The way Chivas USA figured it, some of the key players in the 2008 Major League Soccer campaign would have included a former World Cup and European Championship veteran, an MLS Cup Most Valuable Player and Mexico's all-time caps leader.
Instead, two players who made the leap from amateur to professional in mere months as well as a collegiate forward turned defender are among those who have helped the club out in the early going.
Injuries have depleted Chivas USA since the preseason but young players have filled in. The club's sudden and forced youth movement has finally started paying off as the club has two consecutive wins entering Saturday's home game against the Columbus Crew.
"They're doing a great job. They've been huge, and that's what it's all about. It's about being able to go 20-something deep. In times like this, this is when it pays off," Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan said. "We expect nothing but a solid effort from them because at this point of the year we need them to step up."
Sueno MLS 2007 winner Jorge Flores is among the young players who have helped turn the results around. Flores scored an insurance goal against D.C. United and bagged the match-winner against Colorado on Saturday as both games finished in the Red-and-White's favor.
Justin Braun, meanwhile, has played eight games this season after joining the club from an amateur side in January. Bobby Burling, who played forward with Loyola Marymount University, has played 90 minutes in each of the last three games -- in the back.
In the offseason, Chivas USA added some depth at midfield and forward in former Swiss international Raphael Wicky and former D.C. United standout Alecko Eskandarian. Instead of contributing on the field, though, the duo has combined for 61 minutes of playing time this season. Central defense has also been hit hard by injuries as Claudio Suarez and Shavar Thomas have been limited to a combined 11 games.
Along with injuries to Maykel Galindo, Ante Razov, Jonathan Bornstein, Lawson Vaughn and Alex Zotinca, veterans such as Jim Curtin and Atiba Harris have been around to help as well. But the Red-and-White has also turned to young players for help.
"Unfortunately we haven't gotten off to the start that we would have liked. We took some injuries early and last year we took some injuries late so we'll be healthy at the end of the season. That's what we're hoping for," Burling said.
The only spot on the field that has not been affected by injury is the goalkeeper's position, where Guzan has played every minute of every game this year. In the last three games, though, Guzan has seen the defense in front of him change rapidly as the entire four first-choice defenders have given way to injury.
Burling said he is happy just to have the opportunity to play and lend a hand.
"I'm here just stepping in and trying to help the team any way I can," he said. "Anything to just get a result and help the team, I'll be happy to do that."
Others who have played key roles at times for the club include Daniel Paladini, a former Cal State Northridge standout, and Eric Ebert, who has played in five games this season.
"You've got to take it for what it is. A lot of guys are hurt. There were seven starters out (against D.C.) and I'm just going to take the opportunity and make of it the best I can," Paladini said. "I'm not being selfish. I'm just going to do what I can to help my team, do the best I can and learn from these guys."
Paladini played 58 minutes against United and helped Chivas USA out on a night the club missed nine players. Paladini said his teammates helped him adjust to the pace of the game and handling a starter's role.
"I just go out and play my own game. These guys have been great with me. I'm learning a lot from (Paulo Nagamura and Jesse Marsch)," Paladini said. "I just take what they give me, take what's gotten me here and put it on the field."
Whenever the young players feel overwhelmed, though, they have a teammate who may know what they're going through. In 2005, Guzan was thrust into the mix as a green 20-year-old. Injuries forced Guzan to step in from the start of the club's first season, but Guzan eventually improved.
"Having gone through kind of what they're going through -- it's not as extreme this year, obviously -- but I know what it's like to be kind of thrown into the mix," Guzan said. "I just tell them to continue to have fun and enjoy the moment and do what they can do. They're here for a reason."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
