DEALING WITH THE PRESSURE CHIVAS' RAMIREZ ADJUSTING.Byline: Fred J. Robledo Staff Writer CARSON - After enjoying so much success with Guadalajara Chivas and beating Argentina's Boca Juniors to reach the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores, it's hard to believe Ramon Ra·mon , Gaston Léon 1886-1963. French bacteriologist who in 1936 discovered a method of producing toxoids, leading to the development of vaccinations against diphtheria and tetanus. Ramirez would rather be in the U.S. struggling with Chivas USA in Major League Soccer. Ramirez, the Mexican national team's third-most-capped player, will be at Home Depot The Home Depot (NYSE: HD) is an American retailer of home improvement and construction products and services. Headquartered in Vinings, just outside Atlanta in unincorporated Cobb County, Georgia, Home Depot employs more than 355,000 people and operates 2,164 big-box Center tonight as Chivas USA (1-9-3, 6 points) tries to end a seven-game winless streak when it opposes Colorado (3-8-2, 11 points). The Rapids are coming off a 1-0 victory over the Galaxy on Wednesday. ``I don't think that way,'' said the 35-year-old Ramirez, who has a goal and three assists with Chivas USA. ``In my career I've experienced everything. This is (Guadalajara's) moment right now, and I'm happy for them. My focus is with Chivas USA, and turning this around.'' Ramirez says he came to the team with high expectations, but the pressures of being a Mexican soccer idol as well as the marquee player on a struggling expansion team that is affiliated with the proud Guadalajara franchise have been tough. ``He's used to winning,'' said Chivas USA defender Ryan Suarez Ryan Suarez (born July 28, 1977 in Sacramento, California) is an American soccer player, who last played in United Soccer Leagues for the California Victory. Suarez played college soccer at San Jose St. from 1997 to 2000, and was named an NCAA All-American his senior season. . ``I can't remember the last time they had a losing season in Guadalajara. (Losing) has taken its toll on everyone, and probably him the most.'' Ramirez agrees. ``Given the way the league is organized, it hasn't been easy,'' Ramirez said. ``There are a lot of things I wasn't really aware of. Like how certain people play and how certain teams function. ``But I feel we're getting there. We're going to get better and start getting results, but how long that will take is a question I can't answer yet.'' Tonight would be a good place to start. Coming off a 1-1 draw against San Jose San Jose, city, United States San Jose (sănəzā`, săn hōzā`), city (1990 pop. 782,248), seat of Santa Clara co., W central Calif.; founded 1777, inc. 1850. last week, Chivas is five points behind the Rapids and Real Salt Lake (11 points each) in the chase for the fourth and final playoff play·off also play-off n. Sports 1. A final game or series of games played to break a tie. 2. A series of games played to determine a championship. Noun 1. spot in the Western Conference with 19 games remaining. With road games at FC Dallas FC Dallas is a professional soccer (football) club based in Frisco, Texas, that participates in Major League Soccer. The club was known as the Dallas Burn from 1996 to 2004. The initials "FC" stand for Football Club. and Kansas City Kansas City, two adjacent cities of the same name, one (1990 pop. 149,767), seat of Wyandotte co., NE Kansas (inc. 1859), the other (1990 pop. 435,146), Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties, NW Mo. (inc. 1850). looming looming: see mirage. next week, getting the three points tonight with a win is vital. ``All we're thinking about is catching Colorado or Real Salt Lake, and with Colorado up next, we need this win,'' Suarez said. ``We have to pull teams in one at a time, and they're one of the teams directly in front of us, so we have to take advantage of the opportunity.'' Fred Robledo, (626) 962-8811 fred.robledo(at)sgvn.com CAPTION(S): box Box: CHIVAS USA vs. COLORADO - Fred J. Robledo |
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