In Chivas USA's first seven matches this season, Coach Preki has used seven different starting lineups as his team compiled the league's best record (5-1-1). Whether because of injury, national team duty, or suspension, the Red-and-White has had a different look every time its played. The rotating lineup hasn't hampered Chivas USA's success, as the team currently sits in first place in MLS.

"Using different lineups can be hard," said Chivas striker Justin Braun. "As you play with each other more and more, you start learning people's tendencies and every time the lineup changes, you have to adapt pretty quickly. But I think we've done a good job with it. We're getting the results, so something's going right."

Chivas' success has depended on the players' ability to perform in more than one position. For example, Atiba Harris, often a defender when on duty with the St. Kitts and Nevis national team, has played midfield and forward for Chivas and scored goals at each position. "When I came here, I knew I was going to be used in different positions," Harris said. "I'm used to it. Wherever the coach wants me to play, I'll play. It's not really too much of a challenge to switch positions."

 

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