Galindo becoming powerful weapon for Chivas
Red-and-White forward has pair of goals in last three games
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The goal was Galindo's fourth of the year in league and cup play, and his second in three games. The Cuban striker has been growing in confidence recently and has become a powerful weapon for the Red-and-White as they head into the second leg of the playoff SuperClásico on Sunday.
"I'm feeling good," said Galindo of his recent form. "I feel at a much higher level now than I did even in the summer."
The 2009 season has been a welcome change for Galindo after having spent most of 2008 on the sidelines. Three separate sports hernia surgeries last year saw the 28-year-old appear in just 10 games for Chivas.
"We all know about what happened to me last season, not being able to play because of the operations," said Galindo. "And the beginning of this year was difficult for me too because it's hard to regain your form and your confidence after you've been out for so long with injuries. But after playing again this season and doing all the training through the year, I feel much better."
Galindo joined Chivas USA in February 2007 from the Seattle Sounders, then of the USL First Division. He quickly made a name for himself, scoring 12 goals and notching five assists in his first MLS campaign. He finished the regular season this year with three goals and two assists, but the striker is happy with his progress after the injuries of 2008.
"It hasn't been a bad year for me," he said. "I was able to be back with the team training every day, and I was able to finally feel healthy again after my injuries. I've had some difficult moments here and there, but the team is in the playoffs and I think we're playing well as we look for our first championship."
Galindo was dominant in the second half of last Sunday's match, playing with a level of confidence that had been absent for much of the season. The swagger was so apparent that Chivas USA head coach Preki even said during the postgame press conference that it had been "the real Maykel Galindo" on the field.
"What's important for me specifically is my confidence," said Galindo. "And right now, I have confidence. I have confidence in my teammates as well as my ability to hold the ball and run at opposing players."
While Galindo is happy with his late-season success, he is quick to point out that he still has a lot of work to do.
"I have to keep training hard if I want to continue this good form," he said. "Working hard every single day in practice keeps me physically fit and mentally ready to play."
This Sunday, the Red-and-White will again face off against the LA Galaxy for the right to play in the Western Conference Championship. After his strong showing in the first match, Galindo is ready to go for round two.
"I have is good mobility and good speed," said Galindo. "If the Galaxy defense gives me space to run, I can take advantage of that and exploit it. Thankfully, they gave me a little space during the second half last Sunday and I was able to tie it up for us. Hopefully I'll get that space again."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
