CARSON, Calif. -- The chants originated from behind the LA Galaxy bench and could be heard throughout StubHub Center. They began in earnest, while the game was still scoreless, but what transpired for Chivas USA in the latest SuperClásico only seemed to validate what their rivals’ fans had been passionately shouting: “This is our house!”
New ownership, a new coaching staff and new players brought newfound hope for the transitioning Rojiblancos, but there was nothing new about the 3-0 loss at the hands of their foes across the hall. The Goats lacked energy, according to head coach Wilmer Cabrera, and that led to their 16th loss in the last 21 games against the Galaxy.
“We didn’t show sharpness; we didn’t show fire,” Cabrera told reporters. “In a game like this, you can’t come out flat because [the Galaxy] will make you pay. They did that.”
The Goats shipped three goals for the second time this season and left the pitch tied with the Portland Timbers for most goals conceded in MLS with 10 total through the first five weeks. Players admitted there is work to be done defensively, but the most disheartening thing for Cabrera was the lack of a counter to LA's offensive prowess.
Chivas USA were outshot 19-5 and held just 42 percent of possession just one week after a promising road performance against the New York Red Bulls.
“Since I’ve been here, this was the worst game,” Cabrera said. “As a team, individually and collectively, we didn’t play well. From the beginning it didn’t feel good and the team never looked good. This was not a game we could take lightly, especially with the LA Galaxy. They outplayed us and we were never a threat. We never came back. It was a very, very bad day for all of us.”
The Galaxy improved to 9-2-3 as the designated visiting side in the series and have won the last three head-to-head matchups by a combined 9-0 scoreline. Chivas USA, who have only one SuperClásico victory since the start of the 2008 season, were left to pick up the pieces once again.
“There are no excuses,” Chivas midfielder Mauro Rosales told reporters. “The were superior than us. The Galaxy showed very well and proved they have very good players to control games.”
Chivas USA (1-2-2), adjusting with a new left back in Andrew Jean-Baptiste and missing center back Bobby Burling and midfielder Oswaldo Minda for the third straight game, failed to adjust after the Galaxy went into halftime leading by two. Cabrera said he told his side they would be fine if they found a way to cut the deficit in half, but it was the Galaxy who scored a third time just nine minutes after the break.
The Goats never found their shape. They lacked combination play and creativity, with their first on-target shot arriving in the 81st minute.
Mentally, the latest loss might have meant more.
“Psychologically, you’re left hurt,” foward Erick 'Cubo' Torres told reporters. “We’ve got to try to lift ourselves and see what comes ahead. We don’t have a choice but to close our mouths and work hard.”
