New cdchivasusa.com column - Red-and-White Monday

A new feature launched today on cdchivasusa.com - it's called "Red-and-White Monday" and it'll be a weekly column that appears on the website, you guessed it, every Monday.

This first one is about what Chivas USA is "on pace" to do this season. Whether it's a goal every 21 minutes from Bojan Stepanovic, or a 500-assist career for Gerson Mayen, the column takes a look at the numbers.

It also includes the Hollywood Corner, where the last match is analyzed with a Los Angeles flair, and the Power Rankings, which put each MLS team in its place.

Click here to read the first installment of 'Red-and-White Monday'!

Lillingston nominated for Goal of the Week

For the second straight week, a Chivas USA player has been nominated for Sierra Mist MLS Goal of the Week!

After game one, it was Paulo Nagamura - this time around it's Eduardo Lillingston, who scored his first MLS goal in the 56th minute. It ended up being the game-winner in the Red-and-White's 2-0 victory in Dallas.

Here's video of the strike:



"Gerson [Mayen] started the play, and he played a very good ball into space," said Lillingston after the match. "I played it to the far post and it went in."

Check the post below this one for reactions from the game from Chivas USA players, including Lillingston.

To vote for the Mexican forward's first MLS goal, and to check out the rest of the nominees, visit the Goal of the Week page at MLSnet.com.

Chivas USA beats FC Dallas 2-0, English and Spanish audios

With goals by forward Eduardo Lillingston and midfielder Bojan Stepanovic (MLS debut), both with their first goals in Major League Soccer, Chivas USA defeated FC Dallas by a score of 2-0 on Sunday at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas in front of 6,524 fans. It was Lillingston’s first goal in MLS and also Stepanovic’s MLS debut with the Red-and-White. Stepanovic, who signed with the team on Friday, entered the field at the 69th minute and scored six minutes later.
With the result, Chivas USA leads the Western Conference, tied with the Seattle Sounders, with 6 points. The Red-and-White also broke FC Dallas’ four-game unbeaten streak against them.
Chivas USA’s 20 year-old Gerson Mayen, born and raised in Los Angeles, also made his MLS debut in the match and contributed with an assist in the first goal. Mayen is a product of Chivas USA’s Youth Development system and former member of Chivas USA U-18 Team.
Chivas USA returns home to face the defending MLS Cup Champion Columbus Crew on Sunday, April 5 at 5:00 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. Kids aged 16 and under get in free with the purchase of each adult ticket and the first 7,500 fans through the gates will receive a free Chivas USA hat. For more information on the match, please visit cdchivasusa.com or call 1-877-CHIVAS-1.

AUDIOS:

Click here to listen to Chivas USA Preki talk about the game.

Click here to listen to Preki talk about Eduardo Lillingston's performance.

Click here to listen to Preki talk about Gerson Mayen's debut in MLS.

Click here to listen to Jesse Marsch talk about today's result.

Click here to listen to Jonathan Bornstein talk about the game.

Click here to listen to Lillingston talk about the game and his goal (in Spanish)

Escuche aquí a Eduardo Lillingston hablar sobre el partido y su gol.

Foto del Día

Clima hostil

Los jugadores de Chivas USA tuvieron un entrenamiento limitado al mediodía del sábado en el Pizza Hut Park, de cara al encuentro que disputará el domingo ante el FC Dallas a las 12:00 p.m. PT. Los fuertes y fríos vientos evitaron que el conjunto Rojiblanco pudiera entrenar por más de media hora. "El viento está muy fuerte y no se puede entrenar como normalmente se hace", declaró el delantero Eduardo Lillingston. El encuentro será televisado localmente por Prime Ticket y a nivel nacional por TeleFutura.

Weather affects practice...

Chivas USA players could only practice on Saturday for less than an hour because of severe cold winds that hit the Frisco, Texas area. “The wind affects a lot, because you can’t train like you normally would”, said Chivas USA forward Eduardo Lillingston after a very brief training session.
Chivas USA will face FC Dallas this Sunday at 12:00 noon PT in a match that will be broadcast locally on PRIME TICKET and nationally on TeleFutura.
Here are some pictures from today’s training session at Pizza Hut Park.

PHOTOS: Chivas USA Communications

Chivas USA arrives in Dallas/Chivas USA ya está en Dallas

Chivas USA arrived on Friday night at Dallas, Texas after a two-hour delayed flight. The Red-and-White will train on Saturday at Pizza Hut Park, where it will face FC Dallas this Sunday at 12:00 noon PT in a match that will be broadcast locally on PRIME TICKET and nationally on TeleFutura.

For some of the players like Mariano Trujillo, Eduardo Lillingston and Michael Lahoud, this trip represents their first official away game after joining Chivas USA this season.

Click here to listen to Michael Lahoud talk about his health, after suffering a concussion on Saturday, and also about his first away game with Chivas USA.

Chivas USA llegó el viernes por la noche a la ciudad de Dallas, Texas, con dos horas de retraso en su vuelo. Los jugadores, algo cansados por el viaje, llegaron al hotel muy cercano al Pizza Hut Stadium de Frisco, Texas, para descansar y el sábado entrenar al mediodía.

Chivas USA enfrentará al FC Dallas el próximo domingo a las 12 p.m. PT en un encuentro que será televisado en el área de Los Ángeles por Prime Ticket y a nivel nacional por TeleFutura.
Para algunos, como el defensa Mariano Trujillo, el mediocampista Michael Lahoud y Eduardo Lillingston, el viaje a Frisco representa la primera oportunidad de viajar con el equipo tras debutar en la MLS el sábado pasado en la victoria de 2-1 sobre los Rapids de Colorado.

Escuche aquí a Mariano Trujillo hablar sobre su primer viaje con el equipo.

PHOTO: Chivas USA Communications

Chatting with Chivas USA - Jonathan Bornstein

Check out cdchivasusa.com for a new feature launched today called "Chatting with Chivas USA."

Every week we'll spotlight one player on Chivas USA with a Q&A and a video, and for the first in the series, Jonathan Bornstein talks about everything from his ping-pong mastery to the origin of the name of his hometown, Los Alamitos, Calif.

Click here to find Jonny's answers in the Q&A, and you can follow a link at the top of the article to watch the video. Enjoy!

Chivas USA signs Serbian midfielder Bojan Stepanovic

A new signing to announce today - Serbian midfielder Bojan Stepanovic. A press release will be on the website shortly, and we'll link to that here when it's available. He joined the team in early March and played in most of the preseason matches, and is shown here facing San Jose on March 4.

Here are a few quotes from Stepanovic, and also from Preki:

Chivas USA midfielder Bojan Stepanovic

On joining the team:
“I’m very happy. My teammates and everybody with the club has given me a good reception and welcomed me in.”

On challenges this year with Chivas USA:
“The biggest challenge is going to be adapting to the speed of play and the amount of running that I’ll need to do in this league. But it shouldn’t be a problem.”

On what he hopes to bring to the club:
“I hope I’ll be able to score some goals, create some goals, make things happen for the team on the offensive side.”

Chivas USA Head Coach Preki

On Stepanovic as a player:
“[He’s] a solid offensive player who hits a good final pass and can play on either side of the field. He fits well with how we play here and we hope he will bring a lot of good qualities to our team.”

On how he found out about the midfielder:
“I saw him play 3-4 years ago when I was in Serbia and I kept an eye on him. Finally he became a free agent and now he’s here.”

Chivas USA visits Dallas this Sunday

The Red-and-White will look for success on the road as they travel to face FC Dallas this Sunday at 12:00 noon PT in a match that will be broadcast locally on Prime Ticket and nationally on TeleFutura.

Listen to Paulo Nagamura, Carey Talley and Atiba Harris discuss Sunday's match in Dallas in our Official YouTube Channel here:




After the match at Dallas, Chivas USA returns home for a game against the defending MLS Cup Champion Columbus Crew on Sunday, April 5, at 5:00 p.m. at The Home Depot Center. For more information, or tickets to the match, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.

Chivas USA viaja a Dallas en busca de victoria a domicilio

El equipo Rojiblanco buscará su primera victoria a domicilio cuando enfrente al FC Dallas este domingo a las 12 p.m. PT en un encuentro que será televisado localmente por Prime Ticket y a nivel nacional por TeleFutura.

El mediocampista Paulo Nagamura habla sobre sus dos goles que anotó el pasado fin de semana, además del encuentro ante el FC Dallas el próximo domingo. El defensa mexicano Mariano Trujillo hablan desde su perspectiva sobre el encuentro en tierras texanas en nuestro Canal Oficial de YouTube:


Después del partido del domingo, Chivas USA regresa a casa para enfrentar al Crew de Columbus el domingo, 5 de abril, a las 5:00 p.m. en El home Depot Center. Para más información, o para boletos, puede llamar a 1-877-CHIVAS-1 o visitar cdchivasusa.com.

Union Ultras Viewing Party this Sunday in West Covina

The Union Ultras, one of Chivas USA's loyal fan clubs, is holding their first viewing party of the 2009 season for this weekend's match between the Red-and-White and FC Dallas, taking place at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Tex.

The match kicks off at 12:00 noon PT (2:00 p.m. in Dallas) and the Union Ultras will be gathering at 3.99 Pizza Co, at 1931 W. Badillo St. in West Covina. All are welcome to attend and cheer on Chivas USA for the team's first road game of the 2009 season!

Relive '24 Hours of Chivas USA' at L.A. Live!

Chivas USA took over LA Live last week for 24 hours of red and white excitement. Witness the debut of the 2009 ChivaGirls and the 2009 Chivas USA Team Photo, and hear from team President Shawn Hunter and several Chivas players on our Official YouTube Channel here:

Nagamura up for Goal of the Week

Chivas USA midfielder Paulo Nagamura - who equaled his goal scoring totals from the '07 and '08 seasons (2) in a five-minute span in the second half of Saturday's win against Colorado - was nominated for the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week for his first goal.

The play occured in the 55th minute of the match, when Nagamura passed to Maykel Galindo, who played a ball up toward forward Justin Braun.



"I screamed to [Justin] to just leave it to me because I had a perfect shot," said 'Paulinho' after the match. "I had a pretty good hit."

Very true - but unfortunately for Paulo, the Goal of the Week nominees this week are an especially strong bunch. Davy Arnaud from Kansas City is on the list for a vicious strike from about 25 yards, and FC Dallas' Kenny Cooper scored from his own half against Chicago, among others.

Check out all the goals and cast your vote by following this link.

Chivas USA vs. Colorado Rapids reactions

Experience MLS First Kick 2009 at Home Depot Center with fans, a big announcement from Claudio Suarez, and all the reaction and highlights from Preki and the team, including the first two-goal game of Paulo Nagamura's career.

Nagamura goals give Chivas USA Opening Day victory / Goles de Nagamura dan la victoria a Chivas USA en el partido inaugural

Two goals in four minutes from Chivas USA midfielder Paulo Nagamura gave the Red-and-White a win in their Home Opener, the fourth straight year that Chivas USA has won its first home game of the MLS season.
Nagamura, who had two goals in both the 2007 and 2008 seasons, notched twice in a game for the first time in his MLS career. Both goals were low, right-footed shots to Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens’ right, with the first coming in the 55th minute from 25 yards and the second in the 59th minute from 15 yards.
The Rapids had taken the lead in the 38th minute when Ugo Ihemelu drove a shot which Chivas USA goalkeeper Zach Thornton saved, but the rebound fell directly to Omar Cummings, who scored from close range.
Three Chivas USA players made their MLS debuts in the match: Mexican First Division veterans Mariano Trujillo and Eduardo Lillingston both started the match, and the Red-and-White’s first round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, midfielder Michael Lahoud, entered the match as a substitute in the 56th minute.
Claudio Suárez, the player with the most international appearances in Mexican National Team history, addressed the media at halftime of the match alongside club President and CEO Shawn Hunter. Chivas USA announced yesterday that the legendary defender will return to the Red-and-White in 2009. You can listen to audios of the press conference below.


PHOTOS: Juan Miranda/Chivas USA

Audios

Click here to listen to Claudio Suárez talk (in Spanish) about his return with the Red-and-White (there's an English translation at the end of the soundbyte).

Click here to listen to Chivas USA President and CEO Shawn Hunter talk about Claudio's comeback.

Click here to listen to the post-game press conference with Preki and Paulo Nagamura.



Escuche aquí las declaraciones de Claudio Suárez sobre su regreso con los Rojiblancos en 2009 (there's an English translation at the end).

Escuche aquí a Claudio hablar sobre sus nuevos compañeros mexicanos en 2009, Eduardo Lillingston y Mariano Trujillo (English translation at the end).

Escuche aquí a Paulo Nagamura hablar sobre sus dos goles que le dieron la victoria a Chivas USA.

Escuche aquí a Maykel Galindo hablar sobre su actuación en el segundo tiempo en la victoria de Chivas USA.

Chivas USA faces Colorado Rapids tonight!

Chivas USA will open its 2009 season this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. PT when the team faces the Colorado Rapids on Disneyland Resort Night at The Home Depot Center. The Red-and-White are opening their fifth season in MLS, and will be looking for a fourth straight appearance in the MLS Cup playoffs. The club has also won its home opener in each of the past three seasons and will be looking to improve on its record this Saturday, where the first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive giveaways including a Disney hat and a limited-edition Chivas USA t-shirt. For more information on the game, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1, or visit cdchivasusa.com.

Claudio Suárez to return to Chivas USA/Claudio Suárez regresa con Chivas USA

Claudio Suárez, the player with the most international appearances in Mexican National Team history, will return to Chivas USA in 2009, the Major League Soccer club announced today. A three-year veteran of MLS and longtime captain of the Mexican National Team, Suárez played his last game for Chivas USA on Oct. 25, 2008, vs. the Houston Dynamo, before announcing his retirement from professional soccer on March 7, 2009.

Claudio Suárez, el jugador con más partidos disputados en la historia de la Selección Nacional de México, regresará con Chivas USA en 2009, anunció hoy el equipo de la Major League Soccer. El experimentado jugador de la Selección Mexicana, con tres años en la MLS, disputó su último partido con Chivas USA el 25 de octubre de 2008 ante el Dynamo de Houston, para luego anunciar su retiro como profesional el pasado 7 de marzo de 2009.

Chivas USA signs Mexican midfielder Mariano Trujillo (and other updates)

Chivas USA announced today the signing of Mexican midfielder Mariano Trujillo, a veteran of the Mexican First Division who has been training with the team for more than a month. Recently, Trujillo has been playing in defense with the Red-and-White, and is awaiting his International Transfer Certificate before he'll be eligible to play in MLS.

Click here for the full press releason on Trujillo joining the team, and here are quotes from the new signing:

On signing with Chivas USA ahead of the 2009 season:

“I’m really happy to join up with Chivas USA for the new season. It’s something I’d been hoping would happen for some time, and, thank God, it’s become a reality. Now I’m hoping that everything goes well this weekend and I can make my debut with the team.”

Had you thought before about giving MLS a try?

“Yes, I’d definitely thought about playing in MLS sooner rather than later, and now the possibility of playing with Chivas USA has become a reality. I’m definitely happy about that, and very excited – it’s a new experience for me.”

How have you adjusted to your new teammates?

“I really like this group of guys, and they’ve welcomed me in. I’d met many of them before, since Chivas USA had given me the chance to train here in the past during vacations from the Mexican season. I already knew most of the group, and so now I’m very happy to be a part of the team, and already comfortable within the squad.”

What are your thoughts on the play in MLS?

“It’s a tough league, and the level keeps improving. In comparison with the Mexican league, I think it’s more difficult to play here in MLS because the physical level is so high, the teams are so well organized, and you have to play much faster.”

In other Chivas USA news:

• Midfielders Diego Scotti and Erik Hummel have left the preseason camp.
• Forward Eduardo Lillingston, signed March 9, has received his P-1 work visa and is now (like Trujillo) only awaiting his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) before he is eligible for MLS action.

Chivas USA anuncia la firma del mexicano Mariano Trujillo

Chivas USA anunció hoy la firma del versátil mediocampista mexicano Mariano Trujillo. El experimentado ex jugador de Pumas de la UNAM, Santos Laguna, Morelia y Atlante, de 31 años de edad, ha estado entrenando con Chivas USA desde finales de febrero. El jugador podría debutar en la MLS este sábado ante Colorado, dependiendo de la llegada de su Certificado Internacional de Transferencia.

Escuche las declaraciones de Mariano Trujillo sobre su contratación de Chivas USA y su participación en la MLS aquí.

Chivas USA abre su quinta temporada de la MLS cuando enfrenten a los Rapids de Colorado en la Jornada Inaugural 2009, el sábado, 21 de marzo, en El Home Depot Center, en un encuentro que será televisado en vivo a las 7:30 p.m. Hora del Pacífico por Fox Soccer Channel y Fox Sports en Español. Para más información sobre los boletos de temporada de Chivas USA, así como el increíble Paquete de las Estrellas de cinco partidos (comenzando con precios accesibles de $50), favor de llamar a 1-877-CHIVAS-1 o visite cdchivasusa.com.

PHOTO: Juan Miranda/Chivas USA

Chivas USA faces Colorado Rapids in Season Opener

Chivas USA will open its 2009 season this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. PT when the team faces the Colorado Rapids on Disneyland Resort Night at The Home Depot Center.

The Red-and-White are opening their fifth season in MLS, and will be looking for a fourth straight appearance in the MLS Cup playoffs. The club has also won its home opener in each of the past three seasons and will be looking to improve on its record this Saturday, where the first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive giveaways including a Disney hat and a limited-edition Chivas USA t-shirt. For more information on the game, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1, or visit cdchivasusa.com.

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



Chivas USA abre su quinta temporada de la MLS cuando enfrenten este sábado a los Rapids de Colorado en la Jornada Inaugural 2009, el 21 de marzo, en El Home Depot Center, en un encuentro que será televisado en vivo a las 7:30 p.m. Hora del Pacífico por Fox Soccer Channel y Fox Sports en Español. Para más información sobre los boletos de temporada de Chivas USA, así como el increíble Paquete de las Estrellas de cinco partidos (comenzando con precios accesibles de $50), favor de llamar a 1-877-CHIVAS-1 o visite cdchivasusa.com.

El delantero Maykel Galindo se está recuperando de una lesión y podría ver algunos minutos, lo mismo que Jorge Flores, quien regresa de la Selección de Estados Unidos Sub-20 tras lograr la clasificación al Mundial de esa categoría.

Puede ver sus comentarios acerca del encuentro en nuestro Canal Oficial de Chivas USA por YouTube aquí:

Chivas USA takes its Official 2009 Team Photo

(From left to right) Top row: Justin Braun, Bobby Burling, Jim Curtin, Dan Kennedy, Zach Thornton, Lance Parker, Atiba Harris, Sasha Victorine, Shavar Thomas, Ante Razov

Middle: Carey Talley, Sacha Kljestan, Josh Beaumont, Kevin Esparza, Carlos LLamosa, Stephen Hamilton, Preki, Shawn Hunter, Leo Percovich, Anthony Garcia, Eduardo Lillingston, Ante Jazic, Jesse Marsch

Botton: Miguel Torres, Lawson Vaughn, Paulo Nagamura, Gerson Mayen, Michael Lahoud, Alecko Eskandarian, Jonathan Bornstein, Maykel Galindo, Jorge Flores, Jose Vargas, Raul Guerrero.

Chivas USA today wrapped up 24 hours of non-stop soccer celebration during the '24 Hours of Chivas USA' at L.A. LIVE. From 6 p.m. on Tuesday to 6 p.m. today, Chivas USA celebrated the opening of its 2009 season, which kicks off this Saturday, March 21 vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30 p.m. at The Home Depot Center.

The ‘24 Hours of Chivas USA’ wrapped up when players and coaching staff took the Chivas USA’s Official 2009 Team Photo, before the event came to a close with a special presentation by the ChivaGirls.

Ahead of its March 21 season opener on Saturday at The Home Depot Center, Chivas USA was on-site at NOKIA Plaza with a unique interactive fan experience featuring music, prizes and appearances by players and the ChivaGirls.

Chivas USA kicks off its fifth campaign in Major League Soccer when it hosts the Colorado Rapids in an Opening Day match on Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. For more information on Chivas USA season tickets, as well as the unbeatable All-Star five-game pack (starting at just $50), please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.

'24 Hours of Chivas USA' gallery!

After last night’s game between the ChivaGirls vs. the Southern California Mascots, one of the main attractions on Tuesday, ‘24 Hours of Chivas USA' continued throughout the night and early morning with live shots, mini-soccer matches involving radio personalities from Super Estrella and KWKW, local soccer teams, and many others. Also, the team took its 2009 Team Photo, which will be published shortly…

PHOTOS: Chivas USA Staff

'24 Hours of Chivas USA' kicks off!

The'24 Hours of Chivas USA' kicked off this evening with a special ChivaGirls dance team presentation, followed by mini-soccer matches, involving kids, the ChivaGirls, Mascots from many local teams, members of the media, and many others.

Chivas USA is bringing the colorful gameday experience to the streets of downtown Los Angeles. For 24 consecutive hours, the Major League Soccer club is on-site at NOKIA Plaza with a unique interactive fan experience featuring music, prizes and appearances by players and the ChivaGirls, as well as a mini-soccer field where fans can show off their skills.

Chivas USA will be on-site on Wednesday morning with free breakfast for fans courtesy of ESPN Zone L.A. LIVE. The '24 Hours of Chivas USA' wraps up Wednesday afternoon, when players and coaching staff will be on hand to take Chivas USA's Official 2009 Team Photo, before the event's Closing Ceremony at 5 p.m. featuring the ChivaGirls.

Chivas USA vs. Houston Dynamo highlights

Hear from Preki and Shavar Thomas after Chivas USA's 2-2 draw with Houston in the pre-season finale for both teams. Highlights include goals from Thomas and Atiba Harris.

Chivas USA takes its ‘Practice in the Community Series’ to Orange County

Chivas USA held its ‘Practice in the Community Series’ in Orange County on Sunday at the Santa Ana Bowl. Today’s event was Chivas USA’s first ‘Practice in the Community’ of 2009, following last year’s successful series of community-based open practice sessions.

Hosted by Santa Ana Soccer Association and Santa Ana Youth Soccer United, Sunday’s practice gave fans the chance to watch, up-close, the practice of a professional soccer team, while meeting Chivas USA stars including Orange County natives and U.S. National Team members Sacha Kljestan (Huntington Beach) and Jonathan Bornstein (Los Alamitos).

Chivas USA’s second annual Practice in the Community Series gives fans the unique opportunity to attend, free of cost, an open practice session of a professional soccer team. Chivas USA kicks off its fifth campaign in MLS when it hosts the Colorado Rapids on Opening Day, Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center.

PHOTOS: Juan Miranda/Chivas USA

Chivas USA draws 2-2 with Houston Dynamo in final scrimmage before March 21 season opener

Chivas USA battled on Friday night to a 2-2 draw with the Houston Dynamo in a preseason scrimmage played in the Main Stadium at The Home Depot Center. It was the Red-and-White’s final tune-up before next Saturday’s season opener against the Colorado Rapids, and goals from Atiba Harris and Shavar Thomas earned the tie for Chivas USA.

The Red-and-White dominated the first half of the match, with the forward pairing of Justin Braun and Eduardo Lillingston, the team’s most recent addition, forcing Houston goalkeeper Pat Onstad into several good saves. Chivas USA finally broke through just before halftime, when Braun carried the ball into the final third before passing to right midfielder Atiba Harris, who slotted a low, left-footed shot to the far post to give the Red-and-White the 1-0 lead.

The Dynamo tied the match less than a minute after halftime, when substitute Chris Wondolowski hit what looked to be a cross before it floated into the net over goalkeeper Zach Thornton. The Red-and-White regained the lead in the 63rd minute when Shavar Thomas headed in a Carey Talley corner kick. Houston evened the match a second time in minute 76 when Brad Davis hammered in a free kick from 20 yards after a Thomas foul just outside the box.

Houston midfielder Ricardo Clark was sent off in the 77th minute for a foul on Paulo Nagamura that cleared both benches. Matters calmed quickly and both coaches agreed to allow a substitution, with Corey Ashe entering the match for Clark in the 80th minute. With the draw, Chivas USA finishes with a preseason record of 4-3-2 (W-L-T); a full preseason schedule for the team, as well as lineups and statistics from today’s match, can be found below.

Chivas USA kicks off its fifth campaign in Major League Soccer when it hosts the Colorado Rapids in an Opening Day match on Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. For more information on Chivas USA season tickets, as well as the unbeatable All-Star five-game pack (starting at just $50), please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.


PHOTOS: Juan Miranda/Chivas USA

Chivas USA vs. Houston tonight! Chivas USA ante el Dynamo esta noche!

Chivas USA will hold its final scrimmage of the 2009 preseason in Carson tonight at 7:00 p.m. PT when the Red-and-White take on the Houston Dynamo ‘under the lights’ at The Home Depot Center’s Main Stadium...

Chivas USA sostendrá el último partido de la pretemporada esta noche a las 7:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico bajo las luces del Estadio Principal de El Home Depot Center ante el Dynamo de Houston.

Chivas USA at Soccer Nation Expo 2009

Watch Fox Soccer Channel's report on the recent Soccer Nation Expo 2009 that took place in downtown Los Angeles. Chivas USA's Justin Braun, Alecko Eskandarian, as well as the ChivaFighter, were present at the event.



Chivas USA kicks off its fifth campaign in Major League Soccer when it hosts the Colorado Rapids in an Opening Day match on Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. For more information on Chivas USA season tickets, as well as the unbeatable All-Star five-game pack (starting at just $50), please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.

Jorge Flores, U.S. U-20's Update

Jorge Flores played in the United States Under-20 National Team's 2-0 win over El Salvador on Tuesday, which booked the team a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup which takes place in September and October in Egypt.

The win was in the third and final group stage match, and now the team moves on to the semifinals, where the U.S. will face the hosts, Trinidad & Tobago, on Friday at 8:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. PT). Unfortunately, Jorge won't be able to play in the match, since he received a red card in the 84th minute of the match against El Salvador.

On the U.S. Youth National Teams blog, Jorge gave his thoughts on playing a new position (left back, where he has occasionally trained with Chivas USA, especially during preseason a year ago), and also on the red card that he was given at the end of the match.

Here are the highlights:

On the new spot:
"I will play wherever the coaches want me to, whether that's at left back or left midfield. I will do my best wherever I am because that's where the team needs me. I think I did well and it felt good. I think the back four did a good job because they weren't able to get through us and I don't think I let my attacker get by me on the wing."

On his red card:
"The player was antagonizing me, he was pinching me as we were going up the field and talking trash. I kind of threw up my arm to get him off of me and he threw up his arms and took a couple of steps backwards. I did touch him, but I think the assistant referee thought I tried to elbow him."

You can follow Friday's match on the USSoccer.com Matchtracker, starting at 5:00 p.m. PT tomorrow. The third-place match and the final will both be played on Sunday, and Flores will be eligible to play in the team's match on that day.

'Panchito' recuerda a Chivas USA desde Guadalajara

El 11 de marzo de 2009, el último jugador en salir de la primera generación de Chivas USA, Francisco Mendoza, finalizó su primer encuentro oficial como titular para el equipo hermano, Chivas de Guadalajara, en la victoria de 1-0 ante Caracas F.C. como parte de la Copa Libertadores de América 2009. Desde Guadalajara, "Panchito" recuerda el equipo que lo dio a conocer, sus amigos, recuerdos y por último, sus deseos para el equipo del Rebaño Angelino en la próxima campaña 2009 de la MLS. Vea el video aquí:

Chivas USA firma a Eduardo Lillingston

Chivas USA anunció hoy la firma del delantero mexicano Eduardo Lillingston, un experimentado atacante con 12 años en la Primera División de México, para la temporada 2009 de la MLS. El originario de Guadalajara, de 31 años de edad, ha entrenado con Chivas USA desde la pretemporada del club realizada en Guadalajara a medianos de febrero.

Escuche aquí lo que Lillingston tuvo que decir tras conocer su contratación con el equipo.

El experimentado jugador de la Primera División en México jugó para el Toluca, Santos y más recientemente Tecos de la UAG. Lillingston podría hacer su debut con Chivas USA el próximo sábado, 21 de marzo, ante los Rapids de Colorado en El Home Depot Center, dependiendo de la aprobación de su Certificado de Transferencia Internacional (ITC) y su visa de trabajo.

En otras noticias:

Jorge Flores jugó en el tercer y último partido de la Sub-20 de Estados Unidos en la fase de grupos del Premundial de la CONCACAF. El resultado de 2-0 favorable para los Estados Unidos sobre El Salvador permitió clasificar al seleccionado nacional al Mundial de Clubes de la FIFA 2009. Flores jugó 84 minutos antes de ser expulsado.

El seleccionado durante el SuperDraft 2009 de la MLS, Jamie Franks, dejó de ser parte del campamento de pretemporada de Chivas USA el día de ayer.

PHOTO: Juan Miranda/Chivas USA

Chivas USA signs Mexican forward Eduardo Lillingston (& other notes)

Chivas USA today announched the signing of Mexican forward Eduardo Lillingston, who has been training with Chivas USA since the club’s preseason trip to Guadalajara in mid-February.

The 31-year-old is a 12-year veteran of the Mexican First Division, having appeared in 258 Mexican First Division matches, (118 starts), accumulating 11,198 minutes and recording 57 goals. He was a member of Toluca’s Verano 1998 and Invierno 2000 championship sides, and played and scored in Tecos’ Final appearance versus Club América (Clausura 2005).

Click here to listen to a brief interview with the new signing (in Spanish). Here are some of his translated answers:

Dentro del Rebaño: How do you feel now that you’re officially a member of the team?

Eduardo Lillingston: I’m very happy to remain here with Chivas USA, and happy to be with this group. I want to give my very best in MLS, for the fans, the team, and those who have given me this opportunity.

DdR: Had you ever thought you might play in MLS?

EL: The thought of playing for Chivas USA first crossed my mind about three or four years ago, but I didn’t think much about it because I was focused on Tecos [UAG, of the Mexican First Division]. Recently I thought about it again, and I got in touch with the staff of Chivas in Mexico, and I liked the idea. Now that I’m here, I’m very happy.

DdR: You’ve been practicing with the team a while now – what has that been like?

EL: It’s been difficult, because I haven’t been working this hard in a year, as I was trying to recover from an injury. I’ve been trying to give everything I had to earn a spot, and I was thrilled to get the news [that they wanted to sign me].

DdR: How have your teammates been treating you?

EL: Very well, they’ve treated me very well. I know a little English and that’s helped things along a little bit, and I’m adapting to these new circumstances. It’s a strong league, where you have to be strong, and fast too, and you’re not given much space on the field. But it’s great to have this new challenge.

Other notes from Chivas USA today:

• Jorge Flores helped the United States Under-20 National Team qualify for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup last night as the U.S. defeated El Salvador 2-0 last night in CONCACAF Qualifying. The full story can be found at USSoccer.com; Flores started the match and played 84 minutes at left back before receiving a red card in the 84th minute for an off-the-ball foul that occured when Flores got tangled up with an El Salvador player. The USYNT Blog may post an interview with Jorge tonight - we will link if and when they do.


• Also, midfielder Jamie Franks, who was the Red-and-White's 4th round draft pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, has left preseason camp as of yesterday.

Preseason Roster Update: Players in, Kennedy injured

An update on new players in camp this week:

• Abel Xavier, a Portuguese defender who was with the LA Galaxy last season, joined preseason camp on Monday
• Erik Hummel, a midfielder who was with the Chivas USA U-19's in 2006, joined camp on Tuesday
• Sam Reynolds, a goalkeeper who trained with the Red-and-White in 2006 and 2007 while he was a league pool goalkeeper (and made two appearances for Toronto FC in 2007), also joined camp on Tuesday

Finally, Dan Kennedy suffered a sprained PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) in his right knee in the scrimmage against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, and will be out for up to six weeks. He was at practice today and will remain with the team while recovering from the injury.

Chivas USA vs. Chicago Fire scrimmage highlights

See the highlights and hear from Preki, Sacha Kljestan and Ante Jazic after Chivas USA's 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire in pre-season action Saturday.

Chivas USA kicks off its fifth campaign in Major League Soccer when its hosts the Colorado Rapids in an Opening Day match on Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. For more information on Chivas USA season tickets, as well as the unbeatable All-Star five-game pack (starting at just $50), please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.

Chivas USA falls 2-1 to the Chicago Fire in preseason

Chivas USA fell 2-1 to the Chicago Fire on Saturday morning in a preseason scrimmage played on University Field 2 at The Home Depot Center. The Fire scored twice in the first half, and the Red-and-White pulled one back with 20 minutes remaining on Sacha Kljestan’s penalty kick, but could not find the equalizer.

Chicago had the better of the first half, and got on the board 20 minutes in when Justin Mapp caused a turnover at the corner of the 18-yard box, dribbled in on goal and smashed a shot that goalkeeper Dan Kennedy got a piece of before it went into the net. The Fire struck again seven minutes later when Patrick Nyarko lofted a ball into the middle of the box that striker Brian McBride volleyed past Kennedy to give his club a 2-0 lead.

The second half saw more chances for the Red-and-White, with Kljestan almost scoring on a breakaway just three minutes into the second session. Maykel Galindo entered the match in the 60th minute, getting his first minutes of the year in a preseason scrimmage, and was the catalyst for Chivas USA’s goal when he got behind the Chicago defense and was taken down in the box by Bakary Soumare. Kljestan slotted the resulting penalty kick low and to his right, cutting the deficit in half, but the match ended 2-1 in favor of the Fire.

Chivas USA’s preseason record falls to 4-3-1 (W-L-T) with one game remaining in the preseason. A full preseason schedule for the team, as well as lineups from today’s match, can be found below. Chivas USA kicks off its fifth campaign in Major League Soccer when its hosts the Colorado Rapids in an Opening Day match on Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. For more information on Chivas USA season tickets, as well as the unbeatable All-Star five-game pack (starting at just $50), please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.

Listen to Sacha Kljestan talk about the game and the way the team improved in the second half.

Listen to Chivas USA Coach, Preki, talk about the match and the first time having Maykel Galindo playing for some minutes.

PHOTOS: Juan Miranda/Chivas USA

Chivas USA prepares for the Fire

After Wednesday's scrimmage game against the Earthquakes (0-1), Chivas USA had a light training session at The Home Depot Center. The starting line-up against San Jose jogged around the field and then they did some gym work.

The remaining players began preparations for Saturday's game against the Chicago Fire, its second MLS opponent on the preseason. The game will be a closed-door scrimmage session.

Click here to listen to Sacha Kljestan talk about on the team’s keys to victory in 2009.

Listen to goalkeeper Zach Thornton look forward to the March 21st game vs. Colorado and his opinion on Ante Jazic and rookie Michael Lahoud.

Chivas USA kicks off its fifth campaign in Major League Soccer when its hosts the Colorado Rapids in an Opening Day match on Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. For more information on Chivas USA season tickets, as well as the unbeatable All-Star five-game pack (starting at just $50), please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.

Chivas USA vs. San Jose game reactions

Hear from Preki, defender Shavar Thomas, and forward Justin Braun, and check out the highlights from Chivas USA's first pre-season scrimmage against MLS opposition, the San Jose Earthquakes.

Chivas USA falls 1-0 to San Jose Earthquakes in scrimmage

Chivas USA dropped a tight 1-0 game to the San Jose Earthquakes today at The Home Depot Center.

Click here for the release on the match (with stats), and here for a story on the match.

The result drops the team to 4-2-1 (W-L-T) this preseason - follow the first link to see the team's full results.

Also, a short preseason roster update: after today's match, defenders Leo Bautista and Dan Gargan have left camp.

Finally, a few photos from the game, from Team Photographer Juan Miranda:

Justin Braun, who almost got Chivas USA on the board late in the match, takes on most of the San Jose squad.

Zach Thornton and the Chivas USA defense gave up an early goal but were solid for the rest of the match.

Paulo Nagamura played 90 minutes in central midfield for the Red-and-White.

San José en la mira

Tras vencer al Ventura County Fusion por 4-0 en partido de pretemporada el sábado, Chivas USA entrenó hoy con miras al enfrentamiento amistoso de este miércoles ante los Terremotos de San José.

Jugadores como Eduardo Lillingston y Dan Gargan siguen tratando de causar una buena impresión al técnico Preki. Otros, como el venezolano Leo Bautista y el mexicano Mariano Trujillo siguen entrenando con el equipo e inclusive jugaron los segundos 45 minutos en el partido del domingo pasado.

Por su parte, hay jugadores que se recuperan de sus respectivas lesiones como Maykel Galindo, Alecko Eskandarian, Ante Razov, Sacha Victorine, entre otros.

Escuche aquí lo que Maykel Galindo tuvo que decir sobre la pretemporada y acerca del enfrentamiento del miércoles ante San José.

Chivas USA abre su quinta temporada de la MLS cuando enfrenten a los Rapids de Colorado en la Jornada Inaugural 2009, el sábado, 21 de marzo, en El Home Depot Center, en un encuentro que será televisado en vivo a las 7:30 p.m. Hora del Pacífico por Fox Soccer Channel y Fox Sports en Español. Para más información sobre los boletos de temporada de Chivas USA, así como el increíble Paquete de las Estrellas de cinco partidos (comenzando con precios accesibles de $50), favor de llamar a 1-877-CHIVAS-1 o visite cdchivasusa.com.

Chivas USA vs. Ventura County Fusion highlights!

Highlights of Chivas USA's 4-0 victory in Sunday night's scrimmage. See goals from Jonathan Bornstein, Jesse Marsch, Chris Cortez and Justin Braun, and hear from Coach Preki and goalscorer Cortez after the match.

Foto del Día

El Director Técnico de Chivas USA, Preki, da intrucciones a sus jugadores durante el mediotiempo del encuentro del domingo por la tarde ante el Ventura County Fusion. Los Rojiblancos terminaron derrotando por 4-0 a los rivales de la PDL.

PHOTO: Juan Miranda/Chivas USA

Chivas USA vs. Ventura County Fusion: Photos

From team photographer Juan Miranda, a few photos from tonight's match:

Jesse Marsch scores the second goal of the game from close range.

Eduardo Lillingston, who was the force behind the first two goals for the Red-and-White.

Jim Curtin played the first half and helped the team keep the clean sheet.

Chris Cortez, who is on trial with the club (like Lillingston), scored the third goal from distance.

Chivas USA vs. Ventura County Fusion: SECOND HALF UPDATES

We're underway here in the second half - we'll keep giving updates throughout!

46' - Several subs for Chivas USA. Checking into the match are Mariano Trujillo, Shavar Thomas, Cesar Zamora, Gerson Mayen, Diego Scotti, and Justin Braun. Leaving the match are Jonathan Bornstein, Jim Curtin, Mike Lahoud, Jesse Marsch, Paulo Nagamura, Eduardo Lillingston.

50' - Just getting to the Ventura subs now. Jordan King replaces Trevor Stiles in net for the Fusion, Manny Guzman enters for Bryan Byrne, and Nunez enters for Aghasyan.

52' - Not too many chances for either side so far in this half - with all the changes that the Red-and-White have made at the half, it's essentially a different team, still trying to get used to each other on the field.

57' - Justin Braun is doing a lot of work and looking dangerous for Chivas USA - Jordan King slides out at Braun's feet to make a save on a through ball.

60' - Cortez plays a through ball for Braun, but King comes out and fields Braun's cross before a Chivas USA player can get on the other end of the pass.

63' - Ventura almost gets on the board - a cross in by Nunez is blocked out by Shavar Thomas just past Dan Kennedy's near post.

64' - Braun is fouled about 23 yards from the goal, and now Mayen and Franks are standing over the ball. Mayen decides to take it, and it clears the wall but goes wide of the net.

66' - GOAL! 3-0 Chivas USA. Chris Cortez surprises everyone, including Jordan King in the Fusion net, with a 21 yard shot. He received the ball at the top of the box and turned quickly to shoot, and King looked like he never saw the shot.

69' - Steve Stagliano check into the match for Adam Smart. Chivas USA is still putting Ventura under pressure, with Franks playing a corner kick into the box that is cleared.

75' - Diego Scotti hits a shot from 25 yards that is saved by Jordan King. Chivas USA is holding possession and working the ball slowly up the field, passing around the back. Ian Etherington exits the game, and is replaced by Guergen.

77' - GOAL! 4-0 Chivas USA. Justin Braun finishes for the Red-and-White after a nice through ball by Jamie Franks sends the forward in alone. Braun took a couple touches past King and hit a left-footed shot into the empty net.

82' - Anthony Hamilton leaves the game and is replaced by Antonio Correa for the Fusion.

86' - The match is winding down as Ventura makes its last sub -Rafael Olivera in for Anton Peterlin.

90' - Kennedy called into rare action as he picks off a corner kick, then sends the punt down the other end of the field. Braun tries to get another chance and his shot deflects out for a corner, which could be the final play of the match.

90+ - Gerson Mayen takes the corner kick, and Scotti sends a shot over the net. The referee looks at his watch and calls the match.

FINAL SCORE: Chivas USA 4:0 Ventura County Fusion.

Thanks for tuning in - check cdchivasusa.com for a recap from the match.

Chivas USA vs. Ventura County Fusion: FIRST HALF UPDATES

Here's how this will work: we'll keep updating this post as the first half goes along - refresh your browser to see the updates! Starting lineups are in the post below this one. Remember, this is a benefit match for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation - visit http://www.mhf.org/ for more information.

5:00 (0') - Kickoff!

1' - Back-and-forth action as the teams get used to the turf here in Cougar Stadium. The Union Ultras are out in force in a special section of the stands, loud in voice and waving flags.

3' - Chivas USA earns a corner when Paulo Nagamura's cross is deflected out. Jamie Franks takes the corner, which is headed out for a goal kick by Leo Bautista, a defender from Venezuela on trial with the Red-and-White.

5' - The first real chance for the Red-and-White as Chris Cortez springs Jesse Marsch in on the goalkeeper, but Ventura's Trevor Stiles gets to the ball first and keeps Chivas USA from getting on the board.

8' - GOAL! Chivas USA gets on the board. A throw-in comes in to Eduardo Lillingston, who heads the ball down for Jonathan Bornstein, who slots past Stiles in the Ventura net.

9' - The Fusion make a pair of runs at the Chivas USA net immediately after the goal, but one cross goes out for a goal kick, and the next is blocked and cleared.

12' - Almost 2-0 for Chivas USA as Chris Cortez gets on the end of Lillingston's cross, but Stiles makes a nice low save. Cortez gets on the end of another cross after the corner kick, but his header goes over the net.

16' - Dan Gargan commits a foul near the corner of the box and Ventura's free kick sails out for a goal kick.

17' - Lillingston and Cortez are working well together up front - Stiles is forced to make another save on Lillingston after a quick give-and-go between the pair.

20' - The Chivas USA flanks are being manned by a pair of former teammates - Jamie Franks is on the left, and Mike Lahoud is on the right side; the two played four years together at Wake Forest University and were both selected by the Red-and-White in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 15.

25' - Another corner kick for the Red-and-White, who are holding possession and trying to translate that into chances. Franks takes the corner, and Dan Gargan gets on the end of it but he heads high and wide.

26' - Gargan hits a cross into the middle, but Lillingston's shot is directly at Stiles. Gargan, the right defender, is finding some space on his side and is working well with Lahoud, the right midfielder.

30' - Anthony Hamilton is working hard for Ventura, and gets in behind the Chivas USA defense but his cross goes over everyone and out for a throw-in. Hamilton is a UC Irvine grad who played for Chivas USA in 2007 and 2008 before joining the Fusion.

32' - Chivas USA comes as close as is possible to a second goal. Franks takes a corner which is cleared out to Gargan, who hits a 30 yard rocket that deflects off a defender and hits the post. The rebound falls to Lillingston, who finishes, but is ruled offside. Still 1-0 in favor of the Red-and-White.

33' - First substitution of the match, as Gilherme Mitrovitch checks into the match for Ventura, replacing Peter Savidis. Since this is a friendly, there are no restrictions on substitutions and there may be many subs for both teams.

36' - Lillingston continues strongly, hitting a shot from 25 yards that Stiles makes a diving save to put out for a corner. Bryan Byrne checks into the match for the Fusion, replacing Victor Polanco.

37' - GOAL! 2-0 Chivas USA. Franks hits another dangerous corner, which is headed past Stiles by Lillingston and is stopped on the line by a Fusion defender. The rebound fell to Jesse Marsch, who finished from less than one yard out.

40' - Lillingston with another chance, taking a free kick from 30+ yards right in the middle of the field. He hits the shot hard and on net, but Stiles makes the save.

5:45 p.m. Halftime! 2-0 Chivas USA on goals from Bornstein and Marsch. Lillingston has been dangerous all game, and Jamie Franks is giving the Red-and-White plenty of chances with good corner kicks. More from the second half in 10-15 minutes!

Chivas USA vs. Ventura County Fusion: STARTING LINEUPS

Here are the starting lineups for both teams in tonight's match. A pair of players from the Fusion will be familiar to Chivas USA: Anthony Hamilton, who played for Chivas USA in 2007 and 2008, and Ian Etherington, who was training with the Red-and-White during the second half of the 2008 season.

CHIVAS USA (4-4-2): Dan Kennedy; Jonathan Bornstein, Jim Curtin, Leo Bautista, Dan Gargan; Jamie Franks, Paulo Nagamura, Jesse Marsch, Michael Lahoud; Eduardo Lillingston, Chris Cortez.

VENTURA COUNTY FUSION (3-5-2): Trevor Stiles; Armando Guerrero, Dillon Barna, Peter Savidis; Ian Etherington, Andrew Villalobo, Anton Peterlin, Victor Polanco, Adam Smart; Arthur Aghasyan, Anthony Hamilton.

Back soon with information on the match!

Chivas USA vs. Ventura County Fusion: LIVE UPDATES @ 5:00 p.m. PT

Keep checking back for live updates here on Dentro del Rebaño from tonight's exhibition match between Chivas USA and the Ventura County Fusion.

We're here at Cougar Stadium at the College of the Canyons in Valencia, Calif. - if you're in the neighborhood, tickets are still available, so come by!

Tonight's match is a benefit for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support to children and their families facing childhood cancer in Santa Clarita and the surrounding area. For more information on the Foundation, visit their website at http://www.mhf.org/.

We'll post starting lineups as soon as we have them. Check back for all the information on tonight's match!