Fans around the league might be surprised to see Chivas USA atop the Western Conference (and the league, for that matter) with a perfect 3-0-0 record, but the real surprise is that they’ve been able to stay undefeated without a select few of players “that many assumed would make all the difference for the Red-and-White in 2009.”
In the absence of “prolific” but injured striking trio of Ante Razov, Alecko Eskandarian and Maykel Galindo, as well as defensive stalwarts Ante Jazic and Claudio Suarez, MLS newcomers Eduardo Lillingston and Gerson Mayen have helped the Goats to unexpected success heading into this Saturday’s inter-city clash with the Galaxy.
Mexican veteran Lillingston has scored two goals (both game winners), while L.A. native and Chivas youth team product Mayen has notched a pair of assists, providing Preki with a pleasant surprise so far this season. But still, “we haven’t played as well as we are capable of playing,” says the third-year coach, “but we have a group of guys in the locker room that believe in each other and work for each other. When you have that, it gives you success.”