Chivas USA Gets Torched in Shalrie’s Debut

Former Revolution captain Shalrie Joseph (far left, second row) debuted for Chivas USA on Sunday. (Photo: cdchivasusa.com)

For the newest member of the Rojiblancos, Sunday sure didn’t bring the warmest of welcomes.

In his Chivas USA debut, former Revolution skipper Shalrie Joseph went the full 90, but couldn’t steer his new teammates from crashing into a 4-0 SuperClasico defeat to the Galaxy.

“I’m sure on a day that we play better we get more out of Shalrie and out of everyone,” Chivas head coach Robin Fraser told the media after the game. “Shalrie was part of a team that did not play very well tonight and it certainly does not dictate how he played.”

During his 90 minutes, Joseph collected 105 touches (second-most for the Goats to fellow ex-Revolution player James Riley, who recorded 121) and completed 88.1% of his passes (67 for 76).

“I thought Shalrie looked great,” Chivas USA keeper Dan Kennedy said to reporters following the game. “He is a great player. It is obvious that he has plenty to offer. Unfortunately for the team we did not give him a warm welcome tonight. We made it hard on him.”

Although Kennedy was appreciative of his newest teammate’s effort, Fraser was in no hurry to heap the praise on anyone, let alone Joseph.

“I think the group did not play well,” Fraser said. “And as the group does not play well, then no one really shines.”