Galaxy, Chivas USA gear up for Super Clasico
It was only one game, but Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena said he understands his team a lot better after last week’s season-opening victory over the New England Revolution.
Just as Chivas USA’s Martin Vasquez understands his team a lot better after losing to the Colorado Rapids in his first game as coach.
Thursday night both men will try to put that knowledge to good use when their teams meet in the Super Clasico at the Home Depot Center.
“We’re still learning things about our team,” said Arena, whose Galaxy managed only one goal in a game it otherwise dominated against Colorado. “But it’s not like it was last year when there were a lot of unknowns. We’re more together as a team.”
Chivas? Well, not so much. At least not judging from a season opener in which they appeared disorganized on offense and a step slow on defense despite outshooting the Rapids nearly two to one.
Vasquez said he was disappointed in the effort and the result Friday, but his team will need a major step up in both departments against a Galaxy team it hasn’t beaten since September 2007.
Not that Chivas has gone quietly over that span. Two of last year’s games ended with some extracurricular pushing and shoving that continued long after the final whistle.
“There’s a lot at stake when we play. The Clasico’s important,” Arena said. “The games were very intense. And the tempers flared.”
