5 Key Players Who Will Lead Chivas USA During the L.A. Derby

By Jackee Arce

Chivas USA's Key Players For LA Derby

Chivas USA Key Players LA Derby — It's that time of the year again: Chivas USA and Los Angeles Galaxy are set to face off in the L.A. Derby or El SuperClasico; it is a rivalry Angelinos look forward to all season. Galaxy is historically victorious in this competition, but it may be in for a surprise this Sunday. Chivas has a brand new attitude, and Galaxy has been falling short in its matches. Here are five players who are key to Chivas having a fighting chance against Galaxy.

5. Carlos Bocanegra

Carlos Bocanegra LA Derby Chivas USA

5. Carlos Bocanegra

Carlos Bocanegra LA Derby Chivas USA — Carlos Bocanegra is a former U.S. National Team player and current Chivas USA captain. He stands at 6-foot and is a prime defender for Chivas. With the likes of Gyasi Zardes and Robbie Keane on Los Angeles Galaxy, a defender like Bocanegra is needed. His experience in defending top scorers will help keep Chivas alive during the L.A. Derby.

4. Thomas McNamara

Thomas McNamara LA Derby Chivas USA

4. Thomas McNamara

Thomas McNamara LA Derby Chivas USA — Chivas USA drafted Thomas McNamara during this year's Superdraft, and he has been successful. He has started in all four matches Chivas and has had three shots on goal. I think the debut goal of his MLS career is not too far away, and Los Angeles Galaxy defenders will need to keep an eye on him.

3. Dan Kennedy

Dan Kennedy LA Derby Chivas USA

3. Dan Kennedy

Dan Kennedy LA Derby Chivas USA — As always, Dan Kennedy has been the goalkeeper Chivas USA needs to advance. Although Chivas has been playing better this season, it cannot avoid every shot taken, which is where Kennedy comes in to save the day. He has had 10 saves so far this season, and Los Angeles Galaxy has not made many goals of its own; so, Galaxy strikers will need to try a little harder to get around Kennedy.

2. Mauro Rosales

Mauro Rosales LA Derby Chivas USA

2. Mauro Rosales

Mauro Rosales LA Derby Chivas USA — Mauro Rosales has been the breakout player of the season for Chivas USA. The Argentine midfielder has really been making the difference at Chivas and is currently the league leader in assists. Los Angeles Galaxy defenders will need to watch his passes to avoid having him add to his assists tally. He is definitely a big part of the reason Chivas is making more goals and playing better this season.

1. Erick Torres

Erick Torres LA Derby Chivas USA

1. Erick Torres

Erick Torres LA Derby Chivas USA — Erick Torres is really starting to make a name for himself for Chivas USA and in MLS. He has scored four goals in four matches, and I think he will only continue adding to that. The 21-year-old is loaned to Chivas from Chivas Guadalajara, but I sure hope it signs him permanently after its rebrand. Los Angeles Galaxy defenders will really need to keep an eye on him during the L.A. Derby, and Jaime Penedo will probably be blocking his shots.

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