Jorge Vergara owner of the legendary Mexican League franchise Chivas de Guadalajara starts an MLS franchise in Los Angeles. Hoping to reach out to LA's large Mexican community, he names the team Chivas USA to honor his famous 10-time Mexica League Championship team.

Like many sports expansion teams, Chivas' first season would be a tumultuous one. Starting with a 2-0 shutout loss on opening day against defending champions DC United, the team would suffer a tremendous downward spiral, winning their first game on May 7 against expansion counterpart Real Salt Lake and then go winless in June, August, and September.

There would also be a coaching carousel for Chivas. After Thomas Rongen was fired in midseason, Javier Ledesma would give it a try before the team settled on Dutchman Hans Westerhoff for the rest of the season.

At season's end, Chivas would find themselves in last place in MLS with a record of 4-22-6. Providing glimmers of hope for Chivas would be new coach Bob Bradley and up-and-coming players such as Ezra Hendrickson, Brad Guzan, and Ramon Ramirez.