MLS Franchise Power Rankings: #17 Chivas USA

In our second entry of MLS Franchise Power Rankings we look at our #17 team.

17th Chivas USA.


Robin Fraser…well done.

This is how optimistic I am about Robin Fraser: his inclusion makes them not last. Despite being the most irrelevant club in MLS, the Goats have arguably the best up and coming coach in the US (Caleb Porter being his greatest challenger).

But before we get into Fraser, Vanney, the youth academy and Chivas’ roster, let’s look at the framework behind this roster.

The Men Who Stare at Goats

Well it’d be nice if there were more but there aren’t many who’d disagree the Goats have found themselves in a quandary.

Most know the story. The branding of the team “Chivas USA” failed to win over the Hispanic crowd, owner JorgeVergara cares much more about the Guadalajara franchise, the team will always be second fiddle to the star laden Galaxy, and they lack their own stadium.
All are big hurdles. Many discuss name changes, a new stadium, or even relocation. However, as none are planned as of yet let’s proceed with their current predicament.

Chivas USA’s best chance to build up their brand outside of blowing it up is based upon MLS’ success. Theoretically if MLS continues to grow, possibly wins a couple of CONCACAF Champions League and begins to stand up well against Mexican squads Vergara may begin to invest more in his Carson based squad…

…but Chivas USA is fighting an uphill battle. Only DC United is in a worse situation (but at least their brand is respected and can help them pull through their quandary…which will be discussed in their entry).

Corona Light

Yet this has all been accepted by Chivas USA. And they’ve moved on with great hires.

Nick Theslof has been hired as technical director. Theslof has been very successful helping develop the best youth system on the west coast over the past year (he has experience at PSV and Bayern Munich as well). Chivas USA plays the game right at the youth levels…they keep the ball on the ground and play players up when the talent begs it. They’re building these squads with players often overlooked by the pay-to-play club and are surely due for an influential performer or two (Daniel Castro, 18 year old striker is said to be due for an HG contract while the younger Christian Camarillo is said to be the system’s standout). Having a TD who has ties to the youth level ensures it will get the investment needed.

Theslof will continue to be influential all the way down to the youth teams, but Greg Vanney should step in and become the hands on director. Vanney was the figurehead for RSL-AZ (the only American team set up as a residential academy). His success from RSL should transition as Chivas USA looks to take advantage of their greatest resource, SoCal youth players.

And finally there is Fraser…formerly a great player, praised for his intelligence and leadership. More recently Fraser became the most praised assistant in the league after helping develop the vaunted RSL backline…

…and it was beautiful. Beckerman playing above Borchers and Olave…it was impregnable. Now Borchers and Olave are good players, but two of the three best defenders in MLS…I’m not sure (they were two of three nominees for MLS defender of the year). Rimando also picked up goalie of the year…

…and do you really think Jason Kreis is that great a coach?

Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs

Chivas finished 15th of 16th last year but, despite lacking great players, Chivas USA has laid the foundation for a average to good team starting next year (which could improve with a couple of star players).

The first thing Fraser has done is reconstruct the backline. Heath Pearce is added at left back and rookie Zarek Valentin at right (with the ability to play center back). Valentin looks like a potential all star, and Pearce already is one. Between them veteran Jimmy Conrad will lead the defense…which won’t help them for long but will allow for Fraser to transition.

Sitting above them are two players who should contribute for quite a few years. Blair Gavin is the type of player who will never dominate in the league but can be the two way midfielder for many years that eludes most teams. Zemanski, his former Akron mate, is a suitable partner who should benefit from an intelligent coach who can take advantage of his awareness.

Outside of these guys target forward Justin Braun garners the most attention…Braun is a good fit at striker for a team that will need to play long ball and score off set pieces as they build from the back forward.

Essentially, Fraser has the framework for the years going forward. With the right signings, some depth and ingenuity produced from the youth ranks, and some hits in the draft they could be contenders. People underrate the value of solid/good physical and intelligent players in the MLS (see my Toronto article). Chivas already has quite a few.

Vergara's Folly

I know I’ve spent my breaths trying to defend Chivas USA…but that’s simply because they’re so easy to deconstruct. They could have a good bit of success under Fraser – in fact, I suspect they will – the problem is they more than any other team will have a harder time taking advantage of it…(and if they have success Fraser will find a better job). As MLS grows one would think some of the teams struggling with image will be able to ride the wave out of their holes. But even with on the field success and MLS growth, Chivas USA will struggle to overcome their LA brethren and build a bigger following.


-John Parker, Stormin the Pitch