image via Cache 

Season Opener-

So MLS is back into the full swing of things. Myself and Chivas USA opened up at Dallas this past Sunday in a tough game that ended 1-1. It was hot and humid so that slowed the game down a bit. We had quite a few chances to score goals and put the game away but we couldn’t come away with the winner. I even hit the post myself. I guess the post is really the goalies best friend.

Opening day is always exciting to see how teams have come along since last season, and what newcomers make a difference. Rafael Wicky, our new Swiss midfielder proved to be a lot of help, setting up the tying goal from ‘Papi’ Galindo. I watched most of the games around the league this weekend and it looks like there is more talent than ever this season so its going to be tough. We play Salt Lake at home next weekend so I’m excited to play at the best stadium in the country again, The Home Depot Center, and in front of our amazing Legion of fans.

Just a little sidenote, my new adidas adiPure cleats are the best boots Ive ever worn. A real throwback to an oldschool leather boot that is strictly football.

Sacha

image via Farm3

Qualified!

Beijing here we come. After a lot of hard work over the past few months, our team came together to beat Canada 3-0 on Thursday night in Nashville to qualify us for the Olympics. We were all happy to celebrate with Coach Nowak and the rest of the team after we finally had accomplished what we set out to do. It was a great feeling scoring the 3rd goal and helping my team secure the victory. Almost like the icing on the cake for our ticket to Beijing. It was such a great feeling to hold that American flag on the field after the game, hopefully we have a chance to do that again in China in August by winning a medal.

I also want to thank the people of Nashville for all of their support and kindness this past week. Today the team was given a suite to watch the Nashville Predators take on the Chicago Blackhawks in NHL action. We cheered on the home team, and they won in a shootout, it was pretty exciting. They honored us at the game by showing us on the big screen and showing highlights of our last game vs. Canada. The Predators cheerleaders even made it up into our suite to our surprise, and the boys were pretty stoked about that.

We still have one more game here tomorrow that we are getting ready for. We will face Honduras in the finals, with a chance to become champions of CONCACAF. Even though we have already beaten them once this tournament, and already qualified for the Olympics, we still want to win the championship. So we hope to see all the fans in Nashville again tomorrow night.

Sacha Kljestan

Our boy Sacha Kljestan checks in with us from Nashville as the US U-23’s are in the middle of securing their ticket to Beijing. Sacha is going to be continually checking in to keep everyone up to date on things and to give you an inside peek at his world. We urge everyone to cheer the boys on Thursday in their “winner goes to the Olympics” game against Canada.

WIN OR GO HOME!

Thursday! US Vs. Canada. Winner goes to the Olympics.

This has been a dream of mine since Atlanta ‘96 when Michael Johnson was dominating the world in his gold shoes. It has been an amazing experience so far in this qualification process. The 3 games in Tampa went well and the team is feeling good going into the Semifinal game. We know it will be tough, but we are hoping for good support from a lot of Red, White and Blue in Nashville. It’s win or go home for our team, be there to support us! Thanks!

Sacha Kljestan