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Bornstein looks to aid Chivas USA after World Cup appearance

BornsteinGhana

BY ADAM SERRANO

With the United States journey in South Africa completed, Chivas USA's Jonathan Bornstein spoke to reporters on Thursday to address his experiences in South Africa, his hopes for Chivas USA and the rumors that have swirled around about his future in MLS.

The Rojiblancos captain started in the last two games for the US at the World Cup. The defender has been criticized by the public in the past, but Bornstein admitted that once he reached the World Cup, he never doubted his ability to preform.

" I've always felt that that I could play at this level, I wouldn't disagree with some of the critiques particularly my sub par performances in the Turkey and Czech Republic games," said Bornstein. "But when I went on the field for the World Cup games, I felt settled and I went out with the mentality to do my best and I feel that I did really well holding my own."

Bornstein started and played all 120 minutes in the team's defeat to Ghana and although the team's fitness had been questioned after making three consecutive comebacks, Bornstein dispelled the notion that this affected their performance against the Africans.

"After 90 minutes, we all talked about how we didn't feel tired and we need to run them into the ground now but then we gave up that goal and it got much harder," said Bornstein. "

The Chivas USA captain touched on a number of controversies that have affected the World Cup, but the defender admitted that although MLS uses the same Jabluani ball, that he there was a notable difference in the way that the ball reacted in World Cup games compared to the way that he was used to in MLS

"We used the same ball in our league, but I don't remember that ball moving that much in MLS," said Bornstein." It was definitely difficult, I know that as a defender going in to head the ball, there were several times that I would try to make a play and it would automatically change direction on me, it just feels different from the ball we use in MLS."

The Rojiblancos captain returns to a club that has changed a great deal since he left for the United States training camp. Chivas has yet to win an MLS game since his absence and his co-captain Sacha Kljestan has transferred to Anderlecht in Belgium while a host of players have been released. Speculation also swirls around Bornstein himself as the Captain has been rumored to be making a move to the Mexican league. Bornstein's contract with MLS runs out in six months and the defender was noncommittal when discussing a move. 

"As of right now, I'm extremely focused on Chivas USA, but my contract runs out in six months and I am exploring options for my future," said Bornstein. "I never want to close any doors, but as of right now I will finish the season with Chivas USA."

Bornstein expects that he will start in Saturday's match against Philadelphia as the Rojiblancos look to snap their six game losing streak. Although it is a quick turn around from South Africa, the Chivas USA captain expects to be ready.

"It was my decision to come back, I wanted to show the guys that yes I just played in the World Cup, but I'm committed to this team and ready to turn things around," said Bornstein. "I feel healthy and I'm ready to join the cause and turn this team around."

With his experience at the World Cup now in the rear view mirror, Bornstein confessed that it is the support that the team received in the United States will remain with him forever.

"At first we didn't know how big the buzz was here, but then it all really started coming out , said Bornstein. "To be honest, some of the videos brought tears to my eyes and made me so happy to realize that the United States really knows what's going on with us."

Comments

  1. Screw Bornstein!!!! We should have started Dani Alves or Ashley Cole at left back instead.

    What the hell was Bob thinking!???!!!11!!eleven

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  2. He just is not a defender….Bradley may have ruined him when he convinced his to become a defender years ago…He can’t be on the last line of defense.

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  3. I’m not even sure how the phrase “Chivas USA much?” is even applicable here, so I’ll disregard trying to respond to that portion.

    As for not playing it since week 3, thanks for the information since it was sincerely a question.

    You’ll have to excuse me for ignoring their games when they’re on tv. Not exactly must-see-MLS.

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  4. “But when I went on the field for the World Cup games, I felt settled and I went out with the mentality to do my best and I feel that I did really well holding my own.”

    He also mentioned that his hair is silky smooth, and hardly needs any product.

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  5. I never said to hell with him or wished him any ill will.

    He’s just not a world cup level left back or player. And I don’t see him becoming one in four years. I am just hoping we hire a coach that is a good evaluator of talent and doesn’t play favorites.

    All the best to him. I just hope we don’t use his services in any serious competition unless he gets significantly better.

    And I was at 3 of our games and I will give him credit for not being a total disaster, but he looked confused on the field, can’t deliver a cross, and seems to panic and clear the ball unneccessarily.

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  6. Get better is right. It is encouraging that Bornstein played ok. If he can just learn to play soccer I might support him. Right now he doesn’t have a head for the game and/or his foot skills are severely lacking. He seems like he has some natural defending ability and good fitness. Hopefully he will learn to pass by next world cup.

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  7. Definitely a large does of hyperbole, timbull00.

    Bornstein didn’t look very Bornstein during the Cup but our best defender was easily Cherundolo.

    There is no dispute on that.

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  8. I hope he keeps his World Cup level when he comes back to MLS and does not revert back to the Turkey or Czech Rep form. Chivas USA will need his experience (as limited as it is) and leadership (should have always been captain over sasha). He needs to do what he can to try and turn the ship around along with new signing Maldonado from Atlante and re-signed Nagamura.

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  9. I think in a recent interview, he even said himself he had no idea where the rumor came from, that no one from atlante had talked to him.

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  10. This is the captain of my club team. I never wanted him to go to South Africa because we needed him more. However, I’m glad he did.

    My hope is that he plays up to higher standard that helps Chivas USA.

    To all the johnny B haters, thanks forthe love.

    ELAC

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  11. I think Bornstein was our best defender in the World Cup! If we had had four Jonny Bornsteins in the backline against Ghana, we would have won that game.

    I think we really under-valued speed and athleticism in defense in this World Cup, and the defense needs to be faster and more athletic for the next World Cup. Bornstein, Geoff Cameron, Agbossoumonde, and Sean Franklin for 2014!

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  12. i still want to see where pearce is at by next world cup. I still think pearce is the far superior player. But then again i thought ching, buddle, and gomez were all better players than findley. Just shows how little i know!

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  13. I thanked Bornstein on his Facebook wall for his WC performance. Because incompetent USMNT fans have been railing him from Day #1.

    We need more talent in our player pool. We need fast outside backs. Essentially, we need players like Bornstein to develop. I hope the best for Sacha and Jonny, two players that love the USMNT, but never stop hearing HS jokes from fans.

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  14. Maybe you ought to stay away from French comparisons at this point…but we get what you mean. JB will get minimal love from here on out no matter what. The name Bornstein has been forever clouded in USMNT discussions, despite a few good outings in SA.

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  15. Bornstein definetly has had some bad games but the two he played at the World Cup he was ok. Don’t have any bad feelings towards him, just hope he can improve so that he could be a left back that we could have confidence in.

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  16. Najar is a green card holder and is considered a domestic player for DC United. You can apply for naturalization after 5 years of residency (unless you marry an American or are here on asylum), Andy has been here since he is 13, so he may have another year or so before he can become permanent. As for whether he is interested in the US or Honduran youth systems remains to be seen

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  17. +1. He isn’t jaded about his past performances either, seems to have his feet on the ground. He knows he has been shaky, but still has confidence, I like that. He is young. I would like to see him leave MLS and broaden his experience. i bet he gets a little better with regular playing time at a higher level. Even if he has already hit his max potential, left backs are sparse in the US, and he performed solid enough his last two games. So I for one, have not seen enough of Johnny B. At minimum he helps add depth to the pool and remains a viable back-up with WC experience (Something you can’t buy or train for). Was he spectacular? No. Did he prove he can play? Yes, but I would like to see him do that consitantly, the true mark of a great player.

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  18. Ives,

    Whats the deal with Andy Najar? He isn’t US citizen right? Is he trying to get one. Is the USSF interested in him?

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  19. Some of us, including myself, posted a link to an interview with the Chairman of Atlante stating that his club had signed Bornstein.

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  20. Yeah. To hell with a guy who played two competent games for a team that desperately needed to fill holes in a weak back line.

    It’s not like we’ve got a half dozen patrice evras in our player pool. Bornstein did a commendable job on the world stage. Hate on all his mistake-riddled performances of the past, but give the guy credit for helping the national team out when we needed him most.

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  21. I am all for our guys going to play in Mexico. Good league, good money, beautiful women and beaches too! I am not saying it is the EPL or La Liga, so don’t jump on me about that. But, it is a technical league that can help our guys develop and then be ready for a big move to EPL or La Liga and not have to compete for a spot on the bench.

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  22. Build on it, Bornstein! Get better!

    We desperately need left backs in our pool, so if he can sustain and improve the play he had in the last couple of games, I’d gladly root for him.

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