Decent Debut for Chivas USA Newcomers

• Scott Tann
• Sun Aug 23 2009, 5:23pm GMT

Thanks to visiting Toronto FC, Chivas USA's newest additions had an excellent introduction to the league in last night's 2-0 win at the Home Depot Center.

Brazilian forward Maicon Santos and Mexican midfielder Jesus Padilla, both of whom made their MLS debuts for the resurgent California side, had a taste of exactly what MLS is known for: aggressive play and strong pressure on the ball.

The game struggled to find a rhythm early - and neither newcomer made an impression in a particularly sloppy first half for both teams. Santos showed a glimpse of skill with an acrobatic snap header, but for the most part he was held in check by TFC defenders Nana Attakora and Emmanuel Gomez.

Padilla's welcome to MLS was extended by Canadian international Adrian Serioux, a fast and aggressive defender known for physical play. While the Mexican's teammates showed a preference for pushing down the left flank, when Padilla did see the ball, Serioux out-muscled him effectively.

The match found more cohesion in the second half, as both sides, particularly the hosts, focused on possession and crisper passing.

Padilla created space for himself with a looser game, prying himself from the right flank and moving in less predictable patterns. One suspects the Mexican had had enough of Serioux - and by pinching into the middle and switching with Man of the Match Sacha Klejstan and holding midfielder Jesse Marsch, he was able to contribute effectively to the attack.

Santos, who also extricated himself from Toronto's defenders and roamed more freely above the 18, proved his worth in the 51st minute with a brilliant through-ball to an onrushing Klejstan for the game's second goal. He was later substituted after two hard challenges.

While neither debut was brilliant, Santos showed why Chivas coach Preki signed him last week. Padilla would have made more of a difference had he played a less one-dimensional game, but the lesson handed down by Serioux could come in handy as his team makes a push for the playoff race.

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