CARSON, Calif. - For Ante Razov, the 2007 preseason seems centered on one fact.
"It's more important to play when we end than early on," he said.
With that, Razov succinctly wrapped up his preseason to date. Chivas USA's leading goal scorer from a year ago, Razov has yet to see any playing time this season. With last season's lack of fitness in the playoffs fresh in his mind, Razov said coaches thought it best to move things along at a more leisurely pace.
"Last year I was pretty much flying out of the gates at this point," Razov said. "I think they kind of want to revise that a little bit to make sure that I can finish the home stretch of the season feeling good instead of hurting like I was last year. That seems to be the program."
In 2006, Razov finished the regular season with 14 goals. However, he scored the vast majority of those in the first half. He was hampered down the stretch by a groin injury but returned to face Houston in Chivas USA's first-ever playoff game. His first-half goal helped Chivas to a 2-1 win against Dynamo.
However, injuries forced him to miss the second match and Chivas fell 2-0 to the eventual MLS Cup winners.
Entering 2007, Razov hopes to put his past injury woes behind him. He was limited to 25 games in 2005 with the Crew and MetroStars and played in just 13 games in 2004, his final season with Chicago. He rebounded nicely in 2006 and pointed to health and a stable club environment as the reasons behind his success.
Razov's former coach also played a role in his stellar 2006. Bob Bradley traded for Razov while with the MetroStars and acquired him again during training camp a year ago. Bradley, however, has moved on to the U.S. national team.
Bradley's absence, though, is no reason for concern.
"Preki loves him," said longtime teammate Jesse Marsch. "Ante has this reputation that he only plays for Bob but I know Ante well enough that he's hungry as ever to compete and win a championship and I know he likes Preki so I expect him to have a real good year."
In fact, one of Razov's best seasons was without Bradley as coach. In 2003, Bradley left the Fire to take over the MetroStars. Razov responded with 14 goals and a then career-high 2,270 minutes as the Fire reached MLS Cup 2003.
However, if Razov matches his success this season he must do so without his former strike partner. Francisco "Paco" Palencia left Chivas USA for Mexican outfit Pumas UNAM. The hole alongside Razov will be a big one to fill but Marsch is confident that the club already has that person in place.
"Everybody is aware of that and putting attention to detail in that area but I feel that we have guys here that can do it," Marsch said. "It's just a matter of trying to figure out who's best for Ante and what guy can play best with him. I think Paco and him were a good combination last year."
At forward, Preki can choose from Cuban striker Maykel Galindo, rookie John Cunliffe and returning forward Matt Taylor. Razov said all three have shown a lot during the preseason and all three have a lot to offer.
The most important issue for the club seems to have Razov at optimal strength for the duration of the campaign. Still, that doesn't seem to add any extra strain to the club right now.
"There's no pressure right now. We're just building our team. There is no rush," Razov said. "We're working hard but we're working smartly also."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
