the club had not used identical consecutive starting lineups this season before Saturday -- but now that the club has a semblance of consistency, players are exerting more effort with each passing game.
"We've put a lot into it more than anything else," Chivas USA midfielder Jesse Marsch said. "We were dissatisfied early on where when we weren't putting much energy and life into the game, it was just stalled constantly. Now you are seeing guys with a little more energy, a little more life, a little more fight in them -- winning more balls, tackles, 50-50s, head balls, all that kind of stuff. It's not necessarily been the pretty soccer; it's been the scrappy plays that led to some good soccer that has allowed us to get better."
Now as Chivas USA head to New York, the club actually has an opportunity to set a team record. With a win, Chivas USA would have won four games in a row and would set a new record for consecutive victories. The Red-and-White won three consecutive games on two different occasions in the 2007 season but never before has the club won four straight games.
And though the club might not have all of the injured players back and available for selection but injuries are not slowing the club down much anymore.
"The group is working extremely hard for each other," Preki said. "The mentality of the group is incredibly good right now."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
