Major League Soccer

MLS Playoffs: Underdog Chivas USA Determined Ahead Of SuperClasico

Chivas USA tends to lose against the LA Galaxy as well as in the first round of the playoffs. Now the Goats will have to reverse both trends at once to progress.

Oct 31, 2009 1:46:27 AM

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Paulo Nagamura, Chivas USA, MLS (ISI)

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Chivas USA

CARSON, Calif. -- Since its inception, Chivas USA has only gotten the better of the derby clashes with the Los Angeles Galaxy in one year, 2007. The Galaxy edged the other four seasons, including the meetings in this year's regular season.

With no major trophies to show, lower attendance, a shorter history, and a knack for under performing in the playoffs, it's no wonder Chivas defender Jonathan Bornstein says he feels as if the club is in the Galaxy's shadow.

"Ever since Chivas' inception Galaxy's gotten a lot more coverage," the United States international said. "They've been around a little bit longer, they've established themselves. Chivas has always taken a little of their shadow. It's all good, I always liked being the guy who comes out from below the coverage and rises."

Bornstein did just that when he popped up from the fourth round of the MLS SuperDraft to nip the 2006 MLS Rookie Of The Year award. Now, he's attempting to perform a similar feat with his club. Chivas USA face the Galaxy in the first round of the playoffs -- a round, incidentally, the Goats have never passed.

One player who has seen later rounds is midfielder Paulo Nagamura, who won the MLS Cup with LA back in 2005. He's hoping to share that experience with his teammates as he prepares to face his old club.

"Five years now in the league, I can say I have a little bit of experience of how to deal with things in this league," the Brazilian said. "Whatever I can do to help our team, I'm going to do."

Instead of the Chivas side that has faltered at the first hurdle of the playoffs, Nagamura says this time will be different. His voice carried a new passion, a new authority as hhe spoke of the alterations needed to beat the Galaxy.

"We lost two out of the tree games this year, so we have to do something different in order to win the game," Nagamura said, his voice almost a growl. "You're definitely going to see a different Chivas, a Chivas with a different mentality, a different attitude. A team that is going to step on the field looking for the win from the very first second."

Andrea Canales, Goal.com, with assistance from Zac Lee Rigg in Seattle

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