Ex-Galaxy stars relishing playoff SuperClásico
Nagamura, Saragosa, Jazic eager for Conference Semifinal with former club
Related
Adding to the sides' familiarity with one another is the fact that Chivas USA currently have several players on their roster who have played for the Galaxy, including Ante Jazic, Marcelo Saragosa and Paulo Nagamura. The three ex-Galaxy players are eager to face their old squad.
"Having played for the Galaxy as well, this SuperClásico is a big deal for me," said Saragosa. "It's an honor to be playing for Chivas USA now and to be defending those colors. I'm happy to be able to play in this series."
Saragosa played with the Galaxy from 2004 to midway through the 2006 season, winning both the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup with the team in 2005. He came to Chivas USA on July 17 in a trade with FC Dallas.
"The two teams are very different," said Saragosa of Chivas USA and LA. "The Galaxy were first in Los Angeles, but Chivas USA, because of its ties to the grand tradition of Chivas de Guadalajara, has a bit more intensity and passion I think."
Nagamura was also with the Galaxy during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The Brazilian made 58 appearances for the team before being traded to Toronto FC in 2007. He remembers the 2005 MLS Cup championship well.
"That was a weird year," said Nagamura. "We qualified in fourth place, but we believed that we could go all the way and that we had what it takes to go all the way. It's kind of the same position we're in now at Chivas USA.
"Nobody talks too much about Chivas USA," he continued. "I think a lot of people are underestimating us. But it's good to have all the hype on the other teams. It makes our team a little more focused and concentrated on the goal that we have."
Jazic played with the Galaxy from 2006 until he was traded to the Red-and-White on Jan. 15. He is excited for the playoff matchup, but is wary of his former team.
"The Galaxy have done a complete 180," said Jazic. "Bruce [Arena] has stabilized things. Defensively, they're really good, and they've got great goalkeeping. They're a hard-working team, and when you have players like Landon Donovan and David Beckham, the game can change in a flash. They're going to be a tough team to break down and we can't make any mistakes."
The two-leg playoff SuperClásico, which kicks off with Chivas USA's home game on Sunday, should be an electric affair for what will surely be a packed Home Depot Center.
"The SuperClásicos are always fun," said Jazic. "I know every player loves to play in them. The stadiums are going to be full and the fact that it's a playoff game makes it that much more important. I'm looking forward to it and I know all the players involved are as well."
With a 0-2-1 record against Los Angeles this season, Chivas USA are doubly eager to get some revenge in the postseason.
"It's always more fun to beat the Galaxy than any other team," said Nagamura. "They're our biggest rivals. It's always sweeter when you beat them. I hope that we have two great games and that we can get past them and move toward the MLS Cup."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
