A look at the big questions surrounding Chivas USA for the 2007 season and looking ahead to the 2008 campaign:
WHAT DOES CHIVAS NEED TO DO TO REACH THE MLS CUP FINAL IN '08?
For the second year running, Chivas USA could have used a deeper bench in the postseason. However, unlike 2006, the team prided itself on an improved roster. Still, when Ante Razov was unavailable for the playoff opener against Kansas City, Chivas USA trotted out a seldom-used 4-5-1 formation. A year ago, without Razov in the playoffs, the club disrupted its lineup by moving a midfielder up top.
WHAT WAS THE TEAM'S BEST MOMENT IN '07?
With the eyes of the world on the Los Angeles Galaxy and David Beckham playing two games on two continents some 30 hours apart, it was Chivas USA who shined brightest. On Aug. 23, Chivas USA won for just the second time against the rival Galaxy. It was not just a victory, though, that made headlines but rather the way the club went out and throttled Beckham's boys. Maykel Galindo scored a pair of goals and Francisco Mendoza added another as Chivas USA changed their fortunes in the Super Clasico series.
WHO MADE THE MOST IMPROVEMENT OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON?
At the beginning of the year, Galindo seemed to have more of a curiosity factor than reliability. That quickly changed, though, as Galindo became more than the club's Cuban-born player. Galindo gave Chivas USA a dimension unseen before as his speed and passing ability helped him become one of the league's most dangerous players. Galindo wore down at the end of the season with what diagnosed as an abdominal strain and though he played in the playoffs he was far from 100 percent. A healthy Galindo could challenge for 20 goals in one season.
WHAT RESERVES ARE MOST READY TO MOVE INTO THE TEAM?
Despite not joining Chivas USA until mid-August, Ramon Nunez made eight appearances for the Red-and-White during the regular season. The former FC Dallas standout did well for essentially getting thrown into the fire. Nunez, who was also called into the Honduran national team on several occasions, finished with three assists, a figure surpassed by only five other players.
WHAT AREA OF THE TEAM NEEDS THE MOST IMPROVEMENT?
If history has taught Chivas USA one thing, it's this: The injury bug is inevitable. Twice Chivas USA have played without Razov in the postseason and twice the club has been bounced from the conference semifinals. Perhaps a proven and reliable goal scorer off the bench could have made a difference for the Red-and-White in 2007. With improved depth in the attack, Chivas USA will only be a more dangerous side and would stand an even better chance of surviving in 2008 should injuries once again deplete the roster in the most critical part of the season.
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
