Whenever there's a new team in a league, there's always a question about how they will perform early, about the impact they will have. In the case of Chivas USA, there has been even more talk and scrutiny than might be usually expected.
Their parent organization, Chivas of Guadalajara, is one of the most storied club sides in all of Mexico. Couple that with the fact that they have been placed in one of the two biggest markets in the United States, and it's understandable why they've had so much attention this year.
That's why this weekend's clash between the two Los Angeles franchises means so much to the Los Angeles Galaxy. As the original franchise in L.A., the Galaxy aren't looking to establish themselves in the league -- they are looking to establish dominance in the Southland.
"Saturday is a big game," said Doug Hamilton, Galaxy president and general manager. "Playing in a building that was built for us, in a league that we've championed, we have to defend our field."
This weekend will mark the first game of the four-game season series between the two clubs. The series has been dubbed the "Honda Super Clásico." And while most matchups between teams that have never met before can start off as hesitant affairs, Galaxy original Cobi Jones knows the opposite will be the case on Saturday.
"It's going to be intense right from the start," Jones said. "There's no time to wait a half and get going. By then it will be too late."
It remains to be seen if this "rivalry" will actually live up to its billing. The newest member of the Galaxy, Landon Donovan, knows a thing or two about big matches.
"It's just been talk up to now. This should be the biggest rivalry (in MLS)," Donovan said. "It's important for us from a Los Angeles standpoint that we want this to be our team, our stadium."
In Los Angeles, there is definitely a big brother, that being the Galaxy as Chivas USA has now joined them in the U.S. soccer family. Sibling rivalry oftentimes produces the most entertaining showdowns -- the "Super Clásico" is already showing signs it could be the same.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
