The SuperLiga, a competition between Mexican Primera Division and Major League Soccer, will kick off its 2010 edition this week. It has two groups of four teams with the top teams advancing to the semifinals and eventually a final. The tournament will feature the teams who finish in the middle of the standings for both leagues. The full group stage schedule is below along with TV listings and predictions.

2010 SuperLiga Group Stage Schedule, Predictions, and TV Listings

This month, Sacha Kljestan and Chivas USA agreed to a transfer fee with Belgian side Anderlecht. The details of a transfer were not disclosed. It’s a move that was expected at some point as Kljestan is a rising star and nearly made a move in the 2009 winter transfer window to Celtic. He was on the 30 man preliminary roster for the USA but didn’t make the final 24.

Kljestan recently spoke with Anderlecht in an interview posted on their website about the move. One thing that probably attracted Kljestan is the ability to play in the UEFA Champions League as Anderlecht qualified for by winning the Belgian league. They aren’t in the group stage but are in the third qualifying round and will need to advance through that and a play-off round to make the group stage. Below is the interview.

Sacha Kljestan Talks About Move To Anderlecht (Full story can be found on the club’s official site here)

“I am glad to be part of the Anderlecht family”, Kljestan said. “I really feel at home here. I haven’t been able to see much of Brussels yet, but as soon as I’ve found a place to live, I’m going to explore the city. One thing I’m going to miss about LA? The candy”, he smiled.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who is hoping to learn French soon, has also adjusted well during training. “Things are great here in Tegelen: the environment’s pleasant, we’re staying at a nice hotel and training is also going well. I’m happy to be part of a group with so many talented players.” One of the midfielder’s strong points is the fact that he can play pretty much anywhere. “I’m a box-to-box midfielder, so I have both defensive and attacking qualities. Moreover, I run a lot and I’m also skilled at passing.” He owes a lot to his father, a former semi-professional player. “My father has always supported me and he has taught me a lot. He often took me and my older brother, who is currently playing for the second-division team FC Tampa Bay, to the park to practise.”

Before he became a pro player, the Californian played for the Seton Hall University team, where he majored in sports management. “That was an amazing time. Although I only completed three out of four years – because I wanted to start my professional career – it was wonderful to play for that team.” But Kljestan is most proud of his achievements as an international. “There have been two peaks in my career up until now: playing at the Olympics in Beijing and making it to the final of the Confederations Cup in 2009, which we unfortunately lost 2-3 to Brazil.” The midfielder always carries the memory of the Olympics, where he scored twice in three matches, with him. “On my left arm, I have a tattoo of the Olympic wreath, 2008 in roman numerals and the Latin word ‘Somnium’, which means ‘To Dream’. My other tattoo, ‘VGSK’, represents the initials of my sister, brother, father and mother.”

Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0 Chivas USA – Video Highlights

The Galaxy continued their great start with another clean sheet and two goals from Edson Buddle.

Chivas continues to look a little lost during the match and never seemed to have the confidence needed. The Galaxy would strike early in the match as Edson Buddle headed a Sean Franklin cross into the back of the net. It was a great cross and solid header from Buddle who beat the defender in the box and converted the chance.

Despite struggling for most of the match, Chivas would have a some great chances in the second half. Fortunately for the Galaxy, they would keep their 1-0 lead and get the second goal in the 86th minute. It was on a breakaway as Landon Donovan sent a pass to Buddle inside the box. Buddle took a touch and easily scored to make it 2-0. The Galaxy striker now has three goals in the first two matches and Donovan has two assists.

The Galaxy are undefeated with six points while Chivas USA have yet to get a point in the 2010 season.

It will be televised on ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes in the United States.

Los Angeles Galaxy v Chivas USA Preview

Chivas are a newer team have had some success in their short history. The Galaxy are one of the most successful franchises in the league and knocked out Chivas in the playoffs last season. Both teams have made changes from last season but Chivas has been busier in the offseason.

They have a new manager, Martin Vazquez, and looking to make the playoffs again. Chivas lost their opening match against the Colorado Rapids after failing to score any goals. They had some decent chances but couldn’t convert. Chivas is led by two USA internationals, defender Jonathon Borstein, and captain midfielder Sacha Kljestan. Both are talented players and Kljestan is a key player for the Chivas attack. At the start of last year, he had some strong performances for the National Team but since then has been inconsistent.

The Galaxy won their opener 1-0 against the New England Revolution. The goal was scored by Edson Buddle from a Landon Donovan cross. The team still is centered around Donovan who is arguably the best player in all of MLS. His loan at Everton has given him even more confidence and allows him to start the MLS season in mid-season form. He will likely play an attacking midfielder role to provide support for Buddle up top.

It’s very early in the season so picking a winner is difficult. The Galaxy were the better team last year and will be the favorites on Thursday’s match. With that being said, Chivas are more than capable of winning the match. It should be a close match that ends in a narrow victory for the Galaxy.

Los Angeles Galaxy v Chivas USA Prediction

The Galaxy will win the match 2-1 with a late second half goal.

Watch Los Angeles Galaxy v Chivas USA Online

You can watch the Los Angeles Galaxy v Chivas USA live and online for free on Free Live Sports TV at the link here.

Los Angeles Galaxy beats Chivas USA 1-0 (3-2 on aggregate) – Video Highlights

1st Half

The Galaxy came out aggressive and had chances early. Landon Donovan used his speed in the first 10 minutes to create a few chances as the Chivas defense was slow to react. Virtually all the play through the first 20 minutes were in Chivas’ end as they struggled to hold possession. A defensive mistake from the Galaxy led to Chivas’ first good chance. Padilla stole a back pass and took a shot on goal but LA Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts was there for the save.

The Chivas USA defense was shaky in the first half and as the Galaxy continued to get good pressure. Despite being outplayed, Chivas almost took the lead around the 30th minute as Justin Braun took a shot that was just saved by Ricketts. It was curling into the back post and forced the Galaxy goalkeeper to make a solid save. A few minutes later, David Beckham had a great chance as he had a shot from the edge of the box that just went high.

The Chivas USA goalkeeper, Zach Thornton, had to make some key saves in the first half to keep his team in the match. One of these included a save on a volley shot from Chris Klein in the 34th minute. When Chivas were able to use the speed of their midfield and forwards, they exposed the lack of pace in the Galaxy defense. The first would end at 0-0 with the aggregate score still at 2-2.

2nd Half

Chivas came out much strong in the second half as Jonathan Bornstein had a great chance. He made a perfectly timed run and was on a breakaway until the defense recovered at the last second. The match was much more open as both teams looked for the game winning goal. The Galaxy remained the stronger team and continually would get crosses into the box.

The Galaxy would get caught on the counterattack around the 62nd minute as Chivas had a great chance. Chivas was uanble to convert but continually created their best chances on counters when the Galaxy were pushed up in the final third. LA would create a great chance with some nice passing that resulted in a Klein shot that was saved by a diving Zach Thornton.

The chances for the Galaxy would pay off in the 70th minute as Beckham played a fantastic long ball to Donovan. Landon then sent a cross back across to Magee unmarked in the box. Magee was fouled while trying to get off shot off in the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Landon Donovan would take the penalty with a chance to give his team a 3-2 aggregate lead. Thornton guessed to the right corner while Donovan put it in the middle of the box and LA led 1-0 (3-2 on aggregate) through 74 minutes.

Chivas would not back down and Mykel Galindo had a shot only moments later that just went over the crossbar. The Galaxy would continue to get expose the Chivas defense as Beckham sent another long ball to Donovan who created a good scoring chance. Beckham would lead the match in the 78th minute as he was limping and suffered a lower back injury.

With about 10 minutes left, Chivas USA desperately tried to find a goal. Chivas struggled to break down the Galaxy defense who played a solid match. There were five minutes of stoppage time as Chivas had one last gasp to send it into overtime. They wouldn’t be able to score as the Galaxy would move to the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Dynamo.

Referee: Ricardo Salazar
Referee’s Assistants: George Gansner; Kermit Quisenberry
4th Official: Alex Prus
Time of Game: 90:00
Weather: Clear -and- 64 degrees
Attendance: 27,000

Los Angeles Galaxy v Chivas USA – LIVE – Major League Soccer Playoffs – Sunday, November 8, 2009 – 01:30 GMT, 19:30 EST

Houston Dynamo v Seattle Sounders FC – LIVE – Major League Soccer Playoffs – Sunday, November 8, 2009 – 20:00 GMT, 15:00 EST

Los Angeles Galaxy draws with Chivas USA 2-2 – Video Highlights

1st Half

The match started out with chances for both teams but Chivas USA would strike first. Maicon Santos received a pass from Sacha Kljestan and scored on a great low shot to the right corner. It was a quick counter from Chivas after the Galaxy turned it over in midfield. Chivas were sharper in the first ten minutes as the goal gave them confidence and the Galaxy were still settling into the match.

The Galaxy worked their way back into the match and would tie it up in the 15th minute. Donovan headed a ball into the box where the Chivas USA defense failed to clear. The ball deflected to Magee who took a touch and scored on a shot to the left corner. It was poor defending from Chivas USA. The Galaxy started to take the minute and were much more dangerous in the first half.

Donovan and Beckham helped control the midfield for Galaxy as they had most of the possession in the first half. After the early goals from both sides the play slowed down as it became more defensive. Neither team had many great chances in the next 10-15 minutes.

Another Chivas USA defensive mistake would lead to the Galaxy taking a lead. In the 41st minute the Galaxy had a corner that Chivas has trouble clearing. It finally went out of the box and to Santos who did not hit it well as it lobbed back into the penalty box of Chivas. Donovan was in perfect position and flicked it past the goalkeeper from point blank range to make it 2-1.

The first half would end at 2-1 for the Los Angeles Galaxy as Chivas USA made two defensive mistakes. Some credit should go to the Galaxy who were better in the midfield and put consistent pressure on the Chivas defense.

2nd Half

The second half started with Chivas coming out much more aggressive and the Galaxy playing very defensive. Chivas almost scored as Galindo had a shot but it was deflected out of play for a corner. The Galaxy were giving too much time and space to Chivas as their intensity had dropped from the first half.

Chivas would tie it up in the 50th minute as Galindo would not miss another chance. It was a poor back pass from the Galaxy defense that was intercepted by Galindo. Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts came out to get the pass as well but couldn’t get there first and Galindo easily dribbled around him and score with an open net.

Again, the Galaxy appeared asleep and struggled to hold possession as Chivas continued to get chances. The Galaxy had no real scoring chances through the first 10-15 minutes of the second half. Ricketts made a big save in the 61st minute as Santos had a shot off a cross that tested the Galaxy goalkeeper. Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena decided to make a change as Magee was taken out and Eddie Lewis subbed in around the 62nd minute.

The Galaxy slowly started to get chances but Chivas remained the better team through the first 20 or so minutes of the second half. Arena made another change as Buddle was taken out for Alan Gordon. The Galaxy should have taken the lead back in the 75th minute as they had a breakaway and Gordon passed to Donovan who was unmarked at the edge of the box. Donovan’s shot was right at Chivas goalkeeper Zach Thornton.

With about 10-15 minutes left, the momentum was back with the Galaxy. It was a physical match between two rival clubs. Despite having a lot of the possession late in the match, the Galaxy struggled to convert this into great scoring chances. The match remained tied at 2-2 heading into stoppage time (there would be four minutes).

In stoppage time, Chivas USA had a chance on a counter as Kljestan stole the ball from Beckham. Galindo ended up with a chance in the box but the Galaxy defense recovered just in time. Neither team had any more chances in stoppage time as it ended in a 2-2 tie. Overall, it was a match full of mistakes for both teams and neither team playing particular well.

The second leg will be next Sunday with whoever wins that match advancing.

Chivas USA v Los Angeles Galaxy – Major League Soccer Playoffs – Sunday, November 1, 2009 – 22:00 GMT, 17:00 EST

Toronto FC, another team with great fan support, just missed out on their first playoff spot. They were too inconsistent and losing 0-5 at NY was an embarassment. Other notable storylines for the resurgence of the Los Angeles Galaxy, who with Beckham and Donovan, were the top team in the Western Conference. With the end of the regular season, this is the final list of power rankings for Major League Soccer.

1. Los Angeles Galaxy – They have a well balanced club that are one of the favorites to win the MLS Cup. Donovan is in terrific form and if he can deliver in the playoffs it could be time for him to follow teammate David Beckham and transfer to Europe.
2. Columbus Crew – A meaningless loss on Sunday against New England as Columbus had the Supporter’s Shield already clinched. The Crew are the favorites to reach the MLS Cup Final in a weaker Eastern Conference.
3. Houston Dynamo – A talented team who is tied for the fewest goals conceded with only 29 through 30 matches. They should reach the Western Conference Finals but will need Brian Ching and Stuart Holden to have good performances.
4. Seattle Sounders FC – They may be in their first year as a franchise but the Sounders are as dangerous as anyone. Freddie Ljungberg as adjusted well to the league and Kasey Keller has been a wall in goal.
5. Chivas USA – The team has been up and down after a terrific start. Sacha Kljestan appears to have found his form and the club will need it against the Galaxy.
6. Chicago Fire – The Fire limped into the playoffs as the second placed team in the Eastern Conference. With Blanco and McBride they can win any match but the defense is the real question mark.
7. New England Revolution – Another club that didn’t finish strong and had to get a result in the last weekend to make the playoffs. They are the only team to make the playoffs with a negative goal differential.
8. Real Salt Lake – They just made the playoffs and note likely to advance very far in the playoffs. The key will be improving their form on the road.
9. DC United – Their busy schedule with the US Open Cup, Champions League, and MLS schedule caught up to them in the final part of the season. They were always within reach of a playoff spot but couldn’t get the result in the final weeks. The defense is the focus in the offseason as they conceded 44 goals in 30 matches.
10. Colorado Rapids – The Rapids were in position to qualify in the final few weeks but couldn’t get the results when they needed them. A team that is close to being a contender but needs some help in the midfield and defense.
11. FC Dallas – They made a late run and almost came out of nowhere to make the playoffs. They were one of the better teams in the last few months and Jeff Cunningham was the MLS leading scorer with 17 goals.
12. Toronto FC – The lack of defense was their achilles heel as Toronto once again failed to make the playoffs. They need to make moves in the transfer market.
13. San Jose Earthquakes – San Jose had talent but never really got going until the final month or so of the season.
14. Kansas City Wizards – The Wizards were never considered one of the top teams and struggled in July, August, and September.
15. New York Red Bulls – A 5-0 win against Toronto does little for the Red Bulls who were simply horrible this season. Next season they have a new arena and rumors are that Thierry Henry will be transferring after the World Cup. It should provide a much needed boost to the franchise and specifically their attendance.

2009 MLS Cup Playoffs Schedule
All times Eastern; schedule subject to change

Conference Semifinals – Game #1

Eastern Conference
(1) Columbus Crew at (4) Real Salt Lake, Saturday, Oct. 31 – 6 p.m. ET (Regional TV, Direct Kick, MLSnet.com)
(2) Chicago Fire at (3) New England Revolution, Saturday, Oct. 31 – 4 p.m. ET (FSC, FSE)

Western Conference
(1) Los Angeles Galaxy at (4) Chivas USA, Sunday, Nov. 1 – 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2, Deportes)
(2) Houston Dynamo at (3) Seattle Sounders FC, Thursday, Oct. 29 – 10 p.m. ET (ESPN2, Deportes)

Conference Semifinals – Game #2

Eastern Conference
(4) Real Salt Lake at (1) Columbus Crew, Thursday, Nov. 5 – 8 p.m. ET (ESPN2, Deportes)
(3) New England Revolution at (2) Chicago Fire, Saturday, Nov. 7 – 8:30 p.m. ET (FSC, FSE)

Western Conference
(3) Seattle Sounders FC at (2) Houston Dynamo, Sunday, Nov. 8 – 3 p.m. (TeleFutura, Regional TV)
(4) Chivas USA at (1) Los Angeles Galaxy, Sunday, Nov. 8 – 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2, Deportes)

Conference Championships (times TBD based on match-ups)
Thursday, Nov. 12 (ESPN2, Deportes)
Saturday, Nov. 14 (FSC, FSE)

MLS Cup 2009
Sunday, Nov. 22 – 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN and Galavision)

MLS CUP PLAYOFFS FORMAT
Playoff Format: Conference Semifinal series are conducted in a home-and-home, aggregate-goal format. The lower seeded team in the Conference Semifinal hosts the first game. The winners of those four series advance to single-game Conference Championships that will determine the MLS Cup Finalists.

The team that scores the most goals in the home-and-home series advances to the single elimination Conference Championship. If the teams are tied after 180 minutes in the Conference Semifinal series, a 30-minute extra time period (divided into two 15-minute periods) will be played followed by kicks from the penalty mark, if necessary. The team with the higher seed between the two Conference finalists will host the Conference Championship game.

In the case of ties after 90 minutes of regulation in the Eastern and Western Conference Championship games and MLS Cup, 30 minutes of extra time (divided into two 15-minute periods) would be played followed by kicks from the penalty mark, if necessary, to determine the winners.

Predictions

Columbus v RSL – Columbus wins 4-2 on aggregate

Chicago v NE – New England wins 3-2 on aggregate

Los Angeles v Chivas – LA wins on aggregate 2-1

Houston v Seattle – Seattle wins on aggregate 5-3

Video Previews (previews of individual matches will be added later)

All the matches