Thursday's Super Clasico against Chivas USA holds a tremendous amount of significance for the LA Galaxy -- on multiple levels. The most obvious, of course, is their attempt at a late-season charge towards the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Galaxy are looking for their first winning streak of the season in the midweek clash, which will push them three points closer to the eight and final playoff spot.
The other thing on the line is bragging rights within The Home Depot Center. The Galaxy took the first two editions of the Los Angeles derby, but need a win and a win only to keep the Super Clasico trophy in their possession.
"We know we've got a fight on our hands. (Chivas) is a good team," said Pete Vagenas. "It's not the Chivas team of a couple of years ago. Chivas is a team of that is on a streak right now and if I'm not mistaken is the hottest team in the league right now. Defensively they've been solid. They break well. It's about as tough of a match as we've had all year."
Adding to the drama of Thursday's game is the fact that Chivas blew out the Galaxy 3-0 in their last game. That game was played two weeks ago and was one of the low points of the season for Los Angeles.
"I think we owe them a little from last time," said Landon Donovan. "We were a little embarrassed by that, so there's some good motivation."
That was the prevailing theme in the Galaxy camp this week. The magnitude of Thursday's game has not been lost on anyone and the fact that the club still feels as if Chivas USA is a tenant in their house makes the result of that Aug. 23 game sting that much more.
"I don't think we can overstate it. (Chivas) handed it to us last time, but I don't think we played our best," said Vagenas. "It's a rivalry that we take very, very seriously. We're not going to shy away from the fact that they beat us last time or that they're one of the better teams in the league this year."
However, the Galaxy can't get caught up in the intensity of the rivalry. The big picture is still the playoffs, which are mathematically still in within reach. In the end, Thursday's match is just a chance to get one step closer to the top eight, or make that goal just that much more improbable.
"It's just another game for us to get three points. We can't worry about who we're playing," said Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop. "We want to try and make the playoffs and three points tomorrow is important no matter who you're playing."
Still, Chivas are quite aware that a victory -- while clinching victory in the Super Clasico competition for the first time -- could also go a long way towards pushing the Galaxy out of the playoffs. It's something the Galaxy are desperate to avoid.
"We're in a desperate situation so every game we play is going to be intense," Donovan said. "We're going to play like it's our last game because we have to."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
