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Chivas Tries To Continue Perfect Start vs. L.a.
posted 04/10/09 11:11 pm
ABC 7 News - Chivas Tries To Continue Perfect Start vs. L.a.
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(Sports Network) - Chivas USA coach Preki said "we haven't played as well as we are capable of playing," but the team has quietly started with three straight wins to match expansion Seattle Sounders FC as the only perfect clubs.

Preki pieced together a lineup in the first three weeks and short-handed Chivas responded with wins over Colorado, FC Dallas and Columbus.

Overshadowed by the Sounders' great start - 3-0 without a goal allowed - Chivas will try to continue its own impressive start in the first SuperClasico of the season against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday night.

"We haven't played as well as we are capable of playing," Preki said. "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."

Preki has been without numerous players this season, and the injury report is full again this weekend. Bobby Burling (hernia), Ante Jazic (concussion), Dan Kennedy (knee), Claudio Suarez (calf), Lawson Vaughn (ankle), Sasha Victorine (knee) are all ruled out. Also, Justin Braun (knee) and Maykel Galindo (hernia) are both doubtful, while Alecko Eskandarian (hip) is probable.

Eduardo Lillingston has been huge for Preki and Chivas early this year, scoring in the last two matches after being removed at halftime of the season opener.

"So far he's been decent. Three games, two goals, two game-winners, but ... we're not easy to please on that coaching staff," Preki said. "We're looking for more from him. We want him to move better on the field, we want him to get more touches on the ball.

"I think he's getting a little more game fitness, he's getting a little bit sharper than he was, and hopefully he can progress."

Los Angeles, which is without David Beckham until July, has yet to pick up a win this season and coach Bruce Arena was not pleased with the team's effort in last week's 3-2 loss to Colorado.

"Let's not kid anybody, our performance was terrible," Arena said. "Let's not shy away from it. It's a poor performance and I take the responsibility for it.

"I'm embarrassed for our fans and for our organization and that's what I told our team. There are no excuses for some of the goals we gave up tonight. We're going to get this team better but I can't tell you how disappointed I am from the individual performances tonight and some of the decision-making."

The Galaxy played Colorado again Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup, and the Galaxy were knocked out of the competition on penalty kicks.

Los Angeles did have success against Chivas last season, though, winning the first meeting before the teams tied the last two matches. Landon Donovan scored a hat trick in the first match last season, a 5-2 L.A. win, and the Galaxy will rely on him this weekend again.

Arena has injury concerns with Leonard Griffin (hernia) out, Edson Buddle (quadriceps), Todd Dunivant (ankle), Mike Magee (foot) and Donovan Ricketts (groin) questionable, and Eddie Lewis (hamstring) probable. Dema Kovalenko also isn't available due to suspension.

L.A. and Chivas also meet on July 11 and Aug. 29.



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