Back to the Drawing Board: LA Galaxy 4, Chivas USA 0

Well, Dan Kennedy had eight saves on the night, but that's where the good stats end, as Chivas USA suffered a 4-0 drubbing to the LA Galaxy in the conclusion of the 2012 SuperClasico. Juninho had a brace, Robbie Keane scored against Chivas for the second straight meeting, and Omar Gonzalez got a goal of his own, while Chivas were shut out for the ninth team this season.

Twice this season (the U.S. Open Cup semifinal against the Seattle Sounders and this match against the Galaxy) Chivas have had the equivalent of must-win games, matches in which the pressure is heightened, and twice the Goats completely rolled over. It is clear that Chivas are still a work in progress, but a result like that must leave folks wondering if this team needs to go back to the drawing board.

While I've been someone to urge patience this season, and I've seen improvement over the course of the season and over the course of coach Robin Fraser's tenure, the loss is very hard to take. By comparison, Chivas were a much weaker team last year, and lost both SuperClasico matches 1-0. Of course, they got a win in the series this year, but the 3-1 and 4-0 losses to their biggest rivals leaves one to wonder if this team is improving fast enough.

Although I haven't had a chance to sleep on it, I think this loss will sting for some time but I still think we need to see if the team is able to turn it around in 2012. It was unrealistic to assume Chivas would win their remaining 14 matches, and if they can turn in a good record from here on out, then the pain from this loss should recede.

Still, Chivas need to get at least 20 more points this season if they want to make the playoffs, and they have 13 games to do it. They need to turn the ship around, and fast, if they want to keep the postseason hopes alive.

We'll have more analysis of the match and its aftermath tomorrow. For now, let's all get some rest.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!