Chivas hoping lightning strikes again vs. NY

Jesus Padilla scored in Chivas USA's 2-0 defeat of NY earlier this year. (Getty Images)

CARSON, Calif. — Last summer, Chivas USA had lost five consecutive MLS matches when the team finally snapped its losing streak by beating the New York Red Bulls 2-0 on August 15.

This season, the Goats will once again be looking to dig themselves out of a hole against the Red Bulls when they face the Eastern Conference foe this Saturday in New York. And with four losses in their last four games, the Red-and-White are in desperate need of points before the impending World Cup break.

“The team is focused,” Chivas USA striker Chukwudi Chijindu said. “We have to get back to doing the little things that made us successful at the start of the season. We need to do our best and work hard to get out this hole.”

The Goats have already faced off against New York once this season, relying on an own-goal from goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul and a 90th minute strike from Jesus Padilla for 2-0 victory over the Red Bulls at The Home Depot Center on April 10.

WATCH: Chivas defeat NY, 2-0

“[That win] gives us a better idea of what we can do to win the game,” said Chijindu. “But that was early in the season, and now they’re at home. They’re going to have more energy and we are going to have to match that.”

Of primary concern for Chivas USA will be containing New York captain Juan Pablo Ángel, whose six goals so far this season tie him for third-most in MLS. Having scored in each of the Red Bulls’ last two games, the Colombian-born striker will likely be brimming with confidence on Saturday.

“Ángel is always an issue,” said Chijindu. “He’s great in the air and an experienced player. They also have a couple other guys that give good service. I think we’re just going to have to neutralize their key guys and do our best to play our game.”

Giving a boost to Chivas USA, however, is the return of Maykel Galindo. The Cuban native had been sidelined with a sprained ankle but returned to action last weekend with a goal against DC United.

“I’m happy to be back working with the group,” said Galindo. “It’s nice to be able to try and help the team as we get through this rough patch. It all depends on us. We know what we have to do to get a result and it’s up to us to do it.”

The trip will be Chivas USA’s first to New York’s brand new Red Bull Arena, and the Goats will certainly be looking to christen their inaugural visit to the new ground with a win.

“I’ve heard it’s a great facility,” said Chijindu. “But a great facility is nothing if you can’t get a victory in it.”

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Galaxy wary of struggling West foes Houston

Omar Gonzalez is ready to face Brian Ching and the Houston Dynamo. (Getty Images)

CARSON, Calif. – The last time the Los Angeles Galaxy played Houston at Home Depot Center, the two clubs were at the top of their game.

At Home Depot Center on Nov. 15, the Galaxy and Dynamo battled for the 2009 Western Conference title and for a berth in MLS Cup ’09.

Now, the only club who looks anything like a title contender is the Galaxy.

Sporting the league’s best record at 9-0-2, the Galaxy will host a depleted and possibly demoralized Houston Dynamo side, at Home Depot Center on Saturday. Fresh off a 2-1 loss at New York, Houston will have had to endure a cross-country flight and will meet up against the league’s toughest defense in a place the Galaxy have not lost since late last season.

Overall, Houston have a 5-7-1 record and have yet to win consecutive games on the season. Despite that, Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said he doesn’t expect anything different from Houston.

“They are always difficult to play against,” Arena said. “They have one of the best forwards in the league in Brian Ching, an excellent ‘keeper in [Pat] Onstad, other experienced and quality players like [Brian] Mullan and [Brad] Davis, and they have some experienced center backs.”

Houston and the Galaxy have already met this year, on April 10 at Robertson Stadium, and the Galaxy throttled Houston 2-0. But to watch tape on how Houston played in that match wouldn’t make too much sense – at least not how their forwards worked together – since Houston did not have Ching in that match.

Ching brings an added dimension to the team.

“They’re a very different team with Ching,” Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez said. “Ching is a big guy up top and can hold the ball very well.”

Gonzalez did well stopping Houston’s forwards in the first matchup. He drew a foul that led to a red card as Houston’s Luis Angel Landin took a swing at Gonzalez after the two tussled near the end line late in the first half.

The match in general, and perhaps even their loss to the Galaxy in November, could cause Houston to have a little extra bite than they’d normally have.

“We already beat them at [their] home so they’re going to want to come and beat us over here," Gonzalez said. "They’re going to come fired up. I don’t think they’re going to let the game [Wednesday] slow them down. We’ve got to get prepared and get ready for Saturday.”

The Galaxy could rely once more on youngster Tristan Bowen in the attack. Bowen and Michael Stephens accounted for the Galaxy’s offense in that match as the club beat Columbus 2-0 last week.

WATCH: LA defeats Columbus, 2-0

Bowen said there were similarities between both Houston and Columbus.

“It’s going to be a good battle; Houston’s a physical team like Columbus,” Galaxy forward Tristan Bowen said. “But if we do what we need to do, we should be able to get a result out of it.”

Mostly, the Galaxy are cautious about their opponent and are approaching this match with the hopes of continuing both their own strong form as well as continuing to pile on Houston.

“They have a good team and haven’t found their rhythm yet,” Arena said. “[We’re] hopeful they don’t find it on Saturday and we could do a good enough job to put them under pressure to get the three points.”

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The Soap Box: Fire fan pleads for character

The biggest concern for Fire fans this season? A lack of leadership on the field. (David Banks/Getty)

If only Peter Nowak was still a Man in Red. The Fire legend is back in Chicago this weekend as the head coach of the Philadelphia Union, but perhaps he’d be better served anchoring an unsteady Fire midfield still looking to find its form under new coach Carlos de los Cobos.

Section 8 fixture Ben Burton, for one, might be pining for the old days in Chicago. He takes to the Soap Box this week to talk about Nowak’s legacy, the Brian McBride-Collins John tandem and a serious lack of character on the field.

MLSsoccer.com: Peter Nowak’s back in town this weekend. What do you make of his new role in Philadelphia?

BB: We’re actually having a little party for him (Friday night), and he’s gonna come out and say hello to all the old school fans. We still embrace him. He’s our legend. As we’ve been saying lately, “your coach, our legend.”

MLSsoccer.com: Is Peter the greatest player the Fire’s ever had?

BB: That’s a tough one. Lubos Kubik was always my favorite, but Peter was obviously up there with Hristo Stoichkov, and even in recent years, Cuauhtemoc Blanco was very good. Peter was the heart and soul of the team, and even if he wasn’t necessarily the best player, he was the epitome of the team.

MLSsoccer.com: So what’s the epitome of this 2010 team?

BB: Are you sure we can’t just keep talking about the glory years instead of this team?

MLSsoccer.com: We have to move on.

BB: Okay. The coach is trying out some new things, so I’m not so worried right now. You bring a coach in late, you have to let him get used to the players. I’m not happy with the way they’re performing, and I think they need to toughen up and speed up in the midfield. But you give them a break for the World Cup, bring them back and put their nose to the grindstone, as they say, to see if we can make a season out of it.

MLSsoccer.com: What do you make of de los Cobos’ changes?

BB: I’m not worried about the choices he’s made. I’m more worried about the players themselves. He’s given a lot of guys opportunities, and no one’s truly grabbing hold of them. And that’s really disappointing. The only thing that irks me about his choices is that I’d like to see two strikers instead of one, especially if our midfield can’t hold the ball for more than two seconds. It’s a bit of a conundrum.

MLSsoccer.com: So who do you put up top?

BB: Brian McBride and Collins John up top is what I’d like to see. Patrick Nyarko has been really successful on the right, but until he learns how to strike the ball, then he shouldn’t be up top. With Patrick on the right and Justin Mapp on the left, McBride and John up top, you have a decent start. But there’s a gaping hole in the middle just not being filled by anyone.

MLSsoccer.com: What would help?

BB: He’s been hurt, but John Thorrington would help, because he has some speed, and we lack that. And he has tenacity. We don’t have either right now in the midfield. You can’t teach speed, but you certainly can teach a little grit. Someone has to step up and take control.

MLSsoccer.com: What do you make of de los Cobos’ offseason moves?

BB:Krzysztof Krol has been one of our best players. He’s made some mistakes, but he’s successful at going forward, and he’s very good on the ball, for a defender especially. He’s been a bright spot. I’m still waiting to see John produce, because I’ve seen him in training and he has the skills to really be an above average MLS striker. I’m hoping to see him break out. Julio Martinez I’ve been disappointed with, because I thought we finally had a true right winger that we haven’t had in a long time. We’ve had Nyarko there or Chris Rolfe before, but it’s been a long time since we had a great one there. Martinez doesn’t look like he’s the guy.

MLSsoccer.com: Will you guys become a threat to win the Eastern Conference?

BB: I think we’re going to be a playoff-bound team, even if it doesn’t look like it right now. We need a midfield acquisition, and someone has to do it. Maybe with this World Cup break people will watch some good soccer, maybe have a few beers and relax, they’ll come back reinvigorated. But someone has to take control of the team, because we don’t have that sprit out there right now. Someone’s wearing the captain’s armband right now, but there doesn’t really seem to be a captain. Someone has to fill that role.

MLSsoccer.com: Will the Fire make a move to get another Mexican player to fill the hole left by Blanco?

BB: I’d go elsewhere. It’s hard to find a good Mexican player at a good price, because they have a league that they’re successful in already. We already have a Mexican coach, and I don’t want to cater to any one individual nationality. I don’t think that’s the way to go. We should cater to building a successful team. Chicago’s proven they have fans and they’ll come out for a successful team; they’re a good fan base. But there’s just something about this team that has no character. That character could come from the Ukraine, from Russia, I don’t care. But you offer these fans character, people will have something to latch onto and embrace.

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Colombians vouch for newest FCD acquisition

Jair Benitez is praising FCD's acquisition of fellow Colombian Milton Rodriguez. (Bob Levey/Getty)

FRISCO, Tex. -- When FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman was contemplating adding Colombian striker Milton Rodriguez earlier this year, he asked defender Jair Benitez and midfielder David Ferreira for their thoughts on the move.

Both Colombia natives, Benitez and Ferreira knew their countryman well, and offered solid feedback about the team’s potential new arrival.

“I did talk to Jair, who played with him. I talked to David too and asked them how he was as a player,” Hyndman said. “They said he’s a very good player. He has an unbelievable left foot. He’s great on free kicks, shots and finishing. He’s a good man and has got a family.”

Rodriguez arrived in Frisco on Tuesday, attended training on Wednesday and was slated to participate on Thursday.

“I am very excited and very happy to have another Colombian on the team. Hopefully the goals start coming,” Benitez said. “I hope everything works out. There’s unity here with three Colombians on the team.”

Said Ferriera: “He’s a very important player, a very experienced goal scorer. If he can come in here and cement himself as a goal scorer, it will be very good for the team.”

Both starters also talked about their time as Rodriguez’s teammate and how excited they are to play alongside him once again.

“We did play together with Deportivo Cali. He’s known for his heading and a very hard kick,” Benitez said. “Hopefully everything just comes together, he meshes with the group and the goals just start coming for FC Dallas.”

While Benitez spent several seasons as Rodriguez’s teammate at the club level, Ferreira and his new teammate played together on the international stage.

“We have played together on the Colombian national team. We have played against each other in club play,” Ferreira said. “He’s a very good, well-known player and that’s why Coach Schellas (Hyndman) brought him here because the goals have been lacking.”

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Chivas USA players try out new kicks

Blair Gavin already wears the three stripes and says he is likely to use the AdiZero F50 (Getty Images)

Every World Cup has its hot new cleat.

In Japan and South Korea in 2002, it was Nike’s Mercurial Vapor, a revolutionary boot that weighed only 185 grams. In Germany in 2006, it was the Kelme Tiburon, a cleat that was made from actual shark skin.

For the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, it’s the Adidas AdiZero F50. The shoe was officially launched on May 11 (watch the first official commercial here) and, at just 165 grams, it is the lightest soccer cleat ever created. A number of international players have already started wearing the AdiZero, and on Wednesday, several members of Chivas USA got the chance to test it out.

“They’re great shoes,” said striker Maicon Santos. “They’re really comfortable. Like you’re not even wearing anything on your feet.”

Santos was joined by Blair Gavin, Maykel Galindo, and Jorge Flores as one of four Red-and-White players to wear the bright yellow cleat for the first time on Wednesday morning.

“I’ve been wearing [Adidas] AdiPures for the last four or five years, but these are nice,” said Gavin, who hit a number of long crosses after practice to get the feel of the new cleats. “They’re definitely different. They’re incredibly light.”

The shoe comes in both synthetic and leather versions (watch the making of the shoe here), and retails for $200 on the Adidas official website. With a massive marketing push behind them, the shoes are likely to become the trendiest new cleats in international soccer.

“They feel good,” said Galindo. “I feel much faster and you can really feel the ball when you make contact with it.”

While it’s unclear yet whether the Goats’ players will begin wearing the shoe in official matches, they left impressed with the new technology from adidas.

“It’s a pretty nice cleat,” said Gavin. “You have to get used to them, but once you figure out how to strike the ball and position your foot, it’s better. I think I might start wearing them.”

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Stewart lands top job with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar

Former USMNT star Earnie Stewart has been named the technical director with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. (AZ Alkmaar)

AMSTERDAM – Former US National Team ace Earnie Stewart continued climbing the ladder of management success Tuesday, when he was named technical director with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

The Cheese Farmers, Dutch champions in 2009, slid to fifth place in the Eredivisie last term. With former director Marcel Brands off to PSV Eindhoven, Stewart steps in to run a club seeking to remain among the league’s elite the smart way.

When the American arrived at NAC in 2006, the club had just survived a frightening relegation scrape. Two seasons later, the Yellow Army finished third. This year, they made the first round proper of the Europa League.

This success with the southerners drew attention up north. Stewart quickly became the prime candidate to succeed Brands, and was quickly hired away from NAC and is delighted to be pulling strings in Alkmaar.

"It's a big step up from where I started at VVV Venlo," Stewart told MLSsoccer.com by phone on Thursday. "And then going to my old club, NAC Breda, and those four years were good. It's a tremendous step up in my career. I was very pleased and very happy even just hearing my name mentioned among other names as a candidate for this job. Once you're the person, it's a fantastic feeling."

Stewart was born in Neghel, Netherlands, and played in the top Dutch league from 1988 until 2003. He also earned 101 career caps with the US National Team, and scored the decisive goal in the Americans' 1994 World Cup memorable group play win over Colombia.

The move up comes a larger budget at AZ, perhaps even one twice the size of NAC Breda's. The thrifty executive says the added cash makes thing easier and harder at the same time.

"When you want to go get players, it makes it a little easier. Of course, when you have more money, it makes it easier to give money away – and that's something I don't like doing,” Stewart said. "The decisions are at another level, but I'm going to try to make the same types of decisions I've made over the last four years. Every Euro counts, and we gotta make sure that works the same way as with NAC."

AZ are busy fielding transfer offers, with the likes of Mexico defender Héctor Moreno and forward Moussa Dembélé making gossip headlines.

"We do expect that there's going to some players leaving," he said. "At this time, there are a couple players that have done well for AZ and are a hot commodity now. There are transfer talks going on about these players."

As one might expect, the greater means increases the possibility that someone could end up as Stewart's first ever American capture at AZ Stadion.

The Netherlands has bumped the minimum annual salary requirement for non-European Union signings up to €512,000 ($623,000). The man Dutch folks call "Earnest" admitted they can afford the right player, but made it clear he won't go out of his way to bring AZ their first American player.

"The chances are greater, yeah," said Stewart. "We have a bigger budget, we do have room for non-EU players. I still know a lot of players. Because I played in MLS, I saw some young players and some of them have developed over the years. On the other hand, we have a fantastic scouting system at AZ. They're going to be traveling all over the world so that we have great opportunities."

Stewart doesn't rule out one day bringing his management skills to America, but for now, assures that there is only one job on his mind.

"The club is doing well once again and we need to make sure it stays that way," Stewart said. "We have to make sure that we compete for European soccer every year."

"I'm grateful for everything I learned at VVV Venlo and NAC Breda, and I want to get better at what I'm doing at AZ. Whereever that ends, that's something for the future. Right now, I want to see if I can keep building my career at this wonderful branch."

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Shea Salinas (right) is the winner of this week's AT&T Goal of the Week. (Bob Levey/Getty)

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