KLJESTAN'S KEY ROLE Chivas USA midfielder focused on attack
By Luis Bueno LASoccerNews.com Editor
Sacha Kljestan did not score in 2,676 minutes a year ago but had scored by the 87th minute this season. Photo by Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
CARSON, Calif. – Sacha Kljestan had an impressive rookie campaign. After going to Chivas USA with the fifth pick in the 2006 SuperDraft, Kljestan showed enough to merit a starting spot and started all but one regular-season game.
The only thing missing by year’s end, though, was a goal. Kljestan had finished as a finalist for the league’s Rookie of the Year award but earned those honors without having found the back of the net.
It did not take him long to ensure that he would not have another goal-less season. Kljestan scored in the 87th minute of Chivas USA’s 2-0 win over Toronto FC.
A year ago, Kljestan had seven assists without scoring a goal and although he came close a few times, including shots off the post, he had no professional goals entering the 2007 season.
It was something he was bound to overcome.
“This offseason I just worked a lot with Matt Taylor on finishing and attacking to be a better attacking player on this team,” Kljestan said. “It was just a big goal for me and it helps me help the team better offensively.”
Even before the season started, Kljestan was tabbed as a key player in one of the league’s strongest midfields. Jesse Marsch helped Kljestan adjust to the speed of professional soccer a year ago as he took the youngster under his wing.
A strong attacking player in college, Marsch and former coach Bob Bradley helped Kljestan focus on and develop his defensive game. Now, Kljestan is putting in the time on his own and new coach Preki has noticed.
“Sacha has been working really hard,” Preki said. “I told him to be patient and things would pay for him and they are paying off.”
Even with 12-year veteran Marsch, budding star Francisco Mendoza and former Most Valuable Player Amado Guevara in the center of the field, Preki said he expects Kljestan to play a key role in the club’s midfield this season.
“Sacha is going to progress fine. He’s working hard every day and he’s progressing every day,” Preki said. “When you see a guy coming to work every day you know he wants it more than anything.”
Kljestan helped set up Chivas USA’s first goal against Toronto FC. The Huntington Beach native knocked a ball from the middle of the field over Toronto’s backline and into Maykel Galindo’s path. Galindo evaded a charging goalkeeper and slipped a ball to Ante Razov, who easily slotted the ball into the back of the net.
With the match seemingly over and well in Chivas USA’s hands, Kljestan nevertheless put an exclamation mark on the win. He took a pass from second-half substitute John Cunliffe, carried the ball to the top of the penalty area and unleashed a 20-yard rocket into the back of the net.
The goal touched off his own exuberant celebration – one he dubbed “Make it Rain” – as he bolted to the side of the field, scooped up grass and brushed it off his hands. But the goal also set off a positive vibe from his teammates.
“You could see the energy of the team when he scored. You could see a bunch of guys are excited for him,” Marsch said. “He’s a good kid. He works hard every day. He’s a humble guy. He’s a good person so we’re all real happy for him.”
Influencing the game on both offense and defense was the mark of his first game of the 2007 season. He met his personal goal for one night and said it would only fuel his desire going forward.
“I wanted to take a bigger role and be a better attacking player. I’m excited that I was able to help the team win and get the two goals,” Kljestan said. “It’s something good. As long as we win it’s great.”
