GAME NOTES: SuperClásico Chivas USA vs. LA Galaxy

Sunday, August 12, 2012 – 8:00 p.m. PT

The Home Depot Center – Carson, CA

TV: ESPN2 (English), ESPN Deportes (Spanish)

 

Chivas USA was off from MLS action last week as it prepared for the third and final meeting in this season’s SuperClásico series against the LA Galaxy.

 

Chivas USA (7-8-5) shut out the Portland Timbers (5-12-5), 1-0, July 28 before 20,438 fans at JELD-WEN Field. A second-half goal by center back and team captain Danny Califf was all the offense needed to give the Red-and-White a crucial three points on the road. With the win the Goats swept the season series of three matches against Portland and brought their point total to 26 in the Western Conference. They also continued their solid run, as they are unbeaten in five of the last six matches, including three victories.

 

Chivas USA Acquired Eight-time All-Star Shalrie Joseph

Chivas USA announced Aug. 1 it had acquired midfielder Shalrie Joseph in a trade with the New England Revolution, in exchange for midfielder Blair Gavin, a SuperDraft second round pick in 2013 and allocation money. The 6-foot-3 Joseph joined New England after being chosen in the second round of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft after finishing a stellar career at St John’s University (NY) and a brief career stint abroad. The 34-year-old appeared in 18 matches for New England this season (15 starts, one goal and three assists), and scored 37 career goals and recorded 34 assists while there. In 2009 Joseph was named one of three finalists for MLS’ Most Valuable Player, as he recorded eight goals and eight assists that year. Joseph was an integral part of New England’s run to three consecutive appearances in MLS Cup in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

 

Winner Takes All:

·       Sunday’s match marks the third meeting between the two clubs this season and the winner will claim the SuperClásico Trophy.

Rojiblancos Continue Solid Streak:

·       Head Coach Robin Fraser’s Goats are on a solid run, as they are unbeaten in five out of the last six matches – including three wins and are also unbeaten in nine of 11. The solid streak began May 13 at San Jose with a 1-1 draw. Since then the Goats have won four games and tied five.

Red-and-White Defensive Line Tops in MLS:

·       The Goats are tied for first with Sporting Kansas City and the Columbus Crew in goals against in MLS with 21. They average just over one goal (1.05) allowed per match and have recorded seven shutouts this season.

Super Dan Kennedy Between The Posts:

·       Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy continues to show why he was selected as a 2012 All-Star. Kennedy has recorded seven shutouts this season and is among the league leaders in goals allowed (21) and goals against average (1.05). The Southern California native has 67 saves for the Red-and-White. 

Shalrie Joseph’s Debut With The Rojiblancos:

·       Newly-acquired midfielder Shalrie Joseph is expected to be available to make his debut for the Red-and-White. While at New England, the Grenada native was an eight-time All-Star selection and was instrumental in the Revs’ run to multiple MLS Cups.

 

• Chivas USA Injury Update as of 07.10.12:

OUT: Marvin Iraheta (L knee ACL),

DOUBTFUL:  Ryan Smith (R HS) QUESTIONABLE:  Peter Vagenas (R HS)

PROBABLE: Oswaldo Minda (L shoulder)