Chicharito Takes on LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park

Sunday night promises to be electrifying at Dignity Health Sports Park with the showdown between LA Galaxy and Chivas Guadalajara. But what truly makes this encounter special is the return of a familiar face: Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, the great Mexican striker.

Chicharito was one of the main names at the Galaxy for four seasons, despite constant battles with injuries. He scored 39 goals and contributed six assists in 82 matches, solidifying himself as the seventh all-time top scorer in the club's history. He didn’t just score goals; he embodied hope and leadership on the field. For two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022, he was the team's top scorer, carrying the responsibility of leading the squad during the most crucial moments.

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"Obviously, Chicharito is a competitor," said LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney. "That’s what you always get from him: a super competitive guy. He understands the game within the game and will certainly be highly motivated to come here, play well, and score goals against us. His motivation will be through the roof for this match."

After closing the chapter with the Galaxy, Chicharito reopened the doors of his old home, Chivas de Guadalajara, in January 2024. It was there that he began his path to glory, with 75 games and 30 goals between 2006 and 2010, helping the club win the LIGA MX Apertura title in the 2006-07 season.

The move from Sevilla to LA in 2020 was a true sensation in North American soccer. He arrived as the big star, the franchise player destined to lead the Galaxy to new glories, replacing the charismatic Zlatan Ibrahimovic. When healthy, Chicharito proved to be one of the league's best strikers, playing the role of captain and spiritual leader of the team. In 2022, he led the Galaxy back to the Audi MLS Cup playoffs, with 18 goals and two assists, being a finalist for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. It was the only time the Galaxy reached the playoffs in the last four seasons, highlighting the importance of the Mexican striker.

Now, at 36, Chicharito is back in LA, this time wearing Chivas’ jersey, ready to lead the "Goats" to the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup against his former club. But the journey won’t be easy. Chicharito didn’t participate in Chivas’ first game in the Leagues Cup due to muscle pains, a worrying sign about his physical condition. During training, he was seen with a bandage on his thigh, raising doubts about his ability to play the full 90 minutes. Nevertheless, Chicharito wasn’t deterred and left an inspiring message for Chivas fans on his social media: "This weekend will be special!"

Chivas coach Fernando Gago expressed hope that Chicharito would be ready to take the field and make a difference. Chicharito trained with the group, though with a bandaged thigh, and his participation will depend on his physical progress by Sunday.

At 31, after a decade in Europe, Chicharito changed scenery and signed with the Galaxy, stating it was "the right moment and the right opportunity." He arrived as the top scorer of the Mexican National Team, with nearly 60 goals for Manchester United, in addition to stints at Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham, and Sevilla. His impact on the Galaxy was immediate, not just in terms of goals but also in his leadership and presence on the field.

The Leagues Cup will pit Chivas against the Galaxy, an opportunity for Chicharito to face his former club and show he still has a lot to offer. Chivas drew in their debut against the San Jose Earthquakes and needs a win against the Angelenos to stay in the tournament. Chicharito's return to the team he loves, almost 14 years after his transfer to Manchester United, closes a circle in his brilliant career.

However, his experience hasn't yet fully reflected in goals, having scored just one since his return to Chivas. Regaining his physical form has been a challenge, especially after a previous cruciate ligament injury, but he has shown signs of improvement, especially during pre-season.

Los Angeles eagerly awaits to see if the number 14 can overcome adversity and shine once again at Dignity Health Sports Park, now as an opponent of the club he once called home.