CARSON, Calif. – When Jorge Vergara assumed full ownership of Chivas USA last month, the move was just the latest in a string of transactions that have left the club without much solid footing over the last three years.
Since the 2009 season, Chivas have been one of the more unstable franchises in the league. Turnover among players, coaches and front-office personnel has all but created the need for a revolving door at the club’s facilities.
Perhaps that is a reason behind the team’s recent struggles.
“We haven’t had [stability] for a long time,” Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy said. “In this league, all the teams that are successful have been together for a long time. There’s no magic solution. It just takes time to build something special. With that being said, we’re in our second year with this group and we still had 12 or 13 returning players this year so there’s still a lot of change.”
Kennedy is one of the club’s elder statesmen, having been with the team since Preki was in charge. Martin Vasquez succeeded him in 2010, while Robin Fraser has been in charge since 2011. The club is mired at the bottom of the standings table once more, though, the playoffs slipping further out of reach with each passing match.
Further complicating matters is the volatility of the front office. Reports of general manager Jose Domene’s demise were inaccurate at the time they broke, but that uncertainty is still an issue, and a bit of a cloud hanging over the club.
“We as players and pros need to find a way to not let that be a distraction at all,” Kennedy said. “A lot of those decisions that are going to be happening are out of our hands, so it’s our job to step on the field and perform.”
Exactly what direction Chivas USA take with Vergara fully in control is seemingly anyone’s guess, but players must not worry too much with any potential changes with the roster, Kennedy said.
“The future is always up in the air and it’s part of this game,” noted the veteran ‘keeper. “As much as that stuff is there, we need to find a way to really put it out of our minds and really focus on the task at hand. That will help all of our futures.”
Luis Bueno covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com and can be reached by e-mail at buenodad@gmail.com
