Soccer Goals: After garnering a great deal of attention for the recent acquisition of forward Jesus Padilla, a different figure, and forgotten player, showed up in Chivas USA's 2-0 victory over Toronto FC. Appearing to have snapped out of his funk, Sacha Kljestan, the Goat's red-haired stepchild, sent out a message after scoring his first goal, silencing the crowd by shushing with his finger. In a moment of relief, the US Olympic midfielder expressed his frustration of being put on the back burner by almost everyone; Coach Bradley, Preki, and USMNT supporters.
These soccer videos feature Chivas USA 2-0 victory over TFC
Since his failed Celtic trial, where the two entities could not reach an agreement on his transfer price, Sacha Kljestan resembled a player uninterested (much like Brad Guzan the year before transfering to Aston Villa), apparent by his poor play for both club and country. After being omitted for the Gold Cup and Mexico qualifier and hearing of Stuart Holden's great exploits, the Chivas midfielder remains an outsider to make the USMNT.
One can assume that after hearing about the recent signee's exploits, Kljestan had enough, starting the game as a player possessed, running at defenders, hustling for loose balls, and appearing the more impressive between Padilla and Kljestan. Although his two goals proved invaluable and impressive, it was his overall play that suggested that the once long-haired midfielder has regained his swagger.
With nine games remaining and possibly more if the Goats qualify for the playoffs, Kljestan now can impress both Coach Bradley and doubters that he can perform at a high level, proving that his recent stretch of bad play was an aberration. It appears that the recent signing of Jesus Padilla has really lit a fire under Sacha.
Jesus Padilla adapts to MLS Play in his Chivas USA debut.
Before he even stepped on the pitch, soccer bloggers had been clamoring and waiting in anticipation for his debut. From the start of the game, it was evident that the young midfielder struggled with the high pressure common place in the MLS but did offer glimpses of his attacking prowess. As the game progressed and duing the the conclusion, it became apparent that Padilla began to find a rhythm and better define his role on the field.
If both Kljestan and Padilla can facilitate deadly offenisve sequences from the wing, Chivas USA could become a dangerous squad heading towards the final stretch of the season and playoffs. With the addition of Brazilian foward Maicon Santos, who also impressed in his debut, the offense could be revived as they fight for a playoff berth.
What did you think of Kljestan's brace? Will Padilla adjust quickly to the MLS game? Were you impressed with Maicon Santos? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Kljestan nets a brace - Is he back?
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