CHIVAS FANS HAVE NEW LOOK GOATS' CROWD GETS MORE DIVERSE.

Byline: IVAN OROZCO

Staff Writer

CARSON -- Some rode on the roof while others waved flags out the windows of a charter bus Thursday.

Members of Chivas USA's Legion 1908 fan club danced to drumbeats and chants inside the bus as it made its way from the front gate of Home Depot Center to the VIP entrance.

That's the same entry celebrities used to come see David Beckham earlier in the season.

On the night Chivas USA walked away with a 3-0 win against its hated rival, the Galaxy, in the fourth 'SuperClasico' this season, the red carpet was reserved for the die-hard followers of the Chivas brand.

The drumming and singing continued during the game in the stands behind the north goal. Smoke bombs flew onto the field and an enormous red and white flag with the Legion 1908, Chivas USA and mother team CD Guadalajara logos followed.

There's no surprise the Legion's songs were sung in Spanish. After all, most are Mexican-born, Mexican-American or have Latino roots. But when Chivas USA opted for a new general manager in Shawn Hunter -- an executive with background in the NHL -- to replace Javier Leon last week, the club perhaps boosted its efforts to reach out to communities beyond the Latino market.

"I think the changes were needed," said Ricardo Escutia, a season ticket holder since 2005 from Palmdale. "I respect Mr.Hunter. He's a proven veteran and he could bring in a lot of good things for our team.

"His record and his reasons speak for him. He's done well with other franchises. The key here is that the same way they are bringing in the Latino community, they are going to have to bring in the Anglo community to form a unity and real fan base."

Fan groups such as the "San Patricios," a club of about 30 fans Escutia said formed about a month ago. Escutia said the fan club is made up of mostly Anglo and non-Spanish-speaking Mexican-Americans and Caucasians, such as the Williams family of Newbury Park.

"Because they are diverse like that, it's American," said Glenn Williams, who became a follower -- along with his wife -- of the red-and- white striped team after enlisting their daughter in the Chivas USA youth academy.

After the final whistle, most of the Chivas USA players ran to the north stands to celebrate its second straight shutout win against the Galaxy to remain undefeated (9-0-2) at home this season.

Leading the group of Chivas USA players celebrating in front of the Legion was goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who had his 11th shutout this season.

"They deserve it," said Guzan, who tossed his gloves into the stands. "Being here since the first year (2005) going through the struggles last year I know what they are tasting. The first year was terrible and to be able to bring them a trophy is unbelievable."

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