When Chivas USA lined up against the Los Angeles Galaxy on April 28, the Red-and-White stood much to gain. A victory could have put eight points between the Home Depot Center dwellers and could have sent Chivas USA surging.
Instead, the Galaxy scored twice in the first 17 minutes and went on to beat Chivas USA 3-1. The loss, though, was not the most disturbing aspect of the match for midfielder Jesse Marsch.
"It was just how we performed and how we came out," Marsch said. "We were soft. Our mentality was bad and we weren't ready for a big game."
In two games since, Chivas USA has a loss and a draw. While the results have not improved substantially, the mentality has improved. Chivas USA coach Preki said the players battled hard at both D.C. United and Columbus and were unfortunate not to leave both games with more than one point in all to show for their efforts.
"I don't think that was a successful trip," Preki said. "Based on the way we played and how hard we worked I thought we deserved at least four points from that road trip but we only came away with one. On the other hand, it's something that we build on and I told the group that if we play like this, play hard on the road, we'll get more points than this."
Chivas USA committed a pair of early defensive breakdowns that led to two Galaxy goals. On the other end of the field, the club had a few opportunities to put a goal past the Galaxy but goalkeeper Joe Cannon stood firm and made a few key early saves.
Perhaps with the stinging loss to the Galaxy still fresh in their minds, players pointed to an improved mentality as one of the areas the team must focus on when the match kicks off Sunday afternoon.
Another is finishing.
"We've talked about it. We tried in the last two games to have a bit of an edge which I think we've done," Marsch said. "My biggest concern at this point is our inability to be dangerous at times. We can pass but it doesn't lead to enough."
Although the club has prepared this week as much as any other week, the onus will eventually fall on the players to put forth a strong, cohesive and focused effort on the field and to effectively carry out the game plan with the right mentality, Preki said.
"We pushed them even before that game. I can push you all day I want but the next day you have to come out and be ready to play," Preki said. "We can prepare them and get them tactically ready and all those things but once they step on the field they have to take some responsibility as well because we as a coaching staff take responsibility too."
Marsch agreed. In the end, the only thing the team can do to turn the tide against the Galaxy is to perform on the field.
"You go out, play them again and whip their butts. That's all you can do," he said. "You can work hard in training and try and talk about the things that are important and show them in training and make sure that you are mentally, physically and emotionally ready to give everything you have to tilt the bar in your favor."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
