Galindo likely to make preseason debut

After almost a year away from the pitch, Cuban striker Maykel Galindo may get his first minutes in a Chivas USA jersey this Saturday as the Red-and-White take on the Chicago Fire in a preseason scrimmage at The Home Depot Center.

While no official lineup has been announced, Galindo has been in full practice all week and is optimistic that he'll see some minutes Saturday morning, most likely as a substitute.

"It's been a long time without playing," said Galindo, "But I spoke with Preki and he asked me to prepare this week for the possibility of seeing some minutes on Saturday."

Chivas USA signed Galindo on February 8th, 2007 as a Senior International player after one and a half seasons with the then USL Seattle Sounders. He quickly rose to stardom with the Red-and-White, scoring a team-leading 12 goals, good for fifth in MLS, and notching five assists.

The 28-year-old was sidelined for much of 2008 after three separate sports hernia surgeries, but has been recuperating well in the 2009 preseason.

"We're looking forward to getting him back," said defender Jim Curtin. "He gives us a real speed threat and is deadly in front of the goal."

The Chicago Fire come to town with a respectable 4-1-1 preseason record, which includes a February 7th victory against CONCACAF Champions' League semifinalists Puerto Rico Islanders.

"It will be a good game against a good team," said midfielder Paolo Nagamura. "We've been working hard this past month and are going to play the way we hope to play on the first day of the season."

Chivas USA split two games with Chicago last year, with each team winning its home contest. Among the primary concerns for the Red-and-White on Saturday will be quelling the influence of Chicago's Cuauhtemoc Blanco.

"It will be good for us to deal with a player like Blanco who just floats around" said Jim Curtin.

The rivalry between Chicago and Chivas USA has grown considerably since 2007, as Blanco's presence always ignites the Red-and-White's largely Mexican fan base. Whatever the result on the scoreboard, the games are often fiery.

"It will be a good test for us, for sure," said Jim Curtin, who spent seven years with the Fire before coming to Chivas USA in 2007.

"It's always a little funny playing against them, but I'm looking forward to it."