CARSON, Calif -- When the 2010 MLS season comes to a close, there will be many questions asked of Chivas USA head coach MartĂn Vásquez. The first-year manager has struggled to create consistency within his squad and looks destined to preside over the first Red-and-White team to not make the playoffs since 2005.
But Vásquez will tell you all that himself. He has no allusions that 2010 has been a perfect season for the Goats.
“We have a group of guys that are responsible and honest; there are no excuses,” Vásquez said of his squad. “We need to focus on these [last 5] games because there’s still a lot to play for. We can all finish strong and at least have something to build on.”
With pride on the line and slim chances of a postseason appearance still alive, Vásquez insists that the last five games of Chivas USA’s season will be taken very seriously by the boys in Red-and-White. If nothing else, a strong showing in October will take the team out on a high note.[inline_node:319684]
“Right now, we need as many as games as we can play,” Vásquez said. “I wish we had another 20, but these five – [we’ll] play those games and still grow, learn and get some consistency. That’s how we want to finish.”
Chivas USA have struggled lately, going just 2-4 in their last six matches. Most recently, the team fell 3-0 against Philadelphia in a match that saw the Goats dominated by an incisive Philadelphia attack that kept the Red-and-White on their heels.
“There are no excuses like in the game against Philadelphia,” Vásquez said of the performance. “We all have to raise our hands and say it wasn’t our best. We’ve been inconsistent, but that was one of those games that you just have. I think we’re over it. Now we’re focusing on the Los Angeles Galaxy.”
Vásquez will have a chance to stamp his name on the 2010 season with a win in Sunday's SuperClásico. Chivas USA haven’t beaten Los Angeles in over 35 months and a victory against their hated rivals would go a long way for both the team and its fans.
“We’re playing to win,” Vásquez said of the SuperClásico. “For us, it’s a big game. We’re not trying to salvage the season, but we put the season on the side and we play to win this game.”
