The always chaotic atmosphere surrounding the SuperClásico, combined with Chivas USA's unbeaten record and the LA Galaxy's need for their first win of the season, should make for an engaging affair Saturday evening when the teams meet for the first time this season at The Home Depot Center.
Chivas USA is riding the momentum of a three-game winning streak, having just beaten last year's MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew, but are being careful not to underestimate their in-stadium rivals.
"Traditionally, the Galaxy has given us tough times," said Chivas USA head coach Preki. "We don't expect anything easy; we know it's going to be a hard game. Hopefully we are ready for it."
The Red-and-White will be largely concerned with suppressing the potent attacking ability of Landon Donovan, last year's MLS Golden Boot winner. The pacy forward has already notched two goals and two assists in just two games.
"Donovan is one the best players in our league," said midfielder Paulo Nagamura. "He's very dangerous, very fast and has great technique. We have to keep an eye on him for 90 minutes."
One key to closing down Donovan will be controlling the Los Angeles midfield that feeds him, a job that falls squarely on the shoulders of Nagamura and Jesse Marsch.
"Landon is dangerous," said defender Shavar Thomas. "But at the same time, we're more concerned about us and how we're going to approach the game and how we're going to play."
Chivas USA will also have to be careful about conceding late goals. Out of 26 lifetime goals that the Galaxy have scored against the Red-and-White, 11 have come in the final 11 minutes of the game. That worrying statistic was perhaps most evident in April 2006, when Chivas USA were on the brink of beating Los Angeles for the first time ever, but collapsed in the final six minutes of regulation and seven-plus minutes of stoppage time, allowing two goals for a final score of 2-1.
Chivas USA have also been working on establishing itself as a more physically assertive squad since preseason losses to San José and Chicago saw captain Jesse Marsch proffer a rallying cry for his team to get tougher. The inspiration seems to have worked, as the Red-and-White have enjoyed a larger physical presence on the field and a 3-0 start to their season.
"All 11 guys have to be on the same page," said Preki. "We're not so worried about being perfect all the time, just making sure that our mentality is good. If you're mentality is good throughout the game, you're OK."
With nine points from three games, Chivas USA's mentality seems to be as healthy as ever.
"We are pretty confident," said Nagamura. "Chivas has been playing well so I believe if we are ready to play, we can get the three points."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
