MLS: Blair Gavin struggles on Chivas debut

Just Football is delighted to welcome Robert Hunter, the latest addition to our writing team. In a new weekly column, Robert will be bringing you the latest football news Stateside as our chief MLS and North/Central American correspondent.

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Major League Soccer has always been a league to do things it’s own way compared to most around the world, from shootouts to the current playoff system that determines the MLS Champion.  Things are no different when it comes to introducing players into the league, especially when it involves individuals coming out of the American college soccer system.

Rather than players having the opportunity to be groomed and play reserve matches, or go out on loan like those in other countries, players who are signed to MLS teams straight out of college are expected to contribute, or at least challenge for playing time, right out of the gate.

Such a rapid transition from college to the professional level means players often have less than five months from their last college game to their first professional encounter, and this can leave some players struggling to find their way.

Although this MLS season is very young and there is plenty of time to become accustomed to the pace, style, and even setup of the league, some college superstars are already beginning to look way out of their depth. A prime example of a player who was extremely effective and always the center of attention in college, yet doesn’t seem to be transitioning to the professional game very well, jumps immediately to mind.

After a stellar senior season at Akron University, where he led the Zips to an undefeated regular season and National Championship appearance, Blair Gavin was drafted by Chivas USA with the #10 pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.

The midfielder was touted as being one who could certainly make the transition to the pros, as he had experienced an Akron team who had everyone gunning for them throughout his time in Ohio.  Although his ability to handle pressure was called into question after he missed the penalty that ultimately led to Akron losing the College Cup, Gavin had the full support and trust of many, obviously including those in southern California.

His first appearance, as Chivas‘ first round draft pick and supposed midfield general of the future, will not be one to remember for Gavin, however.  With talented and proven MLS players such as Sacha Kljestan and Maykel Galindo around him, it was hoped the young midfielder could fit in seamlessly and prove a creative force in the center of the park.  Unfortunately for Chivas, this was not to be, as Gavin looked constantly uncomfortable on the ball and did little to incite fear in the LA Galaxy defenders.

He did not seem to want the ball, and frustrated his teammates so much that Kljestan and Galindo were often seen returning below midfield just to receive it.  In essence, Chivas had half of their central midfield pairing doing the job of two players, and the other half floating about aimlessly with no real role attached to his spot.

Gavin will, undoubtedly, be given plenty of chances to prove his doubters wrong and show that he can be the player many thought he would be coming out of Akron.  It is, of course, only the second game of the season for Chivas, and the first for Gavin, and therefore jumping to conclusions would be extremely unfair.

Gavin must assert himself in the game more, however, if he wants to gain the respect and admiration of his fans and teammates, among others. Nerves can definitely be noted as a cause of such lack of inspiration, and that is duly noted, but such an excuse will only last for so long, and Gavin will have to prove sooner rather than later that Chivas did not waste a selection on the crafty midfielder.

Blair Gavin, Chivas USA, Major League Soccer