Carson, CA – The Los Angeles Galaxy host Chivas USA in the latest installment of the SuperClasico on Sunday, although there will be little on the line for either side.
Los Angeles has already clinched the MLS Supporters' Shield for the second consecutive season in addition to securing the top seed in the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs.
"It's the hardest thing to do in this league," defender Todd Dunivant said. "You get all the credit for winning MLS Cups, but winning the Shield is the hardest thing to do in this league. It's nothing to scoff at."
With a home record of 11-0-5 at The Home Depot Center this year, the Galaxy are looking to become just the third team in MLS history to finish an entire season unbeaten at home. The San Jose Earthquakes (11-0-4) completed the feat in 2005 along with Real Salt Lake (9-0-7) last season.
The Galaxy fell 2-0 to Red Bull New York, who are battling for a spot in the playoffs, in their last outing. It was their first loss to Eastern Conference side this season, as Los Angeles has managed an 8-1-8 record against teams from the opposing conference.
"We knew, obviously the position they were in, they needed to win the game," said David Beckham. "We knew that they were going to battle tonight, and they did. At the end of the day they out-battled us. I think they sat back a lot, but like I said they have quick players that can hit you on the break and they did that."
The result not only strengthened New York's playoff chances, but it also eliminated Chivas USA from wild card contention.
"Where we go from here is that we continue to build, we have no excuses and we are where we are because we haven't executed well enough at various points of the season," said head coach Robin Fraser. "So for us, it's time to focus on getting better and better."
Chivas has managed to put together a three-game unbeaten streak as it looks to end its season on high note. Juan Pablo Angel, who has scored six goals in his last four games, has helped the Goats have garner some impressive results down the stretch. He now has ten goals on the season, finishing in double-digits in each of his five MLS seasons.
"We've seen him score goals, and those are huge for us, but there is a side of him that has elevated the professionalism in the locker room and in training and I think that's immeasurable," said Fraser. "If you can come in and be a leader and demand of yourself and demand of others and actually go out and produce on the field, what an ideal situation for a team."
Chivas has produced a 5-6-5 record at The Home Depot Center this season. With two home games remaining, the Goats can still finish with a winning record at the venue, but they will need to claim three points on Sunday before they host Seattle Sounders FC in the final match of the season.
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