Chivas USA's game against the Columbus Crew on Saturday was billed as "The Arrival of the Mexican Artillery." Few, however, expected for Sergio "Matute" Garcia to be part of the new gunners.
The former Chivas de Guadalajara third-string goalkeeper supplanted rookie Brad Guzan in goal for Chivas USA despite solid play from the 20-year-old in recent months. With Garcia in goal, however, Chivas USA lost 3-0 to the Crew.
Current form had little to do with the move, Chivas USA boss Hans Westerhof said.
"We're happy with (Guzan) but Matute also deserves an opportunity. It's a good competition between the two and in training there is little difference between them," Westerhof said.
"Matute" Garcia joined Chivas USA with three other more-publicized teammates. Juan Pablo "Loquito" Garcia and Francisco Palencia, the club's so-called artillerymen, drew all the headlines and Hector "Pirata" Castro was to have stabilized the defense but tore a ligament in his left knee and is done for the season.
For "Matute" Garcia, playing for Chivas USA was something he had yearned for.
"I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time," Garcia said. "We played with lots of enthusiasm and lots of strength, but didn't get the result we wanted."
Westerhof said that Garcia will start Saturday's game at San Jose, an opportunity the youngster said he will jump at.
"I have been working for this opportunity and if I get the chance to start again I will do my best not to let the coach or my team down," Garcia said.
Guzan, meanwhile, took the move in stride.
"When you don't get to play, it's upsetting but it's coach's decision," Guzan said. "You just have to work hard day in and day out and get better. I turn 21 next week -- that's a pretty young age for a goalkeeper. Hopefully I have a long and bright future ahead of me."
The beginning of the season started slowly for Guzan and Chivas USA. In his first four games, Guzan allowed three goals on two occasions and two goals in the other match.
But by his fifth game, Guzan started to mature and held New England scoreless for 87 minutes. A week later, he earned his first professional shutout in a 1-0 win against Real Salt Lake.
But by the end of May, then-'keeper Martin Zuñiga was starting and Guzan had a seat on the bench. Yet that move lasted just four games and Guzan returned in a 1-1 draw against San Jose. Since then, he's had his ups (three victories, including a U.S. Open Cup win, in July) and downs (three losses to the Galaxy in the span of one month).
Now, as the No. 2 'keeper, Guzan's ultimate role may have changed at least for the short term.
"That doesn't bother me," Guzan said. "I have to go out and do what's best for me and do whatever I can to help support the team whether I'm on the field or whether I'm on the bench."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
