After the last Super Clasico, Chivas USA left little doubt that their previous woes against the Los Angeles Galaxy were squarely in the past.
So what does Chivas USA's 3-0 win against the Galaxy on Aug. 23 mean now?
"It won't matter what happened two weeks ago or last year," Chivas USA forward Ante Razov said. "That's how all these games are."
While recent history suggests the Galaxy won't provide Chivas USA much of a challenge, the Red-and-White expect nothing short of a difficult match. With a win, Chivas USA will overtake Houston for first place in the Western Conference standings. Couple Chivas USA's desire to keep piling up points with the Galaxy trying to string together consecutive favorable outcomes and the ingredients for another classic are in place.
"They are obviously desperate for points and there is a big rivalry," Razov said. "Everything gets thrown out the window and will be another crazy game."
Chivas USA enters the match as one of the hottest teams in the league. Since losing at FC Dallas by 2-0 on July 4, Chivas USA has compiled a 6-1-1 mark. The six wins have come by a combined 13-1 score. Conversely, the Galaxy's 3-1 win against Colorado on Saturday was the club's first league victory since July 4.
Maykel Galindo and Razov should pressure the Galaxy's backline yet again. Galindo has three goals against the Galaxy this season while Razov has scored goals in Chivas USA's last two matches. The strike pair has combined for 19 goals this season.
The forwards' output has been consistent throughout the season but Chivas USA have come together as a unit over the last two-plus months. Galindo credited the players' belief in themselves and an ever-growing confidence in their abilities.
"It's just the work," Galindo responded when asked about the club's strong play. "We've been able to carry over what we do on the training field to games."
Last season, Chivas USA did not lose much. In fact, last year's squad had nine losses compared to this team's six. But the difference has been in the win column. Chivas USA have already surpassed last year's 10 wins and will likely set a high bar for future Chivas USA squads to meet.
The team's mentality, from head coach Preki on down to the final players on the roster, has fueled the club's successes thus far.
"Our mentality is tough and none of us wants to lose. That shows on the field," Galindo said. "We do whatever we can, not just to avoid losing but to come away with three points every game. That's the mentality we have. It's really grown over these last few games and we're just very focused right now."
In recent matches, midfielders have began to contribute in greater fashion than from the start of the season. Sacha Kljestan and Francisco Mendoza have blossomed into important players while Jesse Marsch and Paulo Nagamura have been rock-solid in the center of the park.
All over the field, Chivas USA have thus far mixed the old and the young, the experienced and the up-and-comers to help guide the club forward.
"That's a key with chemistry; you have to have good mix," Razov said. "You can't just have young kids out there; rarely they'll make it to a final. You can't just have an older team because it's a young man's league. We have an actual good mix and everyone is coming into form at the right time."
Razov said he and longtime teammate Jesse Marsch discussed this team's possibilities of walking away with silverware at season's end.
"We've played on really good teams where we know we've been good and won championships. We've played on teams where we thought we were good but maybe not as good as we thought," Razov said. "This has a special feel. We think we're a good team. There is a definite feeling around here that things are starting to come together and are looking good."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
