach of Costa Rica:

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — The country’s soccer federation said he was to be introduced at a news conference today.

Costa Rica played in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and has been a force in Central American soccer. It failed, however, to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa and has fired two full-time coaches in the last year — Rodrigo Kenton and Rene Simoes. The team has been handled recently by interim coach Ronald Gonzalez.

i-a5b8358ace8eb7bb7ffc66df9f136906-lavolpe.jpgCosta Rica bound: La Volpe helpfully provides his point of view in this file photo (AP Photo).

La Volpe coached Mexico to the round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup, where the team lost to Argentina. La Volpe is expected to begin coaching Costa Rica in January and will be on the bench for next year’s Copa Centroamericana, the regional championship.

La Volpe is known as an outspoken coach. He met with Costa Rican officials several weeks ago but reportedly balked at signing after disagreeing on compensation if he were fired. His salary is reported to be $50,000 a month.

Costa Rica was only 20 seconds from qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. The Ticos led the United States 2-1, a score that would have allowed them to advance. But the Americans scored in the closing seconds in stoppage time to salvage a draw.

The tie gave Honduras the third automatic qualifying spot. Costa Rica subsequently lost a playoff against Uruguay for the final spot in the 32-team World Cup.

Costa Rica had been first in its qualifying group early on, but three straight losses to
Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador sent them tumbling and cost Kenton his job. Simoes was called in to coach the last three matches against Trinidad, the U.S. and Uruguay.

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Wednesday Kicks: Mexico wins & more

i-343211058b9a2660e645bf4ca536e350-salpitch0022.jpgNewly-acquired Chivas USA midfielder Sal Zizzo, a San Diego native who grew up supporting the Padres (and who lookS like he was taking this seriously), throws out the first pitch Tuesday night at Petco Park. Chivas USA plays CD Guadalajara there Sept. 14 in their second annual friendly game. The Padres beat the Dodgers 2-1, incidentally. (Photo: Juan Miranda, Chivas USA).

*Pasadena City College product Yura Movsisyan scored his first goal for Armenia in just his second international game Tuesday against Macedonia in a Euro 2012 qualifier. Movsisyan opened the scoring in the game, but Macedonia scored six minutes (!) into second half stoppage time to level the score at 2-2.

Croatia drew 0-0 with Greece, BTW.

Mexico needed a late goal Tuesday to beat Colombia in a friendly:

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Tuesday Kicks: MLS, WNT updates

*Chicago Fire defender Gonzalo Segares, who blatantly smacked Galaxy defender Leonardo in Saturday’s game, received an additional fine and one-game suspension today by the Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee.

Segares was sent off, but the committee “determined that due to the reckless nature of the action that endangered the safety of his opponent, additional sanctions should be levied.”

So, in addition to an automatic one-game suspension and $250 fine issued for the red card, Segares’s punishment was doubled and he will now miss one additional game and was fined another $250.

*UCLA junior Sydney Leroux, who scored five goals at the recent FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, received her first full national team call-up today.

The striker was one of 30 players named to a preliminary roster by U.S. Women’s National Team Coach Pia Sundhage for games Oct. 2 and 6 against China. The team will train on the East Coast ahead of the two games against China, which precede regional World Cup qualifying later in October.

“This is a very important camp as the team will get some quality time together to work on some tactical elements as we prepare for World Cup qualifying,” said Sundhage. “It’s also a great opportunity for our players to have two tough games before the important qualifying matches, as well as for the coaches, as we will have to make some important final decisions on our roster that goes to Mexico. We will also get to have a look at some of the less experienced players who have played well in WPS this season and some of the youngest players in our pool, so I am excited to get a lot of good work done and to find out some valuable information during the three weeks.”

The squad:

goalkeepers – Nicole Barnhart (FC Gold Pride), Jill Loyden (Chicago Red Stars), Alyssa Naeher (Boston Breakers), Hope Solo (Atlanta Beat)

defenders – Rachel Buehler (FC Gold Pride), Stephanie Cox (Boston Breakers), Whitney Engen (Chicago Red Stars), Ali Krieger (FFC Frankfurt), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Heather Mitts (Philadelphia Independence), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC), Meghan Schnur (Sky Blue FC), Brittany Taylor (Sky Blue FC)

midfielders – Yael Averbuch (Sky Blue FC), Shannon Boxx (FC Gold Pride), Tobin Heath (Atlanta Beat), Sarah Huffman (Washington Freedom), Kristine Lilly (Boston Breakers), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Joanna Lohman (Philadelphia Independence), Kelley O’Hara (FC Gold Pride), Heather O’Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Megan Rapinoe (Chicago Red Stars), Lindsay Tarpley (Chicago Red Stars)

forwards – Lauren Cheney (Boston Breakers), Sydney Leroux (UCLA), Alex Morgan (California), Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)

*Lastly, Chivas USA midfielder and San Diego native Sal Zizzo fulfills a lifelong dream as a Padres fan when he throws out the first pitch tonight against the Dodgers in San Diego.

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