The first-ever Playoff Super Clásico is in the books, and the exciting 2-2 draw leaves it all to play for in the second leg. With the way the Red-and-White looked in the second half, I like our chances.
As Sunday's game came to a close, I began to wonder about the title of the matchup. Was it really so "super?" Let's see.
Record attendance at The Home Depot Center? Check.
A rollercoaster game that saw Chivas USA claw its way back to secure a draw? Check.
A heated rivalry fueled by a few hard tackles and some verbal jousting between David Beckham and Yamith Cuesta? Check.
A tribute to Red-and-White legend Claudio Suárez in the 70th minute that included thousands of fans holding up signs with Claudio's number 2? Check.
Confetti cannons, streamers, thundersticks, and a crazy high school pep band playing throughout the match? Check.
A result that sets up a fierce game next Sunday? Check.
Well, it was definitely Super. Probably even more than just Super. You could even say it was Super Awesome.
So be sure to tune in to ESPN2 or ESPN Deportes next Sunday at 4.30 p.m. PT for the second leg of the first-ever Playoff Super Awesome Clásico.
On to the Awards!
Hollywood Corner
Where we remember that Chivas USA is in Hollywood's backyard.
Best Actor (the Man of the Match): Maykel Galindo
It's hard not to love Maykel Galindo. He's always smiling, he's always working hard on the field, and he dances when he scores a goal.
On Sunday, Galindo did it all. Scoring the equalizer just five minutes after coming on as a substitute, he then proceeded to annoy, frustrate, and bother the Galaxy defense for the rest of the game. He paid particular attention to hassling LA center-back Omar Gonzalez, who will be having nightmares about Galindo all week.
Best Supporting Actor (the guy you might not have noticed): Jonathan Bornstein
With Jonathan Bornstein's recent exploits with Chivas USA and the U.S. National Team recently, you'd expect the guy to take the field on Sunday wearing a cape.
Instead, Bornstein did what he always does; kept his head down and worked tirelessly to stymie a Galaxy attack that is lead by two of the biggest names in soccer. Chivas USA did concede two goals on Sunday, but Bornstein was not at fault on either and he did his share to prevent the Galaxy from having more opportunities.
I don't know if he has any interest in actually wearing a cape, but I'm happy to buy it for him if it helps him keep playing the way he's been playing.
The Villain (the thing from the match that we love to hate): Chris Birchall
If Chris Birchall's goal was to get me to hate him when he took out Michael Lahoud in the 27th minute, he succeeded. After all, this is soccer, not Mixed Martial Arts.
The best part, however, was the way that Sacha Kljestan, Paulo Nagamura, and other Chivas USA players came charging to the scene of the crime to protect the young rookie. It served as a good lesson for the Galaxy: if you mess with one goat, you mess with them all.
Oscar Moment (what you're remember from this game): Flores' Slide Tackle
David Beckham has notched 86 career goals, played in three senior World Cups, and won more than twenty individual and team trophies.
None of that mattered on Sunday, though, when young Jorge Flores performed a perfect slide tackle to nick the ball from the illustrious LA star. Beckham went tumbling to the ground while Flores calmly passed the ball up the field and trotted on his way.
PLAYOFF POWER RANKINGS
Where we take a look around the league and see who's in position to take the glory
1) Chivas USA
A strong comeback draw for Chivas USA puts them in good position for next Sunday's game against LA. Just gotta win one and it's on to the West championship.
Tied for 7th) Chicago, New England, Salt Lake, Columbus, Seattle, Houston
It doesn't really matter which ones of you make it through to the next round. The Red-and-White are taking the Cup this year, no matter who they have to beat to do it.
15) Los Angeles Be sure to tune in next Sunday, Aug. 8, at 4:30 p.m. PT on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. It's going to be fun.
Red-and-White Monday runs each week on cdchivasusa.com. Views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's, and not necessarily those of Chivas USA, Major League Soccer, or their respective websites. Send any questions and comments to the author at ChivasMonday@gmail.com.
