McLain, the Challenge of Defending Chivas USA's Goal

Published on May 8, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


A month ago, goalkeeper Patrick McLain was watching from the stands at The Home Depot Center as Chivas USA defeated Colorado Rapids at home. He was waiting patiently for his moment to make his Major League Soccer debut, or, at the least, be on the bench for the Red-and-White. McLain got his opportunity this past weekend when he was called up to make the trip to Kansas City for Chivas USA's match-up against Sporting KC last Sunday; a game that unfortunately ended in a 4-0 loss for the Goats.

An apparent foul by Dan Kennedy on KC's Paulo Nagamura inside the box in the 54th minute of the match not only led to a penalty kick in favor of the home team, but Referee Baldomero Toledo issued the Chivas team captain a red card, forcing Coach Jose Luis Sanchez Solá, 'Chelis', to make a substitution that gave Patrick McLain his first MLS appearance.

"It was overall a good experience," said McLain in reference to his MLS Debut. "It wasn't an ideal situation to come into, but I feel that the things I could control, I controlled. It was unfortunate about the goals and at this point, I'm just looking forward to this weekend and to trying to help our team pick up three points."

In soccer, just as in life, there are opportunities that come and go without people's control; McLain's debut was one of those.

"You don't really get to pick or choose how you make your debut; it's just one of those things [that have to happen]. A lot of goalkeepers have to go in that way for their first time and it was unfortunate I didn't go in the right direction. But overall, it was a good experience," added the Wisconsin native.

This Sunday, goalkeeper Dan Kennedy will have to watch the Rebaño Angelino take on the Portland Timbers from his home, pushing Patrick McLain to make his first start with Chivas USA in the Week 11 match of the season. Even with the pressure on McLain, the 24 year-old 'keeper is feeling confident, receiving full support from his teammates and coaches.

"They're here, they see me at practice every day, they know what I'm capable of, and they support me and encourage me to continue doing the things that I do," he finalized.

Chivas USA return to training

Chivas USA's first training session in preparation for game vs. Timbers

Chivas USA today returned to full practice in their first of four morning training sessions programmed this week before heading North to face the Portland Timbers in a crucial Western Conference showdown on Sunday, May 12, beginning at 2 p.m. (PT) at JELD-WEN Field.

The Rojiblancos began their session with stretching and flexibility warm-ups under the supervision and instruction of strength and conditioning coach Osvaldo Scansetti. The first portion of the morning followed with a series of abdomen workouts for core strengthening.

The Red-and-White squad then broke out into small groups to rotate into different stages to conduct strength and balance drills with weighted balls and close-grip weights. The drills were conducted on flat surface stages as well as trampolines to maximize the resistance and difficulty of the drill. The groups then moved on to complete step and skip agility drills.

After rounding out the first half of training with a light team jog around the Home Depot Center's Field 6, the squad moved on to working on the ball in one-touch passing drills under the guidance of Head Coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola. Training culminated with a quick-paced nine-on-eight scrimmage which ran the width of the pitch for about 45 minutes to sharpen their skills in small spaces ahead of Sunday's match.

After which, the Red-and-White concluded the day with a cool-down session that included light.

Velazquez Leads by Example

Stopper JoaquÃ-n Velázquez, an experienced player vs. Timbers

The moment after Chivas USA goalkeeper and captain Dan Kennedy was shown a straight red in last Sunday's loss at Sporting Kansas City and was sent off in the 54th minute, he immediately turned to center back Joaquin Velazquez to hand him the captain's arm band.

Kennedy was sent off after the referee deemed he drew too much contact on Sporting's Paolo Nagamura as he crossed into the box in a brief one-on-one meeting, and for the first time all season, someone other than Kennedy assumed the role of captain for Head Coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola's squad. Though Manager ChelÃ-s has not yet indicated who will be named team captain for next Sunday's match at Portland, Velazquez, in his first season in MLS, is as good a candidate as any. At 37 years of age the veteran of Mexico's Primera Division knows that demonstrating leadership can be done in many subtle ways day in and day out.

"The biggest leadership skill is when someone first displays what they can do, and what they are asked to do," said Velazquez. "I can't demand or yell at someone unless I lead by actions. I try to set the example as far as effort, dedication and determination. And so far it has worked."

Since the start of the season, Velazquez and Kennedy have worked very closely during practice and games for a Red-and-White defense that plays with uncommon three-man backline in Major League Soccer. As the centerback, Velazquez is constantly in front of Kennedy, and has often been by the goal line to deny an opponent's shot on frame.

And just as he and the other Red-and-White defenders have been there for Kennedy, they will need to be there for goalkeeper Pat McLain, who was thrust into action when Kennedy was ejected, and who's first taste of MLS action came trying to deny a penalty shot coming off the bench.

"It's not the first time we've played together," added Velazquez. "[McLain] knows all the defenders well so there won't be an issue there. He's a young guy with lots of qualities who has worked with Kennedy and the coaches for a while."

Velazquez acknowledged that adjustments would need to be made leading up to Sunday's match against a Portland team that is ahead by three points in the standings. And with the Timbers' 14 goals and home field advantage, the Rojiblancos' defense will have one of their stiffest challenges thus far.

Minda's return on the horizon

Oswaldo Minda still recovering; his return is expected shortly

Chivas USA Head Coach Jose Luis Sanchez Solá's roster is almost complete. With the exception of Daniel Antunez, the majority of the injured players are recovering from their wounds and slowly returning to training. One of those players is Ecuadorian midfielder Oswaldo Minda.

For about five weeks, the Red-and-White medical staff has kept Minda sidelined from training due to a quad strain suffered after the match against Vancouver Whitecaps in Week 5 of the 2013 Major League Soccer season.

"I had an injury that is a bit complicated," said Minda after training on Wednesday. "This is my fifth week treating it and I just moved on to the physical aspect of the treatment. I hope to be back on the field as soon as possible so I can help my team."

Since suffering the injury, Minda has been getting treatment, and with the help of Chivas' medical staff he has slowly returned to regular training sessions with the first team.

"I've gotten a lot better. It's a long process because we're talking about a tear in a muscle where I put most of my weight on, which takes a much longer recovery than any other muscle injury. The important thing is that, thankfully, I'm recovering and I'm hoping to be back helping the team real soon," added the 30 year-old midfielder.

Even though Minda hopes to be back in action as soon as possible, he's still unsure if he'll be available for this Sunday's match against the Portland Timbers, as part of MLS Week 11.

"I'm going to try and see where I'm at on Thursday or Friday and then we'll decide if I'm ready or not. We have to be very careful with these injuries because they're a lot more complex. Sometimes you might feel that you're recovered and once you get back to work, you get injured again. We'll see where we're at either tomorrow or Friday," concluded Minda.

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