Statistically, Ante Razov has been a key member of Chivas USA this season. With 11 goals and eight assists, the veteran striker had pieced together one of his finest campaigns.
Aside from the numbers, Razov has been one of the team's unquestionable leaders during this campaign.
Razov's 2007 season came to a crushing halt last Thursday. Towards the end of Chivas USA's scoreless draw at FC Dallas, Razov sprained his left knee while attempting to turn away a Denilson free kick. Tests showed ligament damage and Razov is out for six weeks -- essentially the remainder of the season.
Now, Chivas USA will have to make do without one of their leaders at the most critical time of the season.
"He's a big part of this team both on and off the field. He's a big loss for us," Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan said. "But we have to find a way. That's what good teams do. Guys step up, guys have an opportunity and when they get those opportunities they have to take a hold of it and not let go."
Chivas USA had their first opportunity to play without the hobbled Razov but the club failed its first test. Colorado scored a late goal playing a man down as the Rapids dealt Chivas USA their first home setback with a 2-1 victory.
Rookie John Cunliffe started in place of Razov but the youngster was largely ineffective. Laurent Merlin came on during the second half and added some spark to the offense. While Orlando Perez eventually broke through, Chivas USA lost nonetheless.
While the finishing was off, the chances were there. At the very least, Chivas USA players showed coach Preki that the club could still generate offense without Razov.
"We've got to find a way to score goals without him," Preki said. "We had plenty of opportunities. It wasn't that we didn't have opportunities. As a coach, I would be worried if we didn't create any chances. But when you create this many, it's disappointing that we don't put them away."
The injury ruins one of the season's best forward tandems. Prior to the start of the season, one of the club's major question marks was how to replace outgoing forward Francisco Palencia. Speed was a major necessity in finding a complement to Razov, and Preki found it and more in Maykel Galindo. The Cuban striker added blazing speed as well as timely finishing and quickly learned to play alongside Razov.
"We all know what Ante contributes and the type of player he is," Galindo said. "It's difficult. We've been together the entire season and I think we've done well together."
While the speed factor is still there, Razov's presence on the field is no more. But in Cunliffe and Merlin, the cupboard is not exactly barren.
Unlike last season, when Razov's absence in the final playoff game contributed to Chivas USA's ouster from the postseason, the club has capable replacements this time around.
"The difference between this year and last year -- a big one -- is the depth on our bench," defender Jonathan Bornstein said. "Last year, we only had one or two guys who could step in but this year we have four or five who can step in, not just coming in and giving a little lift but actually scoring goals and getting assists and adding a lot to our team. Before we worried if one of these guys were hurt but now one of these guys can step in and give another element to the team."
Preki will likely start either Cunliffe or Merlin alongside Galindo in the postseason. In Cunliffe, Preki has a young player who has shown a scorer's touch but is still somewhat raw and developing his all-around game. Merlin is an adept passer who often finds the back of the net in training sessions. Or Preki could opt for Ramon Nunez, a midseason acquisition from FC Dallas who can play up top or in the middle of the park.
Having worked with those players in training day in and day out, teammates feel strong about replacing Razov.
"We know Ante is an important piece of this team. He's a goal scorer, and that's how he makes his living," midfielder Francisco Mendoza said. "But I have faith in the backups. I have a lot of confidence in all of them. Great teams distinguish themselves because of their depth. They have good rosters with both dependable starters and capable backups. Unfortunately Ante is gone but we have Cunliffe and Merlin who both can handle it."
Against the Rapids, Mendoza did not play because of a slight groin injury. And while the club scored a goal, it came from someone who is not expected to pick up the scoring slack. Perez bagged just his third career goal in the losing effort, his first since 2003.
The veteran player said that Razov's absence is another person's chance to prove their worth to the club.
"He's been a key player since he's been here. It's tough when you have a rhythm with him and Maykel up top that they work well together and as of late they've been doing real well together, playing off each other, getting goals," Perez said. "Losing Ante is going to be tough for us but at the same time it gives someone else the opportunity to prove themselves to Preki and to the team."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
