especially for the guys who were here three years ago -- went through an awful lot. It was hard on them so I understand why there is a celebration today," Marsch said. "But I'm not comfortable with that because for me the work is just now really beginning."
Nonetheless, Chivas USA's conference championship is significant. Just two years ago, Chivas USA finished off its first season with a 2-0 loss to the then-MetroStars and limped away with a 4-22-6 record. Now, the club enters the playoffs with home-field advantage and a realistic opportunity of walking away with the Alan I. Rothenberg Trophy.
At the start of the season, Chivas USA were overlooked because of noteworthy losses both in the coaching staff (Bob Bradley) and on the field (Francisco Palencia, Juan Pablo Garcia). But Preki stepped in and guided the club to new heights.
Chivas USA set club records in wins (15), points (53), goals scored (48) and fewest goals allowed (28). The Red-and-White protected their Home Depot Center turf magnificently as well and finished with a league-best 10-1-4 home record and allowed a paltry eight goals in those games.
From club officials and the front office down to the coaching staff and the players, winning the West was a true team effort.
"It's a tribute to everyone in the organization," Razov said. "We were just happy to get where we got last year and kind of crawled to the finish line there. This year, it's a very special feeling."
In many ways, the final game of the season showed what Chivas USA is all about. Lawson Vaughn was sent off in the 40th minute but the Red-and-White staved off a furious charge from the defending MLS champion Dynamo and walked away with a valuable point.
"On the field, you saw a better chemistry in terms of the commitment to do whatever it takes to get a result," Marsch said. "The guys still stuck for playing for each other and understanding how to make it hard on the other team and that more than anything was a product of the entire season of learning from last year's situation, of an entire season of guys really playing for each other and guys understanding what that means."
Building a strong fight-for-each-other mentality has taken time but Marsch said his teammates understand that well.
"Anyone can just say 'Let's play for each other' but unless you really know what that means and how to make that guy next to you better it doesn't matter because you can talk about that all you want," he said.
Now, the road to Washington D.C. and MLS Cup 2007 will pass through The Home Depot Center. Kansas City will play Chivas USA in the Western Conference Semifinals. Chivas USA will now focus on the Wizards and winning their first-ever playoff series.
While the champagne celebration was a fitting end to the regular season, both Razov and Marsch said greater treasures await.
"I feel that this is all a little bit premature, the champagne and all that stuff because there is still a lot of work to do," Razov said. "We've got to feel good about the club for the fans and everyone but the work is not done."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
