Who Are These Guys?!?! Galaxy 5-2 Chivas

Note: it won't resolve the what kind of U.S. media should Becks do issue, but if anyone wants links to statements and/or interviews that answer the kinds of questions PocketKing posed FYI, let me know and I'll either send a bunch to Laurie or post them in a comment -- and I'm sure mag and others have some clippings of their own.

PocketKings, the only thing I have to offer here beyond agreeing with one or the other of the player assessments, is having followed European soccer for many years. So I've read Beckham's answers to all of the questions you pose, on numerous occasions, in fact in both English and Spanish, in the international football press. He answered quite a few frequently during the period around his 100th cap last month. And I read something almost every week about how he compares MLS to La Liga and the Premiership, so he must be telling someone.

I would like to see him do more local interviews because he's been more fun to listen to (football fun not when are you going to shave fun) in the past when speaking to local sports reporters he's gotten to know.

Henry and Beckham are old friends. And on any given day most European and Latin American players who aren't acquaintances have access to about as much information from Beckham as we are provided with from the opposing quarterbacks going into the Superbowl. As do most fans around the world. So I don't think the international media is an issue -- beyond the verity of their stories anyway.

FFF? A lot of football fans got too annoyed with those guys to watch anymore some time ago, and why would anyone who is not already a fan be watching?

Pocketkings, I couldn't agree more

Pocketkings: I couldn't agree more

Robert, you are an interesting man, and for that you deserve a beer. I totally agree about banning the people that cross the line from fan to idiot.

It's a game. Having said that, I cursed at Guzan for not going into Gordon with a knee, and knocking him off balance. But I would never scream at opposing fans. In fact, I shudder when Chivas fans and LAG fans trade insults. Remember the AYSO pledge, be a good fan... be positive for your team.... Its corny, but it really is the way to go. Lets compete with chants back and forth instead of bottles and flares.

Pocketkings: You are right there are plenty to go around including our side. I didn't see any of the trouble in the lot, I exit out the other end of the stadium. I believe anyone caught doing these things needs to be delt with by the law and banning from the HD. My kids play for a Chivas club team in Ventura county and we go to alot of Chivas games, (Although I am a Galaxy season ticket Galaxy holder)they can wear ther Chivas gear to a Galaxy game with no trouble but I wouldn't feel comfortable letting them wear any Galxay gear to a Chivas game. I would be happy to share a beer with you at the HD.

Steve Cronin needs to be replaced immediately. He looks extremely shaky in goal. The second Chivas goal could have easily been prevented by Cronin. Yeah Xavier slipped or whatever he did, but when that ball went to the goal line off to the side of the goal, Cronin should have been there to clean up the mess. First he hesitated to run over to cut off the angle, then when he got there he dove in with his feet on top of it all he dove with hands toward the goal line. Being an experienced goalie myself, he should have slid in with feet toward goal line and hands out the other way to intercept any attempted cross. Also on the first, yeah it was basically unstoppable, but seeing what Cronin did told me something. He saw the shot, cut the angle and turned and looked at the ball go into the goal. Where's the anticipation for a shot? Where's the reaction? Where's the effort to at least dive and stick a hand up there? The guy is a trash goalie. I have seen to many mistakes from this guy on things that could have been easily prevented. Oh and spare me the "he's young and inexperienced." He lacks some basic goalkeeper 101 but most importantly he has no presence, no confidence, no anticipation and he's scared. He plays scared.

Justin: fair enough... he shouldn't have jumped on your car.

But the FFF guys totally admitted that it would be the softest interview, because they are star struck with Becks. I think that they are just mad that they are getting shunned.

Oh Pocketkings I was not going to hit him just drive forward when he was on top of my car.

Would you go on a show that is always making fun of you and others on your team. I wouldn't I would go on everything except that show. lol

Just glad I wasn't in the parking lot...

Pocket Kings is right about Becks and the FFF, ESPN (arsehats) shunning. It's lame and he's gotta show up if he wants me to believe he's here to promote the game in the US. You don't snub the major footy fan shows and claim you're promoting the game. puhleeze.

To Robert: I already admitted that Chivas USA has some knuckleheaded fans.... but does the coach really have any control over supporter groups in the parking lot? But like I said, I'm not denying ours.... can you admit that you have some that are just as bad?!?

Laurie: Ahem, er, uh, well, thank you for not rubbing it in rudely. You are a shining example for all Galaxy fans to follow. And from one American citizen (but more importantly... a human being) to another, I appreciate it.

Justin: Hitting someone with your car is no laughing matter, but at least you didn't engage in the Hooligan shenanigans that both side's extremists fans try to engage in. Bye the bye, this Chivas USA supporter does not condone any of those actions and I never take my anger out on fans of the opposing team. I'm the kind of guy that would buy you a beer at the end of a game if your side won... so please don't lump the vast majority of fans into the hooligan side. There are a vocal and crazy group. But I wouldn't lump you in with the Galaxy fans that cursed at me and my 3 year old son in the parking lot after the first Derby last year.

Box: I know that Becks doesn't play with the USMNT. But can you honestly say that LD played in the World Cup with the same intensity as the last few LAG games? I can't. LD was quoted in an article that he chastises himself for not playing with that same intensity. For me, LD is my Blanco. When he is on the other team, I passionately dislike him (but respect his moments of skill), but when he plays for the National Team, I get to "golf clap" the few good plays, but become easily frustrated when he doesn't bring the "A" game on a consistent basis and be the person that changes the course of "Important" games!

Beck's promoting the game?!? Really?!? I thought his purpose was to play soccer (in fact, those were his own words). Being on those programs is just fine and dandy for making people aware of MLS, but that ship has sailed. He did that last year. People know that he is here. Now how about a little interview for the soccer fan?! Pre/post-game interviews are rarely televised on US Media.

I respect the man's abilities. But now I want to hear him field questions from people with some history with the game. Doesn't it bother you that we know more about his wife's 3 day birthday party than about how he felt during the Greece game? Don't you want to know what was on his mind at that moment? What about his impressions between the MLS, Prem, and La Liga? What about Capello's style of coaching? Promoting the game is a collateral benefit. Besides, if he did more interviews talking about the current game with international press and with soccer pundits (no offense Soccer bloggers and US sports press that actually show up and follow the game... Do you think Thierry Henry watches Ellen?) then we might have more European/South American players considering MLS (which would force MLS to increase the salary cap). I respect that you believe what you said, but I (and according to Beck's interviews after signing with the LAG) totally disagree that Beck's purpose is to promote the game.

WoW! Didn't see that coming. Donovan and Beckham are looking like worldbeaters. With Ruiz, they could break all kinds of scoring records.

to PocketKings..some respons to your XI comments. ;>

..4th: err..maybe it's because Beckham is not in the US National Team?? ;)

..7th: don't you think that it's the same with the David Beckham: Soccer in America at Fox Channel, where the program features other MLS players than Becks himself? you must remember that Becks' purpose in US is to promote the sport in US, which indirectly promote the local players there, so that the fans knows who their players are and the game very well. that's why it is a good thing that your players / other players get on TV constantly - ppl already know who's Becks, now it's the time for these players.

and you are wrong if you said Becks' done nothing soccer-related. you see..he's been interviewing week in, week out before and after EACH game, so..he has been talking so much now about football/soccer. and all of his appearance on TV were soccer-related - whether it's Snoop's, Ellen, Jay Leno etc.. you must remember again, that Becks' purpose in US is to promote soccer to the unknown/ignorance fans or ppl who don't know or don't care about soccer before. all of them care about entertainment, so..with Becks appearing on these TV shows, he attracts the new fans!! why do you think the HDC now, or anywhere else, FULL everytime the Galaxy plays? ;D

thank you!

Next time I jump on a Chivas fans car you can then tell me our fans are bad in the parking lot. I had a group of chivas assholes go by us and one ickhead (left one letter off) jumped on my car and ran over it oh yeah funny funny. He is so lucky I didnt have it in gear yet or he would have been on his ass. As I got out of my car cops on horses came rushing through so I thought oh well no dents so whatever but there is a large group of chivas supporters that are asses, and I hope a whole lot of them were arrested. haha

PocketKings, you'll get no argument from me. Pretty evenhanded.

And yes, we did outplay you. :-)

Next time Preki is on FFF someone ask him if his supporters throwing flares onto the feild last year near Joe Cannon was "a crap move" It's going to be fun this year!

Here's my XI comments.......................
1st: I'm a Chivas USA fan
2nd: Ouch, 5-2 hurts.
3rd: I am anticipating your GM to make quite a few inappropriate remarks, which will make me dislike him even more.
4th: Why can't LD do that for the National Team against, oh... Ghana, Italy, and Poland?
5th: I'm still a Chivas USA fan!
6th: Your coach, Ruud, gave some very classy remarks after the game, and I respect that (much like Preki and all the Chivas players do on the Fox Soccer Channel when doing interviews... unlike your GM!)
7th: Doesn't it bother you that 3 players and our head coach have been on Fox Football Phone-in interviews in the last 2 seasons, and the only LAG member that has been on is your GM - who doesn't represent your team very well. Why does Becks do so much b.s TV stuff (Snoop Doggs, Ellen, etc....) and nothing about soccer (FoxFootballPhone-in or ESPN or even KNBC Fred Rogan)?
8th: Your guys hustled, and you deserved the win (I can admit that after a lot of deep breaths). You out played us this time.
9th: I hope this defeat solidifies our team, and gives us the kick in the ass that we need. That and a couple of healthy weeks.....
10th: I will be looking forward to the next LA Derby.
11th: And even with the unflattering comments that I am anticipating after this post (which will only confirm what I've seen in the parking lot after going to a few Derby games - *** But not that some of our fans are any better***) I'm still a Chivas USA fan.

Donovan celebrated one of his goals infront of the Chivas Bench, they didn't like it so some words were exchanged but it was not any different than when Sasha was giving us supporters the kung fu move. Ruud tried to make things good between the sides and was walked away from them by security back to our bench. Preki later called Donovan's celebration move crap. lol

Just watched replay of game...anyone know what was said from Preki and Chivas goalie coach to Donovan??

Makai Pfeiffer was sitting in front of us and seemed to enjoy the game even though my cell phone hit him in the head when I jumped up after LD's second goal. It was a great game and the Chivas fans aroung us had a good time. I went to a Chivas home game against the GALS last year and ended up with a beer all over me. Seems the hospitality doesn't go both ways.

Tucker, the Cubans were cut lose a week or so ago. It's the second link in this post on the Official blog. http://thelagalaxy.blogspot.co...

Wenger...one word on the transfers...XAVIER!!

Great game showed Chivas who is boss. But what ever happened to the Cuban under 23 players. Anyone know Still on trial? or sent away?

Rudd is getting the team to gel and it's starting to pay off and it's shown in the last two games. Second half performances have been fantastic and the conditioning is really showing to where they can keep on pushing forward. The defense made some mistakes but the 1st goal for Chivas was a good strike that you can't do much about where as the second goal was a complete blunder on the defense that needs to be eliminated and I think we'll be fine. Cronin still worries me a little with his positioning at times. Great game for the Galaxy and MLS!!!

Its only been 5 games with all the new faces on the team we just need them to learn each other. I don't know if bringing anyone else in is going to be something that we do.

Ill say it again.. "OH LANDON DONOVAN"... My bo does it again. is that guy out of his Mind or what? 8 goals in 5 games, Hmm must of been Biancas recent FM shoot.."wink,wink". What a Atmosphere, the ACB was rocking baby, we had almost the whole GA section apart from the savages that are the Legion singing along. Tis was Great! I love it. Cant forget to mention that Tom cruise and Wayne Gretzky were at hand, and get this, Makai pfeiffer was there. He didn't come in through the VIP entrance,He walked with us(ACB) at the end of the game and stated that it was also his 1st footie match and that,YES, he is a GAlaxy fan. lol.. Who knew? Anyone else see him? Wish i had my camera so id of taken a Pic of him.

Great game last night. Games like these help tremendously. The better the games, the more respect the MLS gets!

Great game last night. I really enjoyed watching it. Games like these really make fans believe in the league and its potential!

so our offence is getting in shape...i think it is now time to get the defence in shape....any names for transfer?

Ok ok Klein may have been a little off but David you saying we should trade him is one of the dumbest things I have ever read. Do you even understand the connection Becks and him have the way they move the ball with each other. And the Goal by Sasha not Kleins fault X got shaken out of his shoes. Its the way our LB and RB's push so far forward that put so much onto the CB's. We will give up dumb goals like that from time to time. This season our best defense is going to ball possession. Any ways the crowd was amazing last night we were so loud and at the right times to like when there was a good slide tackle like two from Franklin the crowd was right on it. Its starting to turn into a great atmosphere there. My wife said to me this morning that 2 weeks is such a long time. She loves going to the games, I do also, we do not miss any home games.

Definite credit to Gullit on the fitness level of the team.

David, bite your tongue about trading Klein! One mediocre game in how many above average or outstanding games? And Chivas' game plan was specifically to exploit our right side as much as possible because that side plays up so much. We just need to make better adjustments. And at one point Klein served a gorgeous, GORGEOUS ball right over the defense to Landon (I think it was Landon).

Another interesting thing to note about how well LAG are doing. In the past 2 games, only one substitute has been used. Most guys are playing the full 90, and the second halves have been where some great playing have been going on. The fitness level is astounding, and the team's control of pace and focus is impressive. Credit must be given to Gullit and staff as well.

What a game...man!!! Donovan is on fire. I knew Gordon had this in him. I hope he continues, cause Ill be happy if I don't see Buddle moping around the field for another few games. What's also encouraging is that not everyone had their best game. Klein was definitely off, Beckham wasn't as spectacular as normal, and Franklin was good,(his technical skills are something else) but not the great player he's been the past couple of games. He did help create a goal and was solid after the first half-hour, so I can't really be too critical.
Franchino has proven to be a good addition (dare I assume this was a Lalas choice, yet a very good one). I still really worry about Vanney though.
But..wow..the atmosphere in HDC was electric last night.

That may have been the most entertaining MLS match that I have seen. FC Dallas is my team, but first and foremost I am a fan of MLS and last nights result was fantastic for the Galaxy and the league. I was very impressed with the play of Franchino and Randolph. It also appears that they may get out of Gordon what they expected to get out of Nate Jaqua last season.

Wow. This morning I feel like I had some great sex last night! Except my husband was sleeping. What. A. Game!!!!

Damn, Donovan is gonna break 20 goals this season! I'm not sold on Gordon yet, but a few more performances like this and I'll forget how much I despised him the first three weeks.

As the guy in front of me said, "This is sexy football!"

I could say I told you so, but....WTH....I TOLD YOU SO! Thats for all the nay sayers and negative thinkers regarding Gordo! Before you start, yes the second goal was opportunistic but the first one was all his tenacity and not giving up. Helps that your tall too...As for Xavier, deflected the first goal into the net, thanks for the help....we can't score 5 goals every game to make up for still some shoddy defense. And I will say it again the center referee was rubbish. Good game LAG, us fans dug it!

I was at the HDC. Wow. Great night. We had a small (and friendly) group of Chivas fans in our section. They kept chanting "Chivas." At one point, we started chanting back Galaxy and I swear that four sections of the stadium joined in and roared it so loud that we could not hear their response.

Gordon was finally good! Randolph was great (there is a reason why the LA Times called him a revelation last year). Donovan and Beckham were what you would expect. Buddle was okay, but missed some chances. Cronin was okay. Franchino made a big difference. Even Xavier came through tonight. The two of them put a much better lock on the middle.

Klein, unfortunately, was awful tonight. Four times, at least, Chivas came down the right side and Xavier had to come out of the middle because Klein was nowhere to be seen. One of those times resulted in a goal for Chivas. And his offensive contribution was minimal at best. Much as I hate to say it, we should probably trade him for a real right back. He is a great right midfielder, but we already have one of those.

This team is finally looking like, well, a team. Let's hope they can keep it up. And I can't wait for Ruiz to come back and give us to threatening forwards, with Gordon and Buddle as the backups. Now that's a strike force.

The Portland Timbers defeat the Seattle Sounders and Alan Gordon gets a brace. What a glorious night.

great game, Donovan looks so confident right now- what we've been waiting for and it's great to see Gordon grab a couple goals. that second goal for Chivas was a complete LAG backline breakdown. still makes me feel uneasy going forward.