Martin Vazquez has been ousted as the coach of Chivas USA after a season in which his team claimed just 28 points and finished in the Western Conference cellar.
Chivas USA Dismisses Martin Vazquez As Coach
“This was a difficult decision for our organization to make,” Chivas USA Vice President of Soccer Operations Stephen Hamilton said. “Everyone at Chivas USA has a great deal of respect for Martín, both as a person and a coach. Unfortunately, after this difficult season came to a close, we decided to move in a different direction. We all wish Martín the very best in the future.”
Vazquez replaced Preki, who had coached the Goats through their three most successful seasons in their history. Chivas USA had made the playoff four straight seasons and had missed the playoffs just once in their history.
Vazquez came to the team with a rather impressive resume, having coached most recently at Bayern Munich under Jurgen Klinsman and had been a Chivas USA assistant from 2005-07.
This season was not without its highlights. The Goats advanced to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals and won early season games against the New York Red Bulls and the San Jose Earthquakes. But a six-game losing streak that featured five straight one-goal losses — three straight where the deciding goal came in the 89th minute or later — essentially sunk the season. In all, Chivas USA lost 10 one-goal games.
Chivas USA was also hampered by the transfer of midfielder Sacha Kljestan to Europe and losing Jonathan Bornstein the U.S. National team during the World Cup.
“In the end, the results just weren’t there and we weren’t able to turn it around,” said Hamilton. “Ultimately this was a move we felt we had to make.”
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