Wilmer Cabrera is the answer: Chivas USA

October 26, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Chivas USA forward Matthew Fondy (26) moves the ball against Portland Timbers during the second half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It seems new manager Wilmer Cabrera is the right man to lead Chivas USA. Just a few weeks into the team’s preseason, the players have responded well to Cabrera’s tactics and this seems to be a good sign for a club cursed with bad signs last year.

“It’s been very good,” forward Erick Torres told MLSsoccer.com’s Blair Angulo. “He’s transmitting his knowledge onto us. What he knows should help our team. We’re trying to learn from him and adapt to his style so we can implement that as soon as the season starts.”

“I like him; he’s intense,” rookie midfielder Thomas McNamara added. “He wants to get the best out of us and make sure we build our way up. He understands there’s going to be some mistakes early this preseason and that it takes time to get into a groove of things.

“He’s intense and wants us to play our best.”

Cabrera is a manager that embraces the MLS style of play. He was an assistant manager at the Colorado Rapids for two season prior to taking the job with the Goats. His attentiveness has been an asset for Chivas.

“The mentality, the attitude, the hard work – so far they’ve been very good,” Cabrera said. “The response has been positive. We know it’s just two weeks of preseason and there’s a few more weeks before the first game, but so far it’s been what we were expecting from them.”

Midfielder Carlos Borja believes now is the time for Chivas USA to make their move and become a contender in the MLS Western Conference.

“It’s very important to have minutes in general,” Borja told CDChivasUSA.com’s Olivia Cervantes. “Having game rhythm is important. Coach obviously is trying to look at players so I don’t mind coming in 30, 45, five minutes. Whatever I get, I’m going to take advantage of it.

“Obviously a bit of heavy legs with the preseason work, but I’ve been feeling good. I think my fitness is there, trying to be game-ready, but I’ve been feeling good. We’ve been working well as a team and the coaching staff has been feeling good about what we’re doing in preseason.

“It’s just like any other team with brand new faces. [We’re] trying to get to know each other, trying to build a relationship on and off the field as soon as possible so you can get working and strive for what’s our goal, which is be playoff contenders and maybe even win MLS Cup.”

Chivas USA will continue their preseason with a Thursday scrimmage against Real Salt Lake at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.