MLS Preview:Chivas USA

The goats will be looking to build on last years campaign, which ended in the Quarterfinals at the hands of their rivals the Galaxy.The man in charge now is Martin Vasquez,who was Jurgen Klinsmann's assistant at Bayern Munich.Vasquez is taking over the team after Preki left the team by "mutual consent" and heading over to Toronto FC.Chivas USA come back with for the most part the same core of players,however with the retirement of Jesse Marsch(Now assistant of the National Team with former coach Bob Bradley) and losing Shavar Thomas to the new Philadelphia Union,there will be some holes to fill.Keeping Yamith Cuesta (Expresso Rojo),Maicon Santos (Bonsucesso),and Jesus Padilla (Chivas De Guadalajara)for next season though will be a big boost,with players like Ante Razov and Ante Jazic constantly plagued with injuries.Here are five keys determining the faith of this team.


1.Sacha Kljestan-The U.S international has had his ups and downs recently,it's time for Sacha K to be the full-time leader of this team.


2.Will the highly rated young players fulfill their potential?Chivas USA have some very young underated players such as Yamith Cuesta,Gerson Mayen,Michael Lahoud and recently invited to national team camp Justin Braun.

3.Zach Thorton-One year wonder?Big Zach Thorton was a huge reason this team played so well last year,now at age 36 can he still do it?

4.The former Mexican League players-On- loan Jesus Padilla,Mariano Trujilo,and Eduardo Lillingston all did well last year,but can they take it to the next level?

5.Third time a charm?-After two consecutive playoff appearences,Chivas USA lost both in the quaterfinals,First to Real Salt Lake,then last year to the L.A Galaxy.

A Look at Two of Orange County's Stars:Robbie Rogers and Sacha Kljestan

Robbie Rogers and Sacha Kljestan are two of the upcoming US national team stars pushing for a ticket to South Africa,also two reasons to be excited for the Honduras friendly and the 2010 MLS Season.Watch them while you can,these kids can be in Europe in the next year or two if they play there cards right.




Robbie Rogers:The 23 year-old Orange County native was a two-time All-American in high school at Mater Dei before transferring to the University of Maryland.At his first year at Maryland he helped the team life the 2005 NCAA Championship.In August 2006,Rogers hopped the pond and played at SC Herenveen in the Dutch Eridivese.However,after not making any first team appearences he went to the Columbus Crew in 2007 due to them winning a draft lottery.Rogers flourished with the Crew,winning the Supporter Shield and the MLS Cup in the 2008 season,while also making the MLS XI.He has also been a solid performer with the National Team at various levels.Rogers started at the U-20 World Cup in Canada,The Olympics, and the 2009 World Cup.Robbie's speed,dribbling,and creativity make him a player to keep on your radar for the 2010 World Cup.


Sacha Kljestan:The 24 year-old Southern Californian has enjoyed a good career so far in the MLS with Chivas USA.2009 wasn't Kljestan's best year;but he has shown promise as a player that can go to South Africa.2009 was Sacha's breakout year,making MLS XI and nominated for the All-Star game.After scoring a hat-trick against Sweden in January 2009,Kljestan had a trial at Glasgow Celtic,the reigning SPL Champions.A deal could not be worked out,and for a couple of months Kljestan's play began to suffer.Kljestan,now back in form, has a chance to step up and make himself a force in Bob Bradley's midfield.Know for his first-touch,vision and passing rannge,Kljestan can play anywhere across the midfield.Europe and Bob Bradley will be keeping an eye on this talented midfield maestro.