NOTES FROM THE ROAD: Curtin returns to Chicago

Chivas USA defender Jim Curtin returns to Chicago for the first time as a Chivas USA player this weekend as the Red-and-White face his former team, the Chicago Fire, Saturday at 5:30 p.m. PT at Toyota Park (HDNet, FSN West, KAZA Azteca 54 & 690 AM in Los Angeles).
Curtin spent seven years of his career playing for the Fire before joining Chivas USA during the off-season.
“I’m excited. I don’t know what to expect, to be honest… It’s going to feel weird walking to that stadium not knowing what kind of reaction you’re going to get from the crowd”, Curtin said.
“It’s going to feel funny to walk on the field and to have a different jersey on, because seven seasons is a long time no matter how you look at it. It’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of old friends, familiar faces. I’m excited.”
In the meantime, Curtin tries to relax on the trip with the help of his two reading materials: a copy of Sports Illustrated and a book on how to be a good parent. Curtin had his first child, daughter Ryan Marie, a few months ago.

In Chicago with Galindo and Eskandarian

Chivas USA arrived at Midway Airport on Thursday night and will train Friday at 1 p.m. local time (11 a.m. PT) at Toyota Park. The Red-and-White’s travel roster included forwards Maykel Galindo and Alecko Eskandarian, both recovering from groin surgeries.
“It was very frustrating to be missing so many games but I’m working my way back in… we are starting with baby steps,” said Eskandarian, who has scored once this season against Real Salt Lake in Chivas USA’s Home Opener on April 5th before undergoing surgery in June. “It’s a start, you know, hopefully, I’ll keep working on my touch and my fitness. I’m looking forward to contributing in the second half of the season.”

Matkovich is ready for the task

Chivas USA Assistant Coach Mike Matkovich says he’s ready to take his spot on Chivas USA’s bench Saturday, even though Head Coach Preki won’t be able to join him due to a two-game suspension.
“I don’t think it would make much difference [not to have Preki in the bench] to be honest. He’s going to be able to communicate to us during the game, I don’t think it would be a big deal,” said Matkovich before his departure from LAX.
“We’re in the middle of the playoff hunt so we got to make sure we start on a positive note,” he added.
Preki is serving a two-game suspension following his ejection during the last Honda Super Clásico on July 10th.

First away game for Kennedy

Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy is looking forward to the game against Chicago since it could represent his first start on the road.
“It’s a good moment to show what I can do in this league. Obviously, we’re missing a lot of guys and they’re missing some players. We have to go and focus, defensively, and not allow any goals”, stated Kennedy, adding that he doesn’t feel pressure ahead of what could be his third consecutive appearance in the starting line-up.
“I try to remember that I have played many games in the past and I should continue to do what has got me to this point.”

99th game for Mendoza

Chivas USA Original Francisco Mendoza is on his way to making his 99th MLS regular season appearance this Saturday and will probably reach his 100th game against Kansas City next week.
“A hundred games seem like an easy thing to do but it’s been difficult, especially playing for one club only. … But that motivates me to keep going and continue working even harder,” said “Panchito”.

Nagamura welcomes teammates

Chivas USA midfielder Paulo Nagamura joined the rest of his teammates this Thursday at the hotel after missing a few training sessions due to personal reasons. Nagamura didn't play Chivas USA's last game during SuperLiga because of a yellow card accumulation suspension.

NOTAS EN EL CAMINO: Mendoza piensa en los cien

El mediocampista de Chivas USA Francisco Mendoza está muy cerca de lograr su partido número 100 con la camiseta rojiblanca y el jueves viajó junto al resto del equipo rumbo a Chicago, con miras al encuentro que enfrentarán este sábado ante el Fire en el Toyota Park a partir de las 5:30 p.m. PT (FSN, Azteca América, 690 AM).

“Panchito” estaría disputando su encuentro número 100 la próxima semana ante los Hechiceros de Kansas City, pero por lo pronto, el diminuto mediocampista espera dar lo mejor en su visita a la “Ciudad de los Vientos”.

“Primero Dios va a ser un partido importante y acercándose al partido cien, aunque yo pienso que la verdad se dice fácil pero la verdad ha sido difícil, especialmente cien partidos en la misma institución. Me enorgullece y me motiva para seguir adelante y tengo que seguir trabajando fuerte y seguir consiguiendo otros cien más”, comentó el originario de El Salto, Jalisco.

Con Galindo y Eskandarian

Los atacantes Maykel Galindo y Alecko Eskandarian, ambos recuperándose de sus respectivas cirugías de ingle, viajaron también con el equipo, después de pasar varias semanas fuera de acción.
Tanto el cubano como el jugador de origen armenio entrenaron esta semana al parejo de sus compañeros.
“Fue muy frustrante el perderse tantos encuentros pero estoy de regreso… quiero contribuir con el equipo durante esta segunda mitad de la temporada”, comentó Eskandarian.

Curtin regresa a Chicago

El corpulento defensa de Chivas USA Jim Curtin dijo sentirse muy contento de regresar a Chicago, lugar donde jugó muchos años de su carrera, antes de incorporarse al conjunto rojiblanco durante la pretemporada.
“Creo que me voy a sentir raro al caminar por la cancha y tener otra camiseta porque siete temporadas es mucho tiempo… no sé que esperar, para ser honesto”, reconoció “La Cortina de Hierro”, quien en el Aeropuerto de Los Ángeles se entretiene leyendo una revista de Sports Illustrated y un libro de cómo ser un mejor padre. Curtin vio nacer a su primer hijo hace unos pocos meses.

Matkovich está listo

El Asistente Técnico Mike Matkovich estará en la banca para dirigir a los rojiblancos ya que Preki estará sirviendo su primero de dos encuentros de suspensión que recibió en el último encuentro del Super Clásico Honda ante el Galaxy.
“No creo que hará mucha diferencia [el no tener a Preki en la banca] para ser honesto. El va a estar comunicándose con nosotros durante el partido”, se limitó a decir Matkovich, quien en Chicago dirigió a todos los niveles, a excepción de un equipo de futbol profesional de la MLS.

Kennedy no siente presión

El arquero Dan Kennedy estaría haciendo su tercera aparición en la alineación titular ante Chicago, aunque trata de darse confianza a si mismo ante lo que sería su primera participación con Chivas USA fuera de casa.
“Es un buen momento para demostrar de lo que estoy hecho en esta liga… trato de pensar en los juegos en los que he participado en el pasado y que debo de seguir haciendo lo que me ha traído aquí”, finalizó Kennedy.

Sacha Kljestan plays in Olympic warm-up match

The United States Olympic Team played its first tune-up match for the Beijing Games today in Hong Kong, and tied the Ivory Coast 0-0. Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan played the first 45 minutes of the draw, a game in which 17 of the 18 players on the U.S. roster played.

The game was part of the ING Cup, a tournament in Hong Kong involving four teams (USA, the Netherlands, the Ivory Coast and Cameroon) that are all preparing for the Olympics.

The result, with lineups and a match recap, is available on the U.S. Soccer website by clicking here.

Next up for Team USA is a match against Cameroon on Saturday, and the team makes its Olympic debut on Aug. 7 against Japan.

Chivas USA viaja a Chicago para cita candente ante el Fire! Chivas USA hits the road to face Chicago this Saturday!

Después de obtener una victoria de 2-0 sobre Chicago el pasado 19 de junio, Chivas USA ahora pagará la visita al Fire este sábado, 2 de agosto, a las 5:30 p.m. Hora del Pacífico (TV: HDNet, FSN-West, KAZA Azteca 54; Radio: W Radio 690 AM). Chivas USA está actualmente empatado en el cuarto lugar de la Conferencia Oeste con un récord de 6-6-4 y 22 puntos, a solamente dos puntos por debajo del líder Real Salt Lake. Chicago está ubicado en el tercer puesto de la Conferencia Este con un récord de 7-5-5 y 26 puntos. Cuauhtémoc Blanco, quien lleva cuatro tantos y posee 6 asistencias en el 2008, se perderá el encuentro debido a que tendrá que servir un partido de suspensión por acumulación de tarjetas. A la misma vez, el Director Técnico de Chivas USA, Preki, se perderá el primero de dos encuentros de suspensión, después de recibir una tarjeta roja en el partido del 10 de julio pasado ante el Galaxy. Preki también se perderá el encuentro del 9 de agosto ante Kansas City.

Usted puede ver la previa en nuestro Canal Oficial de YouTube aquí:




After capturing a 2-0 win over Chicago at home on June 19, Chivas USA hits the road to face the Fire this Saturday, Aug. 2, at 5:30 p.m. PT (TV: HDNet, FSN-West, KAZA Azteca 54; Radio: W Radio 690 AM). Chivas USA is currently tied for fourth place in the Western Conference with a 6-6-4 record (W-L-T) and 22 points, just two behind first-place Real Salt Lake. Chicago holds the third spot in the Eastern Conference, owning a 7-5-5 record, good for 26 points. Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who has four goals and a team-leading six assists in 2008, will miss the game due to yellow card accumulation. Chivas USA Head Coach Preki will also be missing from the match after receiving a two-match ban stemming from the red card he received in the Red-and-White’s last league match on July 10 against the Galaxy, and will sit out the Aug. 9 match against Kansas City as well.

You can watch the game preview on our Official YouTube Channel here:

Claudio Suárez y Jonathan Bornstein en Premios Tecate

Los defensas de Chivas USA, Claudio Suárez y Jonathan Bornstein, fueron algunas de las figuras presentes en la primera edición de los Tecate Premios Deportes, ceremonia transmitida por Univision el domingo pasado. Tanto Suárez como Bornstein, al igual que figuras como Cuauhtémoc Blanco, fueron nominados en diez categorías distintas y fueron seleccionados por su talento, carácter y perseverancia, al igual que por sus contribuciones e influencia sobre la comunidad hispana. En los Tecate Premios Deportes, Suárez y Bornstein fueron nominados por los aficionados por medio de Univision.com para integrar el Equipo de Estrellas del Año. Suárez fue nominado en la categoría de defensa central. Bornstein en la categoría de defensa lateral izquierdo.
Usted puede ver todo lo referente a la premiación en Univision.com aquí.

También puede ver lo que sucedió antes y después de la premiación en nuestro Canal Oficial de Chivas USA:

Temblor también sacude el entrenamiento de Chivas!

El temblor de 5.4 de magnitud que sacudió al Sur de California también se sintió en el entrenamiento de Chivas USA en El Home Depot Center. El temblor, que ocurrió a las 11:42 a.m. Hora del Pacífico y con epicentro en Chino Hills, a 35 millas al este de Carson, fue sentido por la mayoría de los jugadores, quienes terminaban la sesión de entrenamiento al mediodía.

"Yo me sentí mareado... tenía miedo!", dijo Gerson Mayen, elemento de Chivas USA.

"Primero pensé que algo andaba mal con mi cabeza... pensé que me estaba mareando o que estaba cansado por el calor... sentí que me estaba moviendo mucho y me gustó!", expresó el defensa Lawson Vaughn, quien no desconoce las fuerzas de la naturaleza.

"Fue mi primer temblor... Cuando estaba en Tulsa, estuve cerca de un tornado, así que he estado en un tornado, en un temblor, ahora me falta un huracán", agregó.

Earthquake rumbles Chivas USA practice

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck Southern California at 11:42 a.m. PT, just as Chivas USA was finishing practice on Field 6 at The Home Depot Center. The players had wrapped up training and were preparing to sign autographs for fans before heading back in to the locker room when the quake, whose epicenter was about 35 miles east of Carson, in Chino Hills, began.

The earthquake lasted for about 20 seconds, and followed with almost a dozen aftershocks measuring up to 3.8 in magnitude. According a report from Reuters, no injuries or major damage have been reported.

Chivas USA players, out on a practice field, were well out of harm’s way.

“I was sitting on the bench when the earthquake happened,” said Chivas USA defender Lawson Vaughn. “When I first felt it, I thought something was wrong with my head - I thought maybe I was dizzy, or exhausted from heat. Then I looked around and everyone was saying ‘Earthquake! Earthquake!’ and I just enjoyed it. I could feel myself rocking back and forth, so I loved it!”

Vaughn is no stranger to powerful natural events: “It was my first earthquake,” he said. “When I was in Tulsa, I actually was not to far from a tornado, so I’ve done the tornado, the earthquake, and now I need a hurricane!”

Jorge Flores plays 90 minutes in US U-20's Milk Cup opener

Chivas USA midfielder Jorge Flores played the full 90 minutes yesterday in the United States Under-20 National Team’s 3-1 loss to Northern Ireland in the opening match of the Milk Cup, an annual youth tournament held in Northern Ireland.

A more complete recap from USSoccer.com can be found here.

The 19-year-old Anaheim native, who has three goals for the Red-and-White this season, has played in more matches this year for the U-20’s than any other player.

Next up for the team is a match against Wales on Wednesday before playing for either first, third, or fifth place in the six-team tournament on Friday.

A Day on the Golf Course with Chivas USA

Chivas USA defender Carey Talley hits out of the sand trap in front of delighted onlookers at Wilson Golf Course last week. Chivas USA held its second annual Fundacion Chivas de Corazon Golf Tournament last Tuesday. Players and other participants hit the links at Wilson Golf Course at Griffith Park in Los Angeles as part of Fundación Chivas de Corazón USA, Chivas USA’s charitable organization that helps provide educational, athletic, and recreational opportunities for the youth of the Greater Los Angeles Area.

The second annual Golf Tournament was held on Tuesday, July 22. The event included Chivas USA players, team officials, local media members and other guests. In addition to the tournament, there was also a live auction/raffle to help raise money for the Fundación.

You can also watch the Chivas USA golf tournament video on our Official Chivas USA YouTube Channel here:

Jorge Flores in Toronto!

Major League Soccer players David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Jim Brennan (Toronto FC) and Jorge Flores (Chivas USA) support MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, by visiting patients at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids Hospital) on Wednesday, July 23. The MLS players are in Toronto for the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game (Thursday, July 24th at BMO Field, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, Telefutura & CBC in Canada).

PHOTO: MLS/Paul Giamou

Chivas USA vs. New England game reactions!

Assistant Coach Mike Matkovich and midfielders Jesse Marsch and Sacha Kljestan react to the draw with New England in Chivas USA's final SuperLiga match of 2008.

Chivas USA y Revolution empatan 1-1 en Fullerton/ Chivas USA ties 1-1 with New England Revolution

En el último partido de la fase de grupos del sector B de la SuperLiga 2008, Chivas USA y la Revolución de Nueva Inglaterra igualaron 1-1 en el Titan Stadium de Cal State Fullerton el domingo ante 4,738 aficionados que se dieron cita en el estadio localizado en el Condado de Orange, California.


El goleador Ante Razov puso adelante a Chivas USA al minuto 59 y ligó su sexto gol en seis partidos consecutivos pero Sharlrie Joseph igualó los cartones a 12 minutos por terminar el encuentro en un cabezazo que entró en la parte inferior derecha de la portería defendida por Dan Kennedy y el intento de último momento de sacar el balón por parte de Daniel Paladini.

On the final day of Group B action in SuperLiga 2008, Chivas USA and the New England Revolution played to a 1-1 draw at Titan Stadium in Fullerton, Calif., on the campus of Cal State Fullerton.
Ante Razov scored his sixth goal in six consecutive games for the Red-and-White (3 in MLS play, 3 in SuperLiga) with an unassisted tally in the 59th minute. Shalrie Joseph equalized for the Revs in the 78th.
With his third goal of the tournament, Ante Razov tied the Houston Dynamo’s Stuart Holden and Atlante’s Luis Gabriel Rey for the goalscoring lead in SuperLiga, which pits top teams from Mexico and the United States against each other for a million dollars in prize money.

"La verdad que yo tenía mi marca. Yo no alcancé a ver a quién le ganaron en el remate y a parte yo no sé que pasó con [Daniel] Paladini que estaba en el poste y con el portero, Dan [Kennedy] que como que creo que se confundieron un poco. Creo que no se hablaron y finalmente fue gol y bueno más que nada nos deja molestos porque ya habíamos hecho lo más difícil, de abrir a Nueva Inglaterra. Faltaban pocos momentos para terminar el juego, debimos cuidar el resultado, cerrar más, defendernos mejor, teníamos con ese resultado casi casi la clasificación", expresó después del encuentro Claudio Suárez, defensa de Chivas USA.

El resultado dejó a Chivas USA eliminado de la SuperLiga tras el empate 1-1 también registrado entre Santos y Pachuca a segunda hora. Una victoria o un empate de Pachuca dejaba a Chivas USA fuera del torneo. Nueva Inglaterra se consolidó en el liderato con 7 unidades, mientras que Chivas USA se quedó con 4 en el mismo sector, junto con Pachuca, con el mismo número de unidades. Los Tuzos avanzaron tras la decisiva victoria de 2-1 sobre Chivas USA en la primera fecha del Grupo B. Santos quedó con un punto en el fondo del mismo sector.

Chivas USA Head Coach Preki was in his native Serbia attending to family-related issues, so Chivas USA was led by Assistant Coach Mike Matkovich for the game. Matkovich, on Sunday’s match: “Obviously we are disappointed. With 12 minutes away, we lose a mark on a dead ball, we give up a soft goal. We’ve got a guy on the post and the goalkeeper gets his hands on it and then it squeaks in. So we’ve got to pray that things go our way on the other game, unfortunately both games are staggered, and they’ve got a little bit of an edge because they play after us. At least on the day I think the guys played very well. I thought we were the better side, I thought we created better chances, no disrespect for them, but things didn’t go our way today. … I hope [Santos] can do it. I hope they put their best team out and I’m sure they will, and hopefully the result goes our way.” (For a full quote sheet, please visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.)

Chivas USA will be represented at Thursday’s 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game in Toronto by DF Jonathan Bornstein, who was named as a replacement for Olympic-bound MF Sacha Kljestan. The Red-and-White return to MLS action on Saturday, Aug. 2, when they travel to face the Chicago Fire. (Chivas’ next home game is the third and final Honda Super Clásico vs. LA Galaxy on Aug. 14.) For more information on Chivas USA, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1, visit https://63.193.83.3/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.cdchivasusa.com/ or contact Chivas USA Communications.

PHOTOS: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Ante Razov wins Goal of the Week - Again!

For the second consecutive week, Ante Razov has won the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week for a long-distance strike.

After winning the award for his free kick goal in the 1-0 over San Jose on July 5, Ante won again for his one-timed strike on July 10 against the Galaxy.

To find video of both goals, visit the Goal of the Week page on MLSnet.com, or watch the game recap for the San Jose game and the Galaxy Super Clasico.

Plus, with goals in each of the team's two SuperLiga games, Razov has now score a goal in each of his last five games!

Sacha Kljestan de Chivas USA recibe llamado para el Equipo Olímpico de los Estados Unidos/Sacha Kljestan named to U.S. Olympic Team

El mediocampista de Chivas USA, Sacha Kljestan, ha sido convocado por el Director Técnico de la Selección Olímpica de los Estados Unidos, Peter Nowak, en su nómina de 18 jugadores para los próximos Juegos Olímpicos de Beijing 2008, de acuerdo a un anuncio de la Federación de Futbol de los Estados Unidos. Kljestan, de 22 años de edad, ha sido un miembro importante en la Selección Sub-23 de los Estados Unidos rumbo a los Juegos Olímpicos de Beijing e inclusive fue capitán en varias ocasiones durante la ronda eliminatoria. En la MLS, Kljestan es pieza fundamental en la ofensiva de Chivas USA y lidera el equipo en anotaciones (5) y asistencias (4).

Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan has been named to head coach Peter Nowak’s 18-player team that will represent the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the United States Soccer Federation announced on Thursday morning. Kljestan, 22, has been a key member of the United States Under-23 squad that qualified for the Beijing Olympics in March, and has served as the captain of the team at various times throughout qualifying. In MLS this season, Kljestan has orchestrated the Chivas USA offense, leading the team in both goals (5), and assists (4).

Brad también
El arquero Brad Guzan también está en la convocatoria final como uno de los tres jugadores mayores de 23 años permitidos en la nómina para los Juegos Olímpicos. La semana pasada, Chivas USA y la Major League Soccer acordaron en la transferencia de Guzan al Aston Villa de la Liga Premier de Inglaterra, dependiendo de la aprobación del permiso de trabajo británico. Guzan, de 24 años de edad, y jugador de la primera generación de Chivas USA fue nombrado como el Portero del Año 2007 y se ha ido con la meta intacta en 15 ocasiones durante la presente temporada.

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan was also named to the U.S. Olympic Team as one of three players over the age of 23 allowed on the roster. Last week, Chivas USA and Major League Soccer agreed to a fee with Aston Villa for Guzan’s transfer to the English Premier League side, pending approval of his British work permit. The 24-year-old Guzan, a Chivas USA Original, was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2007 and has notched four shutouts in 15 games so far this season.

Bornstein al Partido de las Estrellas
En otras noticias, el defensa de Chivas USA Jonathan Bornstein fue elegido para el Partido de las Estrellas de la MLS como uno de los tres jugadores de reemplazo para los elementos previamente elegidos y que estarán ausentes en Toronto debido a sus respectivos compromisos olímpicos. Bornstein, defensa de 23 años de edad, fue el Novato del Año en 2006.

In related news, Chivas USA defender Jonathan Bornstein was named to the MLS All-Star Team as one of three replacements for the players that will miss the All-Star Game due to Olympic commitments. Bornstein, a 23-year-old defender, was the MLS Rookie of the Year in 2006. A relatively unknown player entering his rookie season in 2006, he proved his versatility and catapulted his career to become a regular for the U.S. Men’s National Team, and was also named to the MLS All-Star Team in 2007.

Con un millón de dólares en disputa y un cupo en las semifinales, Chivas USA jugará su primer partido oficial en el Condado de Orange este fin de semana, cuando enfrente a la Revolución de Nueva Inglaterra en el Titan Stadium de Cal State Fullerton el domingo, 20 de julio, a las 5:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico. El encuentro será el tercero y último en la fase de grupos para ambos conjuntos en la SuperLiga 2008. El ganador de este vital encuentro garantizará su pase en las semifinales de la competencia. Los boletos comienzan desde $15 y estarán disponibles al llamar a 1-877-CHIVAS-1 o al visitar www.cdchivasusa.com , así como en la taquilla del Titan Stadium el día del encuentro.

A million-dollar winner’s prize and a spot in the semifinals are on the line as Major League Soccer’s Chivas USA plays its first official match in Orange County this weekend, when it takes on fellow MLS rival the New England Revolution at Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Sunday, July 20 at 5:00 p.m. PT. The match is the crucial third and final group game for both teams in SuperLiga 2008, with the winner guaranteed a place in the semifinals. Tickets, starting at just $15, are available by calling 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visiting www.cdchivasusa.com, as well as at the Titan Stadium box office on gameday.

PHOTO: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Chivas sets up decisive SuperLiga match Sunday vs. Revs/ Gigante victoria de Chivas USA sobre Santos

On Matchday 2 of SuperLiga 2008 Group B action, Chivas USA kept its semifinal hopes alive with a 1-0 win Wednesday night over Mexican champion Santos Laguna at The Home Depot Center.
Once again, Ante Razov was the hero for Chivas USA, scoring a 73rd-minute header off a Sacha Kljestan cross as a second-half sub to give Chivas the win. With the goal, the 34-year-old Los Angeles native (and MLS Original) now has five straight goals in five straight games for Chivas USA, between MLS (3) and SuperLiga (2).
The win sets up a decisive match against the New England Revolution this Sunday, July 20 at 5:00 p.m. PT at Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Stadium, Chivas’ first official match in Orange County.
A million-dollar winner’s prize is on the line as the Red-and-White look to advance from Group B and potentially set up a second-round contest against parent club Chivas de Guadalajara.

Chivas USA consiguió su primera victoria en el ámbito internacional y fue nada más y nada menos contra el campeón de la Primera División de México, Santos Laguna. El Rebaño doblegó al monarca azteca por la mínima diferencia con un tanto al minuto 73 del atacante Ante Razov a pase del mediocampista Sacha Kljestan. La victoria en El Home Depot Center ante 16,843 aficionados fue la primera ocasión que Chivas USA vence a un rival en un torneo internacional. El tanto de Razov fue el quinto que anota en forma consecutiva.

Chivas USA Head Coach Preki, on Wednesday’s match: “I didn’t feel like we got a grip of the game in the first 10-15 minutes. I thought they were the better team, I thought they were moving the ball a bit better than us, I thought we were nervous, but I was expecting that given the fact that we’ve changed quite a few players from the other night to tonight. I thought it was going to take us a little time until we settled. Then we settled and we had some moments but obviously the most important moment came when they missed a great opportunity. … Going into halftime we changed a thing or two, we adjusted a little bit, put a couple guys on the field and I thought we were way better in the second half. We were moving the ball better, everybody got involved, everybody’s confidence got a little higher and we were pushing the tempo.” (For a full quote sheet, please visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.) Midfielder Paulo Nagamura, who suffered a mild concussion during the match, will be suspended for Sunday’s game based on yellow-card accumulation (2), as well as defender Jonathan Bornstein (2). For tickets or more information on SuperLiga 2008 and Chivas USA, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1, visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/ or http://www.superliga2008.com/, or contact Chivas USA Communications.

La victoria coloca a Chivas USA con 3 unidades, empatados con Pachuca con la misma cantidad de puntos. Nueva Inglaterra, que derrotó también el miércoles por la mínima diferencia a Pachuca, está en primer lugar del grupo con 6 puntos. Santos está en el último lugar del Grupo B con cero unidades.

Chivas USA ahora enfrentará en la última jornada del Grupo B a Nueva Inglaterra el domingo a las 5:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico en el Titan Stadium de Cal State Fullerton.

"Teníamos que ganar, la victoria era muy importante ahora hay que ganar el domingo para clasificar a la siguiente ronda", dijo el mediocampista Jorge Flores tras la victoria del miércoles.

Chivas USA hosts Mexican champion Santos Laguna/De vida o muerte ante Santos Laguna

The Red-and-White face a must-win game when it takes on Santos Laguna on Wednesday, July 16, at 7:00 p.m. at The Home Depot Center in the Red-and-White’s second group-stage SuperLiga match. After falling 2-1 to Pachuca in a thrilling opening match, held Sunday at The Home Depot Center, Chivas USA will be fighting for a result as it looks to advance to the semifinals and a potential matchup with sister team Chivas de Guadalajara. Santos, the reigning champions of the Mexican First Division, also lost its first match of SuperLiga 2008, dropping a 1-0 decision to the New England Revolution on Sunday. The Red-and-White play their final group stage match in the team’s first-ever official match in Orange County, facing the New England Revolution at Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Sunday, July 20, at 5:00 p.m. Tickets for both games can be purchased by calling 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visiting http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.

Chivas USA será anfitrión de Santos Laguna, los actuales campeones de la Primera División de México, el miércoles a las 7:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico en El Home Depot Center. Los Rojiblancos luego se las verán ante la Revolución de Nueva Inglaterra, en el primer encuentro oficial de Chivas USA en el Condado de Orange, a las 5:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico en el Titan Stadium de Cal State Fullerton. Después de la derrota de 2-1 ante Pachuca en un emocionante encuentro, Chivas USA buscará sacar buenos resultados en ambos encuentros para avanzar a las semifinales del torneo. Para boletos, puede llamar a 1-877-CHIVAS-1 ó visitar www.cdchivasusa.com.

PHOTO: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Chivas USA firma a Roberto Nurse/Chivas USA signs Roberto Nurse

Chivas USA, de la Major League Soccer, anunció la contratación del delantero mexicano Roberto Nurse como jugador internacional. Nurse, de 24 años y tres años de experiencia en la Primera División de México, ha entrenado con el equipo desde junio pasado y estará disponible para jugar dependiendo del recibo del Certificado de Transferencia Internacional. Chivas USA se enfrentará mañana a Santos Laguna de la Primera División de México a las 7:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico en El Home Depot Center.

Nacido el 16 de diciembre de 1983 en la Ciudad de México, Nurse tiene tres años de experiencia en la Primera División de México, al realizar su debut profesional con Cuernavaca en 2003, a la edad de 19 años. De 2003-2005, Nurse permaneció dos años en la Primera “A” de México, primero con Zacatepec (2003-2004) y luego con Querétaro (2004-2005). Nurse regresó a la Primera División en 2005, al participar en 13 encuentros con Atlante, de 2005-2006 y luego en Querétaro de 2006-2007, al jugar en 19 partidos con los Gallos Blancos. De 2007-2008, Nurse fue el líder de goleo individual de la Primera “A” con 17 tantos en el Apertura 2007 y Clausura 2008. El padre de Nurse, Roberto Tómas es originario de la Ciudad de Panamá, y su madre, Marcela, es originalmente de Guadalajara, México.

Chivas USA necesita de un marcador favorable cuando se enfrente mañana a Santos Laguna a las 7:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico en El Home Depot Center, en la segunda fecha de la fase de grupos de la SuperLiga 2008. El equipo visitará el Condado de Orange para el encuentro contra la Revolución de Nueva Inglaterra el domingo, 20 de julio, a las 5:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico en el Titan Stadium de Cal State Fullerton. Para informes sobre boletería, favor de llamar al 1-877-CHIVAS-1 ó visite el portal: www.cdchivasusa.com.

Chivas USA announced the signing of 24-year-old forward Roberto Nurse, a three-year veteran of Mexico’s First Division, as an international player. Nurse, who has been training with the Red-and-White since early June, is eligible to play for Chivas USA pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. Chivas USA faces Santos Laguna of the Mexican First Division tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center, in a must-win Group B match of the SuperLiga 2008 international tournament.

Born on December 16, 1983, in Mexico City, Nurse is a three-year veteran of the Mexican First Division, having made his top-flight debut with Cuernavaca in 2003 at the age of 19. From 2003-2005, he spent two years in Mexico’s Primera ‘A’ division, first with Zacatepec (2003-2004) then Querétaro (2004-2005). Nurse returned to the First Division in 2005, playing 13 games with Atlante from 2005-2006, and then back to recently promoted Querétaro from 2006-2007, when he played 19 games for the ‘Gallos Blancos.’ From 2007-2008, he was Querétaro’s leading goalscorer in the Primera ‘A’, registering a total of 17 goals between the Apertura 2007 and Clausura 2008 seasons. Nurse’s father, Roberto Tomás, is a native of Panama City, and his mother, Marcela, is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico.

Chivas USA faces a must-win game when it takes on Santos Laguna on Wednesday, July 16, at 7:00 p.m. at The Home Depot Center in the Red-and-White’s second group-stage SuperLiga match. The team then hits the road for Chivas USA’s first-ever official match in Orange County, playing the New England Revolution on Sunday, July 20, at 5:00 p.m. at Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton. For tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.

PHOTO: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Chivas falls in SuperLiga opener; Up next: Santos / Chivas cae ante Tuzos, recibe a Santos Laguna este miércoles

On the opening day of SuperLiga 2008 Group B action, Chivas USA fell 2-1 on Sunday night to reigning SuperLiga champion Pachuca CF, just three days after Chivas’ electric 1-1 tie with the LA Galaxy in Carson.
Ante Razov opened the scoring for the Red-and-White in the 16th minute, but Pachuca would come from behind on first-half goals from Bruno Marioni (23’) and Gabriel Caballero (42’)
Chivas USA captain Claudio Suárez’ 8th-minute spot kick, after a Fausto Pinto handball in the penalty area, clanged against Miguel Calero’s right post, denying Chivas an early lead.
Sacha Kljestan also hit the woodwork for the Red-and-White, in a spirited match played in front of 14,528 fans at The Home Depot Center.
En su debut en un torneo internacional, Chivas USA cayó por 2-1 ante Pachuca, actual campeón defensor de la SuperLiga y campeón de la CONCACAF, el domingo por la noche en El Home Depot Center de Carson.

El delantero de Chivas USA, Ante Razov, puso adelante al conjunto rojiblanco. Sin embargo, Pachuca se levantó y le dio la voltereta al marcador con anotaciones de los argentinos Bruno Marioni al minuto 23 y Gabriel Caballero al minuto 42.

El defensa de Chivas USA, Claudio Suárez, falló un penalti al minuto 9 de acción.

Francisco Mendoza declaró lo siguiente después del partido: "Siento que es un marcador un poco engañoso porque en los primeros minutos siento que el primer tiempo tuvimos las oportunidades más claras de gol, pero igual sabíamos de antemano de la capacidad y de la contundencia que tienen los equipos mexicanos. Entonces, en lo personal, nos vamos tristes, nos vamos descontentos, pero igual rescatando lo mejor que hicimos en tener el balón bien… siento que en el partido hicimos bien las cosas. Pero la verdad nos vamos tristes porque no merecimos perder".

With GK Brad Guzan awaiting approval for his British work permit to complete a transfer to Aston Villa, 22-year-old rookie ‘keeper Lance Parker got his first start for Chivas USA, making 5 saves. Chivas USA Head Coach Preki, on the match: “I am extremely proud of the way we played tonight. I thought from the first moment we were solid. Actually, for the first 20 minutes we were very good with the ball, we were moving the ball, creating chances. The penalty kick hit the post, Sacha hits the crossbar, even Ante hits the crossbar on the goal, so it was like one of those nights. We barely squeezed that ball across the line, but after that even when we were winning 1-0, I thought we were solid. … We felt like we left everything on the field. It was a difficult game the other night against the Galaxy, but I felt like we were maybe a step slower, not as sharp as we could have been if we didn’t play that game. But there’s no excuses. It was a good game and I am disappointed that my group didn’t get at least a point.” (For a full quote sheet, please visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.)
A million dollars is on the line as the Red-and-White look to advance from Group B when they face Mexican champions Santos Laguna this Wednesday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. For tickets or more information on SuperLiga 2008 and Chivas USA, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1, visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/ or contact Chivas USA Communications.
Chivas USA ahora enfrentará a Santos Laguna, actual campeón de México, en un encuentro de vida o muerte, en la segunda jornada del Grupo B de SuperLiga 2008. Ambos, Santos Laguna (0-1 ante la Revolución de Nueva Inglaterra) y Chivas USA viene de respectivas derrotas en sus primeros partidos del torneo.





PHOTOS: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Chivas agree to fee with Aston Villa for Guzan

Chivas USA and Major League Soccer have agreed to a fee with Aston Villa for the transfer of goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Guzan's move to the English Premier League side is pending approval of his British work permit.
Guzan, 23, is a Chivas USA Original, having played for the Red-and-White since the club's inaugural season of 2005.

Chivas USA debuta ante Pachuca!

Con un millón de dólares como premio y la posibilidad de enfrentarse al equipo hermano Chivas de Guadalajara, Chivas USA debuta el domingo en una competencia oficial internacional dentro de la SuperLiga 2008, ante el Pachuca, campeón defensor del certamen, en El Home Depot Center.

El equipo rojiblanco buscará clasificar de un Grupo B complicado, que incluye además del Pachuca, a Santos Laguna, actual campeón de la Primera División de México, y el Revolución de Nueva Inglaterra, ganador de la Copa Abierta Lamar Hunt de los Estados Unidos 2007. La SuperLiga 2008 es la segunda edición anual del torneo entre equipos de Estados Unidos y México. Para más información, puede llamar a l 1-877-CHIVAS-1 o visitar www.cdchivasusa.com.

Chivas enters SuperLiga on four-game unbeaten run / Chivas llega a la SuperLiga con un invicto de cuatro partidos

On Thursday night at The Home Depot Center, Chivas USA earned a 1-1 draw with intra-city rivalry LA Galaxy, to remain tied with the Galaxy for first place in MLS’s Western Conference heading into SuperLiga.
A million dollars is on the line as the Red-and-White make their international debut in SuperLiga against CONCACAF champions Pachuca this Sunday, July 13 at 7:00 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center.
Against the Galaxy, Chivas USA’s Ante Razov scored his second goal in as many games off a feed from Sacha Kljestan in the 15th minute. Edson Buddle tied the game for the Galaxy in the 72nd minute.
Razov’s goal was his fourth of the year and the 113th of his regular-season MLS career, second all-time behind D.C. United’s Jaime Moreno (118).
With the draw, Chivas USA’s record improves to 6-6-4 (W-L-T) and 22 pts, good for a first-place tie in the West, before entering a three-week break from league play ahead of an Aug. 2 match at Chicago.
You can watch the game reaction video on our Official Chivas USA Channel on YouTube here:

For tickets or more information on Chivas USA, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1, visit www.cdchivasusa.com or contact Chivas USA Communications.

Chivas USA empata 1-1 al Galaxy

En una noche intensa, Chivas USA arrancó el empate de 1-1 al Galaxy de Los Ángeles el jueves en El Home Depot Center.

Ante Razov anotó el primer tanto al minuto 15 de acción, mientras que Edson Buddle empató para la causa galáctica al 72'.

Con un millón de dólares como premio y la posibilidad de enfrentarse al equipo hermano Chivas de Guadalajara, Chivas USA debuta en una competencia oficial internacional dentro de la SuperLiga 2008, este domingo, 13 de julio, ante el Pachuca, campeón defensor del certamen, en El Home Depot Center. El equipo rojiblanco buscará clasificar de un Grupo B complicado, que incluye además del Pachuca, a Santos Laguna, actual campeón de la Primera División de México, y el Revolución de Nueva Inglaterra, ganador de la Copa Abierta Lamar Hunt de los Estados Unidos 2007. La SuperLiga 2008 es la segunda edición anual del torneo entre equipos de Estados Unidos y México.

PHOTOS: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Chivas USA ‘@’ LA Galaxy – Super Clásico 7/10!

This Thursday, Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy will battle it out for first place in the Western Conference in the second Honda Super Clásico of the 2008 season. Here's a video preview of the match, with Preki, Jonathan Bornstein, Sacha Kljestan and Jesse Marsch.



Este jueves, Chivas USA y el Galaxy jugarán por el primer lugar en la Conferencia Oeste en el segundo Honda Super Clásico de la temporada 2008. Aquí hay una previa con Claudio Suárez y Paulo Nagamura.

Chivas USA battles Galaxy for first place on Thursday!, Chivas USA pelea el liderato ante el Galaxy este jueves!

The Red-and-White face the biggest week in team history with a pair of important games in domestic and international competition. First up is the second Honda Super Clásico of the 2008 season, with Chivas USA playing an “away” game at the Los Angeles Galaxy. The two teams are tied for first place in the Western Conference, and will battle for sole possession of the spot live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday night. Then, Chivas USA makes its official international debut on Sunday, facing reigning CONCACAF and SuperLiga champions Pachuca in the Red-and-White’s first group-stage match of the 2008 SuperLiga which pits top teams from Mexico and the United States against each other for a million dollar winner’s prize. The match takes place at 7:00 p.m. PT on Sunday, July 13 at The Home Depot Center, will be broadcast live on TeleFutura. Tickets for the SuperLiga match can be purchased by calling 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visiting http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.

You can watch the game preview on our Official YouTube Channel here:


Los Rojiblancos están por iniciar una de las semanas más importantes en la historia del club, con un par de encuentros importantes, tanto a nivel doméstico como a nivel internacional. Primero, el Super Clásico Honda de la temporada 2008 llega a Carson nuevamente cuando Chivas USA “visite” al Galaxy por segunda ocasión en la temporada. Los dos equipos están empatados en el primer lugar de la Conferencia Oeste y estarán disputando el sitio de honor en vivo por ESPN2 y ESPN Deportes a las 8:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico, el jueves. Luego, las Chivas USA harán su debut oficial el domingo, cuando enfrentan a Pachuca de la Primera División de México en un encuentro de la fase de Grupos de la SuperLiga 2008, el segundo torneo anual entre los equipos de Estados Unidos y México, en el cual el ganador se llevará un premio de un millón de dólares. El encuentro se realizará a las 7:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico el domingo, 13 de julio, en El Home Depot Center, y será televisado en vivo por TeleFutura. Los boletos para el encuentro de SuperLiga pueden ser comprados al llamar a 1-877-CHIVAS-1 o visitar http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.

Puede ver la previa del Super Clásico en nuestro Canal de YouTube aquí:

Sacha Kljestan to chat on ESPN tomorrow

Enjoying his finest season to date with Chivas USA and with a potential trip to the Beijing Olympics on his list of goals, midfielder Sacha Kljestan will join ESPN.com for a web chat on Tuesday afternoon to preview Thursday night’s Super Clásico against the Galaxy.

Questions will be submitted by fans and answered by the midfielder, who leads the Red-and-White with five goals this season, and is also tied for first on the squad with three assists.

To participate in the chat, or to read Kljestan’s answers, log on to the ESPN.com chat site at 12:30 p.m. PT on Tuesday afternoon.

Chivas USA vs. San Jose Earthquakes game reactions!

Head Coach Preki, goalscorer Ante Razov, goalkeeper Brad Guzan, and defenders Carey Talley and Bobby Burling react to Chivas USA's last-minute 1-0 victory over San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night at The Home Depot Center.

Chivas tied for first in West! Con Galaxy y SuperLiga en la mira, Chivas alcanza primer lugar del Oeste!

En una noche de fuegos artificiales, Chivas USA derrotó por la mínima diferencia a San José, en lo que fue la primera victoria sobre los vecinos del norte en la historia, el sábado por la noche en El Home Depot Center.
Ante Razov concretó el gol de la victoria al minuto 88 de acción, al ejecutar perfectamente un tiro libre con su pierna zurda.
La victoria ubica a Chivas USA en el primer lugar de la Conferencia Oeste, empatados con 21 unidades, con el Galaxy. Chivas USA "visitará" al Galaxy el próximo jueves en El Home Depot Center. Después del enfrentamiento ante el Galaxy, Chivas USA luego tomará un descanso del torneo local y se enfocará en el torneo SuperLiga. El Rebaño enfrenta al Pachuca el domingo a las 7:00 p.m. en El Home Depot Center y a Santos el miércoles, también a las 7:00 en El Home Depot Center.

Usted puede ver el gol de Razov, el cual ya ha sido nominado al Gol de la Semana, aquí:

Después del encuentro del sábado, los aficionados pudieron presenciar los fuegos artificiales, dedicados al Día de la Independencia.



On Saturday night at The Home Depot Center, Chivas USA earned a 1-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes to improve its record to .500 and earn a two-way for 1st place in MLS’s Western Conference with LA Galaxy.
Ante Razov scored the game’s only goal in the 88th minute off a 20-yard freekick, recording the 112th regular-season goal of his MLS’s career and his third of the 2008 season.
With the win, Chivas USA’s record improves to 6-6-3 (W-L-T), good for a first-place tie with the LA Galaxy, whom Chivas ‘visits’ this Thursday in a nationally televised game on ESPN2.
Following Thursday’s Galaxy game, Chivas USA opens its SuperLiga campaign versus Mexican powerhouse Pachuca on Sunday, July 13 at The Home Depot Center, with a million dollar prize on the line.
Chivas USA Head Coach Preki, on Saturday’s match: “We had a kind of slow start, for 10-15 minutes we were a little bit timid, we weren’t as crisp with our ball movement, and after 10-15 minutes we picked it up. We were decent, we were pushing the tempo, we were starting to break them down, and they defended with numbers behind the ball. Sometimes eight, sometimes nine guys behind the ball, they were making it difficult for us and it was just about being patient, and trying to create enough opportunities that maybe we can put one away”
Chivas USA’s first SuperLiga opponent, reigning CONCACAF and SuperLiga champion Pachuca, arrives in Southern California on Thursday, July 10; media event schedule to be announced next week.
For more information on SuperLiga, which pits top teams from Mexico and the United States against each other for a million dollar winner’s prize, please visit SUMWorld.com.
For tickets or more information on Chivas USA, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1, visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/ or contact Chivas USA Communications.
PHOTOS: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Chivas USA vs. San Jose Earthquakes game preview!

Chivas USA coach Preki and goalkeeper Brad Guzan break down Saturday's Western Conference showdown with the San Jose Earthquakes on our Official YouTube Channel:

Fireworks this Saturday as Chivas USA faces the Earthquakes! Fuegos artificiales este sábado en el Chivas USA vs. Terremotos!

Chivas USA will extend 4th of July celebrations an extra day this Saturday, when the Red-and-White host the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 p.m. PT on July 5 at The Home Depot Center. The match, presented by Sierra Mist, will feature a post-game “Fireworks Fiesta,” with all fans in attendance having a perfect view of the show. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports en Español, with coverage starting at 7:00 p.m. for the pregame show on FSC, and culminating after the fireworks display. It will be the first meeting since 2005 between Chivas USA and San Jose, and the Earthquakes lead the series with two wins and two ties in four matches between the teams. So far in 2008, San Jose has struggled offensively, and is at the bottom of the Western Conference with a record of 3-8-3 (W-L-T), with 12 points. Chivas USA is carrying a two-match unbeaten run into the game, and owns a 5-6-3 record (18 points), sitting fourth in the division. For more information on this weekend’s “California Clásico,” or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.

Chivas USA extenderá un día más las celebraciones del 4 de Julio cuando el conjunto rojiblanco sea anfitrión de los Terremotos de San José el próximo sábado, 5 de julio, a las 7:30 p.m. Hora del Pacífico en El Home Depot Center. El encuentro, presentado por Sierra Mist, tendrá una ceremonia especial llamada “Fiesta de Fuegos Artificiales”, en la cual todos los aficionados presentes en el estadio podrán tener una vista especial del show. El partido será televisado por Fox Soccer Channel y Fox Sports En Español, con una cobertura que comenzará a las 7:00 p.m. y culminará con una demostración de fuegos artificiales. Será la primera cita de ambos equipos desde que Chivas USA y San José se enfrentaron en 2005. San José posee una ventaja de dos victorias y dos empates en los cuatro enfrentamientos disputados en toda la historia entre ambos equipos. En lo que va de 2008, San José ha tenido dificultades en la ofensiva y se ubica hasta el fondo de la Conferencia Oeste con un récord de 3-8-3 (victorias-derrotas-empates), lo que lo deja con 12 puntos. Chivas USA lleva una racha de dos partidos sin derrota y posee un récord de 5-6-3, para acumular 18 puntos, en la cuarta posición de la división. Para más información sobre el nuevo “Clásico de California”, o para comprar boletos, por favor de llamar a 1-877-CHIVAS-1 o visite www.cdchivasusa.com

Jorge Flores es convocado por Estados Unidos para juego ante México! Jorge Flores called into U.S. U-20 National Team for match against Mexico!

Jorge Flores, mediocampista de Chivas USA, ha sido convocado a la Selección Sub-20 de los Estados Unidos para el partido contra la Selección Sub-20 de México en encuentro que se llevará a cabo el viernes, 11 de julio, en Laredo, Texas. Esta convocatoria será la primera que recibe Flores con la Sub-20 después de anotar sus primeros tres goles en la MLS. Flores, nacido en Anaheim, California, creció en Pénjamo, Guanajuato, México, y regresó a los Estados Unidos en su adolescencia. Será la primera ocasión que Flores enfrenta a México en su corta carrera como futbolista profesional.

Flores se ha destacado con la Selección Nacional Sub-20 de Estados Unidos en 2008, al participar en enero durante el prestigioso torneo internacional Copa Chivas en México, al igual que el Torneo Internacional Campos Verdes de Portugal en abril. En mayo, Flores viajó con la Sub-20 para disputar algunos partidos en Inglaterra ante los equipos de reservas de la Liga Premier de Inglaterra, donde acumuló un gol y una asistencia. Flores es el jugador con más participación en la Selección Nacional Sub-20 de Estados Unidos.

Chivas USA extenderá un día más las celebraciones del 4 de Julio cuando el conjunto rojiblanco sea anfitrión de los Terremotos de San José el próximo sábado, 5 de julio, a las 7:30 p.m. Hora del Pacífico en El Home Depot Center. El encuentro, presentado por Sierra Mist, tendrá una ceremonia especial llamada “Fiesta de Fuegos Artificiales”, en la cual todos los aficionados presentes en el estadio podrán tener una vista especial del show. Para más información sobre el nuevo “Clásico de California”, o para comprar boletos, por favor de llamar a 1-877-CHIVAS-1 o visite www.cdchivasusa.com

Chivas USA midfielder Jorge Flores has been called into the United States Under-20 National Team for the squad’s upcoming match against the Mexico U-20 National Team on Friday, July 11, in Laredo, Tex. For Chivas USA this season, Flores has played in six matches (starting three), scoring three goals. Born in Anaheim, Calif., Flores spent his childhood in Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico before moving back to Southern California as a teenager, and this will be his first match for the U.S. U-20’s against Mexico.

Flores has become a mainstay on the U.S. U-20 National Team in 2008, having been with the team for the Copa Chivas in Mexico in January and the Campos Verdes International Tournament in Portugal in April. In May, Flores was with the team for a pair of games in England against English Premier League reserve teams, where he had a goal and an assist. Flores has played in more games with the U-20 National Team this year than any other player.

This Saturday night, Chivas USA extends 4th of July celebrations an extra day when the Red-and-White host the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 p.m. PT on July 5 at The Home Depot Center. The match, presented by Sierra Mist, will feature a post-game “Fireworks Fiesta,” with all fans in attendance having a perfect view of the show. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1, or visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.
PHOTO: Juan Miranda/Chivas USA

Chivas USA falls 2-0 to Seattle Sounders in Third Round of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Chivas USA continued its string of disappointing performances in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, falling 2-0 on Tuesday to the reigning USL-1 champion Seattle Sounders in a Third Round match played at Starfire Sports Complex. The loss – on goals from Seattle’s Taylor Graham and Sebastien Le Toux – marked Chivas USA’s second straight elimination from the prestigious knockout tournament at the hands of the USL Sounders, having fallen 3-1 at Seattle also in the Third Round on July 18, 2007. Chivas joined the Houston Dynamo and New York Red Bulls as the three MLS teams to fall victim to USL opponents at this stage of the 2008 Open Cup.

Chivas USA head coach Preki presented a lineup with a number of changes from Sunday’s 1-1 league draw against the New York Red Bulls. Veteran first-teamers Claudio Suárez, Jesse Marsch, Carey Talley and Francisco Mendoza all began the game on the bench, while Ante Razov and Bobby Burling were left behind in Southern California as precautionary measures after picking up minor knocks over the weekend.

Seattle would take the lead just minutes before halftime. In the 42nd, a Sacha Kljestan lost the ball at midfield to the Sounders’ Kenji Treschuk., who played a deft through pass to forward Sebastien Le Toux. The 2007 USL-1 MVP’s shot forced a kick save from Brad Guzan and enlivened the Starfire Sports Complex crowd of 2,997. On the ensuing corner kick, Josh Gardner played a precise cross to the near post, and Taylor Graham lost his mark and rose above a pack of Chivas USA defenders to head the ball past Guzan from eight yards out.

In the 80th minute, goalkeeper Eylander, after saving a deflected Sacha Kljestan freekick, punted the ball downfield. Guzan, Jim Curtin and right back Daniel Paladini appeared to get their lines crossed in the penalty area and, after Curtin headed the ball backwards at the top of the area, Le Toux pounced its chance and chipped a shot over Guzan and into the empty net to give Seattle a 2-0 lead.

In four attempts, the Red-and-White have never advanced to the Quarterfinals of the tournament, having been eliminated in the Third Round by Seattle Sounders (2008, 2007) and amateur side Roma FC of Dallas (2006), as well as the LA Galaxy in the Fourth Round in 2005. Chivas USA’s only win in five U.S. Open Cup matches came on July 13, 2005 against USL-2 side Charlotte Eagles in the tournament’s Third Round.

Chivas USA hosts the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. PT. The Red-and-White presents a Double Dose of Independence Day for soccer fans, with a special postgame Fireworks Fiesta following the match. For tickets, starting at just $14, call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SEATTLE SOUNDERS

Brad Guzan visits the White Sox

Brad Guzan grew up outside of Chicago, Ill., and is a Chicago White Sox fan. Last Wednesday, when the Sox were in town for an interleague matchup against the Dodgers, Guzan went down on the field and met a few of the players on both sides before taking in the Dodgers' 5-0 win.

Here's a couple photos of Brad with Dodgers designated hitter Jim Thome before the game:

Also with White Sox closer Bobby Jenks, who hails from Mission Hills, CA:

The Dodgers' Mark Sweeney also spoke with Brad before the game:

Chivas USA busca pase ante los Sounders

La concentrada actividad veraniega en distintos torneos arranca el martes para Chivas USA con el debut en la Copa Abierta de los Estados Unidos ante los Sounders de Seattle, equipo de la Primera División de las Ligas Unidas de Futbol (USL, por sus siglas en inglés). El Rebaño disputará su primer encuentro de la edición 2008 de la Copa Abierta de los Estados Unidos en actividad de la Tercera Ronda. El encuentro está programado a partir de las 7:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico en la cancha del Starfire Sports Complex en Tukwila, Washington, y será transmitido por Internet en el sitio USL Live. El Rebaño viajó el lunes rumbo a Seattle con miras a vengar la derrota sufrida por 3-1 en la edición 2007 de la Copa Abierta de los Estados Unidos en estas mismas instancias del torneo. El ganador del cotejo Chivas USA vs. Seattle se enfrentará al ganador entre los Wizards de Kansas City y los Railhawks de Carolina en una sede por determinar.

Chivas USA extenderá un día más las celebraciones del 4 de Julio cuando el conjunto rojiblanco sea anfitrión de los Terremotos de San José el próximo sábado, 5 de julio, a las 7:30 p.m. Hora del Pacífico en El Home Depot Center. El encuentro, presentado por Sierra Mist, tendrá una ceremonia especial llamada “Fiesta de Fuegos Artificiales”, en la cual todos los aficionados presentes en el estadio podrán tener una vista especial del show. Para más información sobre el nuevo “Clásico de California”, o para comprar boletos, por favor de llamar a 1-877-CHIVAS-1 o visite www.cdchivasusa.com.

Chivas USA departed Los Angeles early Monday afternoon in advance of Tuesday night’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against the Seattle Sounders, which will be played at 7:00 p.m. on July 1 at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash. The Third Round match will pit the Red-and-White against the reigning United Soccer Leagues First Division champions, with the winner advancing to the Quarterfinals of the tournament, and all the action can be seen live online at USL Live. Seattle beat Chivas USA at the same stage in the tournament in 2007 by a 3-1 score, and Tuesday night’s game will be the fourth meeting all-time between the two clubs, who also played friendly matches in 2006 and 2007. The winner of the match will advance to face either the Kansas City Wizards (MLS) or the Carolina Railhawks (USL-1), who also play on Tuesday night.

Chivas USA will extend 4th of July celebrations an extra day this Saturday, when the Red-and-White host the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 p.m. PT on July 5 at The Home Depot Center. The match, presented by Sierra Mist, will feature a post-game “Fireworks Fiesta,” with all fans in attendance having a perfect view of the show. For more information on this weekend’s “California Clásico,” or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit http://www.cdchivasusa.com/.

PHOTO: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA