Mario Melara on SoCal Weekly Sports

Mario Melara of 90:00 Soccer Magazine and US. Soccer News, Scores, Updates, & More sits down with Jon Moncrief of SoCal Sports Weekly of the NoAntennaNeeded Network. Will Landon Donovan stay with the LA Galaxy? What must Chivas USA do to turn their season around?

Chivas USA Show Improvement; Tie Against Union

Carson, CA – Soccer can be such a cruel sport. Just go ask Chivas USA.

Having lost its last six games prior to tonight’s match, it seemed like nothing would go right for the club. They’ve made all the necessary personnel changes possible, moved players into different positions, and even switched to multiple formations, but ultimately when you’re playing this bad, sometimes, you just have to back to the basics.

“Our goal is to win and turn around, we were unlucky a couple of times tonight. I am pleased with the effort. We need everybody to give 100 percent,” said Chivas USA head coach Martin Vasquez.

Yes, effort. Such a simple notion in soccer, but when you’re on a major losing streak, it becomes not only a battle between you and your opponent, but also between yourself.

The first change for Chivas USA in tonight’s match was simple; putting the best players possible on the field. That meant moving Jonathan Bornstein, who normally plays in defense to midfield, and starting Ante Jazic, the Canadian international, at left-back. Also part of the changes to the formation was starting the duo of Justin Braun and Jesus Padilla up top, and replacing Mikel Galindo, which in turn made room in midfield for Osael Romero.

These tactical changes almost immediately paid off. In the 5th minute Chivas USA midfielder Michael Lahoud sent a shot from just outside the box, which deflected off a Philadelphia Union defender, and just went over the crossbar.

However, Philadelphia opened the scoring in the 21st minute when an aerial pass from Roger Torres, was flicked on by Sebastian Le Toux, to a wide open Danny Mwanga on the right-hand side, who buried the ball in the back of the net.

Then, when I surely thought Chivas USA was bound for a seventh straight loss, something happened. What I saw for the next 25 minutes was absolutely amazing.

Not frazzled by the early goal, Chivas USA began to play an elegant, collective style of soccer that showed glimpses of how dynamic and strong this team can be. The team would control long stints of possession, moving the ball from side to side, stretching the Philadelphia Union defense, and creating some great scoring chances, most notably in the 35th minute when a pass into the box was headed by Jesus Padilla that ricocheted off the crossbar.

The equalizer then came for Chivas USA in the 42nd minute when a poor clearance ball from the Philadelphia Union found its way to Blair Gaven who was right outside of the box, and he lazered a shot past goalkeeper Chris Seitz, into the lower right part of the net.

The second of the half match lacked the excitement that we saw in first, as both teams had trouble keeping possession. The only real scoring opportunity for any team came in the 65th from Fred of the Philadelphia Union, who had a clear and open breakaway opportunity, but was stopped in his tracks by Chivas USA goalkeeper Zack Thornton.

I was impressed by the effort of Chivas USA. A tie at this point is almost as good as a win. If Chivas USA can show the same intensity and effort that they showed in those key 25 minutes of the latter part of the first half, then this team is going to be great.

Coach Martin Vasquez attributes the fall off in the second half due to a lack of patience.

“We were not patient. Very impatient. A tie at this point is a plus.”

Chivas USA will also be looking to improve on tonight’s performance with the addition of other possible players to the team. Currently training with the team is Giancarlo Maldonado, the 27 year-old Venezuelan international striker. Other players are also on Coach Martin Vasquez’s radar, but not yet disclosed.
Chivas USA’s will now hit the road and their next match will be on Saturday, July 10th against the Kansas City Wizard.

Chivas USA continues to struggle against FC Dallas

Carson CA -- Chivas USA are now losers of six straight games, after a disappointing 2-1 loss to FC Dallas at the Home Depot Center. This is not the result that head coach Martin Vasquez was hoping for, especially after working so hard with the club in training during the much needed stoppage to the MLS schedule, due to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is without question that the increasing laundry list of problems facing Chivas USA continues to grow, which now includes playing without the talent and creativity of attacking midfielder Sacha Kljestan, who recently was transferred to Anderlecht, a First Division team in Belgium. Coupled with the fact of not having defender Jonathan Bornstein for this match, who was playing for U.S. Men’s National Team in a crucial match against Ghana at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, many wondered how Chivas USA would come out against FC Dallas.

From the opening whistle of the match, Chivas USA immediately showed what they had been planning in practice, emphasizing on keeping a collective defense shape, staying organized, and compact. However, the passing and communication was sloppy in the middle, and FC Dallas quickly jumped on the attack and created their first scoring chance in the 6th minute when Martin Chavez barely missed the net with his shot from outside the box, which went wide right. 

FC Dallas managed to control much of the early possession of the game, as Chivas USA sought to figure out a way to break through the FC Dallas defense. I immediately thought of Sacha Klejstan and how valuable he was a midfielder for Chivas USA, a player who demanded the ball, controlled the tempo, was the catalyst that shifted the team from defense to offense, and made the key passes to create great scoring opportunities. At this point, all that Chivas USA could muster up for offense was a long distance shot from Justin Braun in the 21st minute.

The best scoring opportunity of the early first half came from FC Dallas striker Atiba Harris in the 23rd minute when he sent a thunderbolt of shot on goal, but was parried away by Chivas USA goalkeeper Zack Thornton. However, FC Dallas’s persistence paid off, as near the end of halftime, a corner kick by David Ferriera somehow found its way into the back of the net, which after review was actually deflected off Chivas USA defender Ante Jazic.  It just seemed like Chivas USA could just not get a break, and when things are not going your way, the ball seems to always bounce in favor of the other team.

The second half saw a more aggressive and determined Chivas USA team. The offense came alive in the 53rd minute when Jesus Padilla nearly tied the game, striking a shot on goal from point blank range, only to be saved by FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman. Chivas USA continued on the attack, led surprisingly enough by Salvadorian international Osael Romero, whose creatively in the midfield and streaking runs on the wide side of pitch changed the complexion of the game. Chivas USA founds its equalizer in the 58th minute when a cross into the box by Jesus Padilla found the head of Osael Romero, who although is only 5’6, out jumped FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, and headed the ball into the back of the net.

The celebration didn’t last long as a just one minute later, FC Dallas midfielder Martin Chavez earned a penalty shot for his team after being shoved down by Ante Jazic in the box. Calmly and coolly, FC Dallas striker David Ferriera walked up to the penalty spot and blasted a shot past Chivas USA goalkeeper Zach Thornton.

Chivas USA continued to have trouble again breaking down the FC Dallas defense, and realizing that the speed up front of striker Maykel Galindo was not providing many benefits or scoring opportunities, coach Martin Vasquez decide to replace him with Ben Zamanski in the 68th minute. Chivas USA managed only a couple of more scoring chances the rest of the match, the best in the 76th minute by Osael Romero, who send a laser of shot from 35 yards, but saved by goalkeeper Hartman.

The final two subs for Chivas USA, Maicon Santos in the 76th minute for Jesus Padilla, and Chukwudi Chijindu in the 84th minute for Osael Romero, brought nothing to the match. The creativity was gone, the communication and passing in the midfield lost, and without a strong striker up top, Chivas USA saw themselves lose once again.

It’s now back to the drawing board for Chivas USA coach Martin Vasquez. But one thing is for certain, you can’t draw up talent. It is nearly impossible to replace a player like Sacha Kljestan. His creativity and control of the midfield is going to be a hard thing for this team to recapture, especially given the drop off of talent. 

On a bright side, this match against FC Dallas was coming out party for Osael Romero. He showed the skills and talent that Martin Vasquez hoped he would display in MLS. Now would be a great time to pair him with someone else who has great ball control to exploit the flanks and create great scoring chances by driving crosses into the box.

Chivas USA return to action on Tuesday, June 29th, against Austin Aztex FC, in a third-round match of the U.S. Open Cup.

USA versus Ghana Preview: Rematch 4 years in the Making

It is the rematch we have been waiting for almost four years.

It seems like just yesterday. A warm and sunny day in Nuremburg, Germany.With Italy defeating the Czech Republic 2-0, all that team USA needed to do to advance to the knockout stages of the 2006 World Cup was to defeat Ghana. But it was an utter disaster, disappointment and debacle.

How vividly and painfully do I remember watching Claudio Reyna lose the ball in the 22nd minute deep in our own end, watching helplessly as a Ghanian striker Graman dribbled the ball with the speed and grace of a puma, striking the ball into the right side of the goal, past then goalie Kasey Keller.

A glimmer of hope of making the knockout stages was resurrected in the 42nd minute when then 23 year-old Clint Dempsey struck a bullet into the net, off a pass from DeMarcus Beasley. It seemed like us Yanks just might, just might, have enough to come back and win. But the feeling of hope didn't last long.

Just 5 minutes later, in stoppage time of the first half, Oguchi Onyewu was called for a foul in the box, and Ghana was awarded a penalty. Calmly and coolly, Stephen Appiah stepped up and put it in the back of the net. The dream was over.

So what have we learned since 2006? Let's break this crucial match-up down:

There will be two keys to this match-up; set pieces and who controls the midfield.

As we have seen in the last miraculous win by the United States, we are at our best when we control the midfield. It is going to be up to Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, and Clint Dempsey to really push and control the pace of the game. When the find those open pockets of space, they are deadly and create the best scoring opportunities.

There is no doubt about it. Ghana is an athletic and well-conditioned team who plays great in the air. Ghana will test the physical capacity of team USA. Expect them to run up and down the pitch and really put pressure on the US team early. They know that the US has a history of giving up early goals. If they jump out to an early lead, it is going to tough to put together a comeback against this team. They are too fast, too well conditioned, and play great defense.

Team USA has something to prove this time around. The team looks like they are more united, playing better as each game goes on, and will take all that thunder and inspiration from the Algeria game and put it against Ghana. They know that whole country has caught soccer fever, from Nebraska, to New York, to Los Angeles. Heck, when Bill Clinton, Reggie Bush, are in your locker room leading a "USA! USA!" chant, you know your on too something! Let's hope this great run continues.

The game will air on Saturday, June 26th, at 2PM EST.

Deja Vu All Over Again For Team USA?

Win and advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup. It is that simple for team USA.

Hmm, seems like Deja Vu all over again doesn't it? Well, your right. In 2006, Team USA was in the same situation. With only 1 point in the group stages after two games, coming from a miraculous draw against Italy, their soccer destiny was in their own hands. A win against Ghana would have given them 4 points and a spot in the knockout stages of the World Cup. But it was not to be. A crushing 2-1 loss sent us Yanks packing, frustrated, disappointed, and all we were left was with another story of what could have been.

After a draw against England and an amazing comeback draw against Slovenia, which could have actually been a win if not for that phantom foul call that disallowed Maurice Edu's goal, it seems like lady luck is on our side this time. In a short tournament like the World Cup, sometimes a little luck is all you need to get through to the next round. But I surely hope, that this team, which is comprised of World Cup veterans such as Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Tim Howard, have learned from 2006, and go into the final match with the same sense of urgency that they showed in the second-half of the Slovenia match.

The second half showed a team that played faster, made accurate and decisive passes, and played with a sense of purpose. You could see the sense of urgency on the players faces. If we are to win against Algeria this Wednesday, we have to play at that same level. Playing Algeria does not necessarily guarantee a win. Every team in this World Cup is a quality team. Go ask Germany, Spain, Italy, and France, who are considered the superpowers of futbol, but have had disastrous losses in the group stages.

So its win or go home for Team USA. I think we'll know within the first five minutes of the match which team has shown up to play, and lets hope that we see that fiery and fierce team that played in the second half of the Slovenia match.

Tomorrow: Breakdown of the USA vs. Algeria Match

U.S. vs. Slovenia: Match Preview

After a fortunate and tough 1-1 draw against England, the US Men's National Team will face their second opponent of the group stage tomorrow against Slovenia. Slovenia is currently the Group B leader, with three points, after a 1-0 victory against Algeria. If the US Men's National Team has any dreams of making the knockout stage, they must surely go for all three points tomorrow, start quickly out of the gates, and score first. Anything but a win puts the US Men's National team in a precarious situation, and surely out of the tournament.

Coach Bob Bradley on the upcoming game said, "They’re (Slovenia) are very well organized, and tactically I think they’re very smart. Their defensive record in qualification was outstanding. They have a good balance in the team, good mobility and some dangerous players, guys we’ve watched both with Slovenia and with their club teams. We have a great deal of respect for their team and look forward to the match.”

Even though Slovenia do not have experienced players playing in the Premiership, such as England had, Carlos Bocanegra is not taking them lightly. “We have some personal experience against the guys we’re playing against, if you’ve played in Germany, if you play in France. Just because they’re not in the Premiership, so to speak, we watch the other leagues around the world and we’re familiar with their guys. We’re not going to go into it taking anybody lightly just because the rest of the world doesn’t know their names. It’s an important game for us.”

The game will be won in the midfield. Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, and Clint Dempsey must dominate possession and be creative on the ball. This is also a prime game for LA Galaxy forward Edson Buddle. His ability to hold off players and keep possession is what team USA needs. Expect the US to come out fast and furious.

Prediction: US 2 - Slovenia 0

2010 USMNT World Cup Squad - Predictions

We are less than 24 hours until the official announcement of the 2010 U.S. Men's National Team 30-player preliminary World Cup squad by coach Bob Bradley. Can't wait till tomorrow? Well, here is my prediction of the player pool, based on previous call-ups, call-ups to major international tournaments, and players who are currently playing at the highest level.

Goalkeepers
Tim Howard (Everton FC- England)
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa - England)
Troy Perkins (D.C. United - MLS)

Defenders
Carlos Bocanegra (Stade Rennais - France)
Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA - MLS)
Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96 - Germany)
Jay DeMerit (Watford FC - England)
Clarence Goodsen (IK Start - Norway)
Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan - Italy)
Jonathan Spector (West Ham United - England)
Heath Pearce (FC Dallas - MLS)
Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC - MLS)

Midfielders
Landon Donovan (L.A. Galaxy -MLS)
Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC - England)
Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach - Germany)
Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt - Germany)
Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus - Denmark)
Sasha Kljestan (Chivas USA - MLS)
Francisco Torres (Pachuca - Mexico)
Stuart Holden (Bolton - England)
Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake - MLS)
Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers - Scotland)
Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro SK - Sweden)

Forwards
Jozy Altidore (Hull City - England)
Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids - MLS)
Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas - MLS)
Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo - MLS)
Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake - MLS)
Charlie Davies (Sochaux - France )
Eddie Johnson (Aris FC - Greece)
Edson Buddle (L.A. Galaxy)