While much attention has been paid to a stalwart Chivas USA defense that boasts five shutouts in eight matches, the Red-and-White's attacking players have also been getting the job done. The team has found the back of the net 11 times in eight games, tying them for third in MLS in goals scored.
Much of the success of Chivas USA head coach Preki's offensive efforts comes from his ability to mix and match his forwards depending on what the team needs on a given day. The Red-and-White have started five different players in the forward position thus far this season, and every one of them has scored at least one goal.
"Week in and week out, we have a different lineup out there," said Justin Braun, who scored his first goal of the season against San Jose on Saturday. "Other teams don't really know what to expect. Each player compliments the other players' game and when you have different styles, it's always going to help."
The Chivas USA forwards are a diverse group. The players range in age from 22 to 31 and speak five different languages between them.
"I think we have a lot of different personalities," said Alecko Eskandarian. "Our guys are from different backgrounds, speak different languages, and have different ethnicities. But we all get along, we all cheer for each other, and we've all gotten some playing time."
Eskandarian is one of the most experienced of the bunch. The two-time MLS All-Star (2004, 2006) has both an MLS Cup title (2004) and MLS Cup MVP (2004) honors to his name.
"Any time guys need to talk, they know I'll give them honest advice and things like that," said Eskandarian. "I try to keep things loose and try to have fun. If I ever see somebody getting overwhelmed, I try to break the ice and make sure they're still enjoying being part of this team."
Newcomer Chukwudi Chijindu had never played in a professional soccer match before April 11 of this year, but has already scored a goal and started his first game.
"I'm a pretty strong player and I have good one-on-one ability," he said. "If Preki feels that there's a weaker opponent on the outside, he might put me in to see if I can break that player down one-on-one. I don't want to depend on any one characteristic, but I think those are probably my two best strengths."
Eduardo Lillingston is also new to Chivas USA this year but has 12 years of experience in the Mexican FMF Primera Division under his belt. The Guadalajara native has already scored two goals in 2009.
"I'm a player who likes to be in the box," said Lillingston of his offensive style. "I like to lose my defender and move to space to get open for my teammates."
Lillingston has most often been paired with Braun in 2009. Braun joined Chivas USA at the start of 2008 after he was discovered playing in an amateur tournament and became a solid part of the team, scoring four goals notching two assists. He sees the diversity within the Chivas USA forwards as a learning opportunity.
"I try to pick up everything I can from the other players," said Braun. "[Maykel] Galindo is a player with a lot of skill and he likes to play people one on one. That's one thing I'd like to start doing a little more of, so I pick up little things that I can try to use from watching him."
Galindo, who led Chivas USA in scoring in 2007 with 12 goals, struggled with injury for most of 2008 and is just now getting healthy. He's played in three games so far in 2009 and continues to regain his fitness.
The Red-and-White are also awaiting the return of MLS Original Ante Razov, second on the all-time league scoring chart, who continues to recover from ankle surgery. Once the veteran is back to full strength, the Chivas USA coaching staff will have a full stable of talented offensive options.
"Everybody brings something different to the table and that is good," said Preki. "They're all good players and they all work hard, and we just hope that they keep doing what they're doing."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
