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Fast start to Clausura 2019 signals positive change for Chivas

By Dan Chapman

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JANUARY 20: Fans of Chivas their team in the stands during the third round match between Chivas and Toluca as part of the Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at Akron Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images)
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JANUARY 20: Fans of Chivas their team in the stands during the third round match between Chivas and Toluca as part of the Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at Akron Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images) /
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After winning the League/Cup double in 2017, things quickly declined for the Chivas. But now, thanks to a few key signings and a new team spirit, things could finally be back on track.

When coach Matias Almeyda and star player Rodolfo Pizarro left the club in 2018, Chivas fans may well have been bracing themselves for an uncertain future as they witnessed their clubs remarkable decline from such a successful period.

Jose Cardozo was not a name that incited much excitement when he was officially presented as Chivas’ new coach in June of 2018 and most saw him as a downgrade from Almeyda.

However the first real sign that things had changed and perhaps would be improving for Chivas was December 2018 when the club announced the signings of Toluca youngster Alexis Vega and Liga MX veterans Jesus Molina and Hiram Mier.

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Ever since the glory of 2017 and the Concacaf Champions League success in 2018, there were identifiable weak spots on both offense and defense. These new signings addressed these issues.

It is therefore perhaps not surprising that the Chivas have lost only 1 league game in 4 and remain at the top end of the table.

Despite a difficult away loss to Santos Laguna last weekend, the Chivas look like a new team and are showing a defensive strength that hasn’t been seen for quite some time.

Fans are beginning to believe that the Liguilla is a possibility and they remain excited about new striker Alexis Vega. Despite not having scored his debut goal yet, the young Mexican striker has been influential in attack, linking up particularly well with teammates Alan Pulido and Isaac Brizuela.

Chivas Del Norte, a popular podcast dedicated to all things Chivas, has continually shown its support for the young striker, confident that when he finds his first goal, he will become a big threat to opposing sides. It also stimulates fan belief that the Liguilla is very much possible this season, based on the four games Chivas have played so far.

Despite the loss against Santos, Chivas fans can be forgiven for remaining hopeful that they are now back where they should be, challenging for a Liguilla spot and chasing trophies.

With their game against Veracruz Monday night, the Chivas will surely be intent on getting back to winning ways and this game will be a perfect opportunity for Vega to get his debut goal.

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