Bornstein and Kljestan called to U.S. National Team Training Camp

Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan and defender Jonathan Bornstein were named Tuesday by United States National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley to the National Team camp ahead of a friendly match against Sweden on Jan. 24, 2009 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Claudio Suárez’s Ultimate XI

Claudio Suárez was recently posed the question by Jack Bell of the New York Times: "What is the best starting eleven of players that you've played with for the Mexican National Team?"

Claudio's answers, his 'Ultimate XI' has been posted on the Goal: The New York Times Soccer Blog.

Follow the link below to see his selections:

Claudio Suárez’s Ultimate XI - Goal: The New York Times Soccer Blog

Diciembre con Atiba Harris/Catching up with Atiba Harris

Con miras al descanso de las fiestas decembrinas, Dentro del Rebaño le pregunta a cada uno de los jugadores de Chivas USA sobre sus reflexiones en el 2008, sus planes para estos días festivos, así como un vistazo a lo que viene para el 2009. Hoy le presentamos al delantero caribeño Atiba Harris.

¿Qué planeas hacer en estas fiestas decembrinas?
Fue una temporada muy larga, así que ahora es momento de descansar, tener un poco de diversión y pasar tiempo con la familia y amigos. No voy a ir a San Cristóbal y Nevis este año. Es triste pero estoy hablando con mi mamá y familia ahí. En lugar, voy a planear un viaje a Miami o Puerto Rico por una semana o dos.
¿Cómo viste el 2008 para Chivas USA?
Fue un año muy duro, creo que nos mantuvimos fuertes durante los momentos difíciles. No llegamos al punto en el que queríamos pero ni modo. El próximo año esperamos llegar más saludables y ganar la Copa MLS.
¿Cómo te fue personalmente en el 2008?
Personalmente, creo que mejoré mucho. El próximo año pienso asumir un papel de líder. Quiero tomar un papel más de liderazgo con Chivas USA.

As players enjoy the offseason, here at cdchivasusa.com, we'll be catching up with some of the players and finding out their plans ahead of the 2009 MLS season. Today we hear from Atiba Harris.

What are your plans now that the season is over?
It was a long season. It’s time to kick back a little bit, have a lot of fun, spend time with family and friends. I’m not going to St. Kitts this year. It’s sad, but I’ve been talking to my mom and family over there. Instead I was planning to go to Miami or Puerto Rico for a week or two.

What was your take on the 2008 season?
It was a rough year. We played better, and we stuck together. We didn’t get to the point we wanted to reach but so be it; next year we will come back healthier and win the MLS Cup.

How did the season go for you, and what are you hoping for in 2009?
Personally, I felt I improved a lot. Next year, I hope to be a leader. To take more of a leadership role for Chivas USA.
PHOTO: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Diciembre con Zach Thornton/Catching up with Zach Thornton

Con miras al descanso de las fiestas decembrinas, Dentro del Rebaño le pregunta a cada uno de los jugadores de Chivas USA sobre sus reflexiones en el 2008, sus planes para estos días festivos, así como un vistazo a lo que viene para el 2009. Hoy le presentamos al delantero caribeño Zach Thornton.

¿Qué planeas hacer en estas fiestas decembrinas?
Probablemente voy a regresar a Pennsylvania y disfrutar de las fiestas ahí. Voy a estar entrenando alrededor del 4 ó 5 de enero, ya sea aquí con Leo Percovich o quizás en la academia de Brad Friedel en Ohio, dependiendo en la disponibilidad de cada quién. A fines de enero, ¡vamos a estar de regreso!, ¡el tiempo vuela!

¿Cómo viste el 2008 para Chivas USA?
Creo que fue muy difícil porque llegué en la mitad de la temporada, pero cuando llegué aquí creo que llegué en un momento muy difícil. Creo que el equipo se mantuvo fuerte en los momentos complicados y empezamos a jugar bien una vez que tuvimos a los muchachos saludables y listos. Nos quedamos en la orilla y eso fue doloroso, pero así es el futbol. Creo que fue una experiencia que nos permite aprender a muchos de nosotros y creo que utilizaremos esas lecciones la siguiente temporada.

¿Cómo te fue personalmente en el 2008?
Fue de altibajos. Cuando decidí llegar aquí y justo cuando llegué aquí no estaba en la condición en la que me gustaría haber estado, pero mientras jugué más partidos creo que agarré el ritmo de juego. Luego me lesioné y afortunadamente, me mantuve en ese buen nivel cuando regresé en la postemporada.

As players enjoy the offseason, we'll be catching up with some of the players and finding out their plans ahead of the 2009 MLS season. Today we hear from Zach Thornton.

How are you going to spend the offseason?
Probably going to go home back to Pennsylvania and enjoy the family holidays. I’ll start training again around January 4th or 5th, either here with Leo Percovich or maybe at Brad Friedel’s academy in Ohio, just depending on who is available. Then, at the end of January, we have to be back! It’s going to go quick!

How did last season go from the team’s standpoint?
As a team it’s hard, because I came mid-season, but when I got here it was a tough time. I thought the team stuck together through a difficult time, and once we had guys healthy and ready to play, we made a nice run at it. We did fall a little short, and that’s disappointing, but that’s soccer. But it was a good learning experience for a lot of people, and I think we’ll definitely grow and be better for it next season.

How about the year on a personal level?
It was up-and-down. I decided to come here, and right when I got here I wasn’t necessarily as good as I wanted to be, but as I played more games I kind of got in my groove. Then I got injured and then, luckily, I was still in that groove when I was able to play later in the season.

PHOTOS: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Shavar Thomas and Jamaica capture Digicel Caribbean Championship

Jamaica finished its run through the Digicel Caribbean Championship on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Grenada in Kingston. Luton Shelton scored both goals (on a pair of penalty kicks) to give Jamaica the win, and Chivas USA's defender Shavar Thomas helped his country keep the clean sheet.

The Reggae Boyz had already earned one of the main prizes that the tournament has to offer; the four semifinalists automatically qualify for the 2009 Gold Cup. Jamaica will be joined in the Gold Cup by fellow Caribbean nations Grenada, Guadeloupe, and Cuba. The win represents the fourth time that Jamaica has been crowned champion of the Caribbean.

Catching up with Jim Curtin

As players head into the offseason, here at Dentro del Rebaño, we'll be catching up with the players and finding out some of their plans ahead of the 2009 MLS season. Today we hear from Jim Curtin.

Any plans for the Holidays?

Me and my wife are going to go down to the New Jersey shore and we have a big football game on the beach – it’s a good time to go see friends and family. I’ll probably stay there until Christmas. I’m going to be working with a guy in Philadelphia to stay in shape. Once I get back here to The Home Depot Center, I’ll come back and I’ll stay here to stay in shape and get ready for the season next year. It’s one of those things that seems like a long time, but it goes by really quick. Obviously I’m motivated to do the hard work in the offseason because it pays off going into preseason.
How was the Chivas USA's 2008 season, from your perspective?
It was kind of a rollercoaster season. All things considered, it was great to make the playoffs. The goal was to win the MLS Cup, and we don’t use injuries as an excuse but when you have so miss a lot of guys and you don’t play the same lineup a lot, it’s difficult. With [the injuries], it was crazy, unlucky things; it was tough. Obviously everybody is disappointed on how it ended.
How do you think the 2008 season went for you specifically?
I could have done some things better, I could have contributed a little more to the team. But it was a rollercoaster season for all of us.

Catching up with Dan Kennedy

As players head into the offseason, here at Dentro del Rebaño, we'll be catching up with the players and finding out some of their plans ahead of the 2009 MLS season. Today we hear from Dan Kennedy.
Any plans for the Holidays?

I’m not going to be leaving Southern California – I’m going to be training a little bit. Trying to stay in shape during the Holidays and then once January comes around, I should be stepping it up and getting ready for preseason. It’s going to be nice, to take your mind off a little bit and spend some more time with the family, but I’m still looking forward to preseason.
I have a trip planned with friends – every year; we go to Vegas for a weekend. Then I’ll go to San Francisco for New Years – I have some family there as well.
How was the Chivas USA's 2008 season, from your perspective?

We had a lot of setbacks due to injuries, suspensions, and trades. We were a little bit unlucky. A lot of people got opportunities, including myself… I think that as a whole this team grew a lot. Unfortunately, at the end of the year we ended up without any trophies, but I think it will set us up for a much more experienced squad next season.

How do you think the 2008 season went for you specifically?

I came here knowing that Brad was the number one keeper. The expectation was that he was going to leave and I was going to get my shot. I had a few games there and then they brought Zach [Thornton]. As a player I was disappointed because I wanted to play and I wanted to help the team and had to sit on the bench more time than I wanted to. But then my opportunity came and I thought it was a good step in my career. I think I proved to the team and to the fans and to the organization that I can be a part of this team and help it achieve things.
What was your favorite moment in 2008?
[The 1-0 win] against Santos. I think it was a very good game for me. I was getting things started in the right direction. After that we got in a four game winning streak and I was part of that, it was the first time in club history that we won four games in a row, after that clinching the playoff spot. It was nice to be there on the field as well.

PHOTO: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Catching up with Justin Braun

As players head into the offseason, here at Dentro del Rebaño, we'll be catching up with the players and finding out some of their plans ahead of the 2009 MLS season. Today we hear from Justin Braun.
Any plans for the Holidays?
Staying in shape and obviously, playing some soccer when I can. I plan to stay at home with the family. I got relatives coming for Christmas. Just looking forward to seeing my family and spending time with all of them.
How was the Chivas USA's 2008 season, from your perspective?
We have our moments when we looked really good. There were moments where we weren’t looking too good. We dealt with a lot of injuries. I think we had a good season. I would call it a good season for us. I’m really looking forward to what 2009 brings for us.
How do you think the 2008 season went for you specifically?
I loved it. I loved every moment of it… to come here and experience this. It has been amazing for me. Hopefully I can have many more years in the league.

PHOTO: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Diciembre con Paulo Nagamura

Con miras al descanso de las fiestas decembrinas, Dentro del Rebaño le pregunta a cada uno de los jugadores de Chivas USA sobre sus reflexiones en el 2008, sus planes para estos días festivos, así como un vistazo a lo que viene para el 2009. Hoy le presentamos a Paulo Nagamura:
Paulo, ¿qué planeas hacer en estas fiestas decembrinas?
Espero ir para Brasil para las vacaciones con mi familia, en año nuevo, así que voy a arreglar todos mis papeles y pasarla con mi familia. Aquí en Los Ángeles me quedo en casa y descanso, corro un poco en la playa para no perder mi forma física pero lo que más hago es descansar y quedarme en casa con mi esposa.
¿Cómo viste el 2008 para Chivas USA?
La verdad es que 2008 no fue un año malo, pero tampoco fue lo que esperábamos. Con el equipo que tenemos creo que deberíamos ir más lejos en la Liguilla, creo que podíamos avanzar más en la Liguilla Podemos decir que tenemos lesionados y suspendidos, un equipo que quiere conquistar algo tiene que pasar por todos esos obstáculos. No fue un año muy bueno, tenemos tiempo y los jugadores nuevos tienen que mejorar porque ahora tenemos experiencia.
¿Cómo viste el 2008 a nivel personal?
Mis objetivos de jugar todos los partidos y siempre estar en los 11 titulares siempre fue el objetivo mío y espero mejorar aún más en el año que viene.

Sub-18 de Chivas USA por televisión nacional!

No se pierda las emociones del equipo Sub-18 de Chivas USA enfrentando a su similar del equipo del Fire de Chicago en el segundo torneo anual Development Academy Winter Showcase del 5 al 8 de diciembre en el Lancaster National Soccer Center en Lancaster, California. En estos momentos se está transmitiendo el partido En Vivo por Fox Soccer Channel!

Los equipos Sub-18 y Sub 16 de Chivas USA enfrentarán mañana ante el Seacoast United el 7 de diciembre, y los Rapids de Colorado el lunes, 8 de diciembre. Todos los 148 equipos que representan 74 clubes, además del Equipo Sub-17 de los Estados Unidos participarán en un total de 240 partidos durante el torneo. Todos los partidos serán disputados en Lancaster National Soccer Center. Para más información sobre los Equipos Sub-16 y Sub-18, pueden visitar cdchivasusa.com o el Sitio de la Academia de Desarrollo.

PHOTO: JUAN MIRANDA

Jamaica earns 2-1 win in Carribean Championship

Shavar Thomas and Jamaica captured a 2-1 win on Wednesday in the team's opening game of the Digicel Carribean Championship, being held right now in Jamaica.

Thomas was an unused substitute in the win; the Reggae Boyz will next face Grenada on Friday in the second game of the Group Stage.

Here is a link to the match stats from Wednesday's win.

Here's some information on the tournament as a whole.

Catching up with Jesse Marsch

As players head into the offseason, here at Dentro del Rebaño, we'll be catching up with the players and finding out some of their plans ahead of the 2009 MLS season. Today we hear from Jesse Marsch.


Any plans for the Holidays?

My kids are pretty much here for the school year, for Christmas we usually go back home to Chicago and Milwaukee to see family and friends. My wife and I are also planning a trip to Paris.

How was the Chivas USA's 2008 season, from your perspective?

I feel that the team put a lot into it. In 2007, things were going pretty well for us at all times, it wasn’t like everyday we were asking each other questions and trying to figure things out. We were sticking to what we were all about and sticking to the plan. This year required more and as far as that goes, I think the players responded really well. Looking ahead I think there's a lot of quality in this team, in both talent and character. I don’t see why we can just retool a couple of things here and there and make a push in 2009 to be even better than this year and last year as well.

How do you think the 2008 season went for you specifically?

It was challenging because of what was going on with the team, it was challenging when I broke my jaw. I still think it was a good year for me because I tried doing everything I could to try to have this thing going in the right direction. I always judge my performance on how the team does and in that sense I’m not totally satisfied.

What was your favorite momment in 2008?

Probably the little bit of run we had at the end of the season when we won 7 of 8 games. I felt that at that point, a lot of the guys were contributing and things were going in the right direction, and just before the playoffs, we had key injuries.

PHOTO: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Diciembre con Francisco Mendoza

Con miras al descanso de las fiestas decembrinas, Dentro del Rebaño le pregunta a cada uno de los jugadores de Chivas USA sobre sus reflexiones en el 2008, sus planes para estos días festivos, así como un vistazo a lo que viene para el 2009. Hoy le presentamos a Francisco Mendoza.

Después de una intensa temporada, ¿qué es lo que tienes planeado en este descanso en el mes de diciembre?
Voy a regresar a Guadalajara con mi familia. Tengo mucho tiempo que no los veo y que no convivo con ellos y lo que más quiero es aprovechar el tiempo ya que no puedo estar con ellos durante todo el año. Estar en la playa, estar con los pocos amigos que dejé en El Salto. También estar en la casa y cuando se pueda, salir a divertirse. Tenía pensado ir a Cuba, pero todavía tengo que ver si puedo ir o no, pero creo que sí voy a poder cumplir el deseo de ir a Cuba.
¿Cómo viste la temporada 2008 para Chivas USA?
Durante el torneo creo que hubo muchas barreras por los jugadores lesionados. Hubo muchos jugadores de mucha calidad que estuvieron fuera por lesión. Creo que la evalúo de bien. El equipo siempre fue de menos a más. Esta vez se llegó a los playoffs. Hubiera sido excelente si hubiéramos llegado a la final, así que la dejo en un 8.
¿Cómo te sientes de tus logros a nivel personal en el 2008?
Créenme que me sentí bastante bien conmigo mismo. Durante todo el torneo el entrenador me utilizó en varias posiciones. Creo que cumplí en las posiciones que me puso ya que nunca había jugado de defensa, por allá me pone de contención, de medio izquierdo. Me puso en cuatro posiciones pero creo que hice las cosas bien. Creo que me faltó meter un gol, ya que en esta temporada no metí ninguno pero necesito trabajar más para mantener el mismo nivel.
FOTO: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA

Chivas USA sostiene pruebas/Chivas USA to hold final tryouts

El viernes, 12 de diciembre, Chivas USA sostendrá sus Pruebas del Equipo Juvenil, así como también sus Pruebas Abiertas, en las canchas de Rancho Santa Susana en Simi Valley. Las Pruebas para las Fuerzas Básicas Sub-16 y Sub-18 de Chivas USA que participarán en la Academia de Desarrollo de los Estados Unidos estarán abiertas a los jugadores nacidos entre 1991 y 1995. Las Pruebas Abiertas estarán disponibles a jugadores mayores de 18 años. Ambos eventos comenzarán a las 4:00 p.m. el viernes, 12 de diciembre, en las canchas 2 y 3 en el Parque de Rancho de Santa Susana, 5005 Los Ángeles, Ave, Simi Valley. El costo es de 30 dólares para ambas pruebas y los jugadores pueden registrarse en cdchivasusa.com en la sección de Divisiones Inferiores o pueden llamar al teléfono 1-310-630-4564.

On Friday, Dec. 12, Chivas USA will host its final Youth Team Tryouts, as well as a round of Open Tryouts, at the Rancho Santa Susana Fields in Simi Valley. The Youth Team Tryouts are for the Chivas USA U-16 and U-18 Teams that participate in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, and are open to players born between 1991-1995. The Open Tryouts will be open to players aged 18 and over. Both events start at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, on Fields 2 & 3 at the Rancho Santa Susana Park, 5005 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. The cost is 30 dollars for either tryout, and players can register online at the Youth Soccer section of cdchivasusa.com. More information can also be found by e-mailing jcano@cdchivasusa.com or calling 1-310-630-4564.