Interview With Chivas USA’s Michael Lahoud
By: Ben | October 12th, 2011
It hasn’t been an ideal year for Chivas USA, and Michael Lahoud has been there for all of it. Having played with the club since 2009, the Sierra-Leonean middie has seen his fair share of ups and downs, including the addition of Juan Pablo Angel in 2011. Off the field, Mr. Lahoud is known for his charitable work, having been named MLS’s Humanitarian of the Year for his work against HIV and continued effort to build schools in his home nation. We caught up with Michael over email, and he has this to say:
OFFSIDE: How has Angel’s addition to the roster changed the team? What’s it like to play with him?
ML: Juan Pablo is a very good player. You can see why he’s so highly regarded as one of the league’s great
goal scorers every day with his technique, intelligence, and professionalism. He brings added experience
to our team and an extra drive to make a push for the postseason.
OFFSIDE: What does Chivas really need to turn it around next season? What’s been holding the club back?
ML: The season is still going on and there is still a lot to play for. Next season hasn’t entered our minds. As
long as we have a fighting chance, we’re going to go into each game with that mindset.
OFFSIDE: How are fans at Chivas different from those at Galaxy? How does the predominant Hispanic
influence affect team culture?
ML: The Chivas USA fans are amazing. They are amazingly loyal no matter what the result. All they ask for is
that we leave everything we have out there on the field each game and that’s what we try to do. There
is definitely a strong Hispanic influence within our fan base. The influence makes for many passionate,
yet witty chants and songs for each game.
OFFSIDE: What do you think is the hardest MLS defense to play against?
ML: That’s a good question. Based on the numbers and results you’d have to say our rivals, the LA Galaxy.
With regards to teams I’ve had the chance to play against this season, it’s hard to pick one team’s
defense. I think each team bolsters a pretty solid defense. The differences are very small in this league.
OFFSIDE: You were named MLS Humanitarian of the Year for your work to prevent HIV, and are now working
to build schools in Sierra Leone. What draws you to charity, and how can we all get involved?
ML: Although it took me a while to realize it, charity has been all around me my whole life thus far. Through
the many people who helped me progress to each new level in soccer, the teachers who spent extra
time out to inspire me with real ambition, and the trusted friends, who constantly remind me of where
I’ve come from, I will always feel grateful for the life I have today. For me, any small act of selflessness
is an act of charity. Whatever chance any of us has to give of ourselves to others, we should seize that
moment.
There you have it. What do you think?
Category: Chivas USA
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