by Greg Seltzer for Soccer365

No, this isn't the debut of a new cautionary tale for the children of MLS fans. This is the truth: both the mind and schedule of Chivas USA star Sacha Kljestan have been exceedingly busy of late - and they will probably remain so into 2009.

After practically carrying the shorthanded club through a rough summer period, the 23-year old headed to China for Olympic duty with the United States. Upon returning to America, Kljestan was suddenly caught up in the European transfer rumour mill, but has done well to keep his eye on the MLS ball.
 
For the moment, he has turned his focus to World Cup qualifiers against Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago, but next week he'll come back to conclude the regular season, which likely will be directly followed by the playoffs.

It didn't always look like the Goats were a lock for the postseason, but thanks to a team-wide fitness rally and a couple of shrewd late acquisitions (midfielders Dejair and Sasha Victorine), Chivas USA have reeled off five wins out of six to pull clear in the West's second spot with three games to play.

Observers were a bit confused to see Los Rojiblancos struggle after an exceedingly solid regular season in 2008, but Kljestan says it's not difficult to explain why they took so long to find form this year.

"For several games now, we've gotten into a groove and we're feeling confident," he told Soccer365 just before a weekend 3-0 victory at D.C. United. "We've had a lot of injuries and we've battled that bug all season long. I think, in the last couple of weeks, we've finally gotten everybody back healthy and added a couple of guys to the roster, so our bench has even more depth."

We're going on a streak now where we're confident and we've had the same group of starters, week in and week out. We've got a good group of guys, we've stuck together all year and now we're making a push for the playoffs."

Though all appears rosy for the time being, Kljestan was quick to warn that Chivas USA still have another gear they've yet to find. Success is always fleeting in a league as balanced as MLS, so the Anaheim native won't be counting any chickens until they've secured second place at the very least/

"I think we still have to get better as a team everyday," he offered. "I think we're continuing to grow, but obviously we can't say we're there yet. We've won (five of six) and we're pushing for home-field advantage in the playoffs."

Despite ever growing good times in the regular season, the playoffs essentially remain a new frontier for the young midfielder and his teammates. Last season, Chivas USA scored over 1.5 goals a game in topping the West, only to be ousted by the last playoff entrant (Kansas City) on a 1-0 aggregate. Now, he says, is the time to turn the postseason corner.

"In my first two years in this league, we've gone out in the first round and it's been tough," admitted Kljestan. "We've gained a lot of experience, and guys playing international games also helps, so I think going to be okay heading into these playoffs."

Of course, as with any budding ace worth his salt, the former Seton Hall Pirate is working hard to round out his game. Making growth easier, he knows where his bread is buttered and where it is not.

"I think my best position would be as an attacking midfielder, playing underneath the forwards, being creative and linking up with the forwards," said Kljestan. "The area I need to improve is the defensive aspect. I need to get harder to play against on the field."

"Sometimes, I might take a few breaks during the game. I know I'm good on the ball and going forward. I'm good at helping my team out that way, but I think you need to work on the things you're not so good at. If I could improve my defensive ability, I'd be a more complete player."

With a well-rounded game will come all the rewards Kljestan is seeking as a player, such as the aforementioned transfer interest and USMNT calls. With competition increasing almost daily in the player pool, he knows he needs to stay ahead of the curve if he is to continue receiving Red, White & Blue invites to the big dances.

In August, Kljestan lived out an American dream, suiting up in the Olympics for his country. He says the experience was remarkable in that it was both about as bitter and as sweet as can possibly be. After scoring a goal in three group matches, he packed his bags with a hung head and shattered expectations of glory as the U.S. almost seemed to snatch failure from the jaws of success.

An opening squeaker win over Japan was followed by a strong showing against the Netherlands, who featured several players from their back-to-back European Under-21 champs. The Americans fell behind early, then rallied to take a second half lead, with Kljestan netting a nifty equalizer.

Seemingly on the verge of a nearly un assailable six points from two matches, Oranje grabbed a share in stoppage time when Gerald Sibon's free kick snuck under the U.S. wall and past keeper Brad Guzan. Replays showed that Kljestan was at fault for turning his back on the free kick, and he suddenly became a goat in more than one sense of the moniker.

"It was a very tough pill to swallow after we started out so great," he sighed. "Ya know, up until 10 seconds left in the game against Holland, we though we were sitting pretty - and then it all fell apart."

"It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. I had a special feeling about that Olympic team that Piotr Nowak put together. I thought we we're going to do great things, but we got a bit unlucky."
 
The aftermath wasn't all bad, however, as the red-striped #16 shirt began drawing attention from Europe. Unsurprisingly, the man with the heavy plate would like to add that heaping helping in January.

"I hope so," Kljestan replied diplomatically when asked if any of his summer suitors will call back when the MLS playoffs are finished. "I hope to make it to Europe soon. It's always been a dream of mine and I want to test myself at the best levels."

Most of the speculation had him in the sights of a Dutch club, and he feels that the Eredivisie - often noted as one of the best developmental top flights in the world - would be a perfect place for him to further his growth as a player.

"I think it would be a good place for me to start," agreed Kljestan. "There's a lot of great players, and obviously, the youth in that country has done very well. It would be a great place for me to learn."

But he insists that would be his dessert serving. First, he wants to chow down on the main course: a run at the American crown.

"Obviously, I'm very comfortable with Chivas USA, and I want to help push to win an MLS Cup," concluded Kljestan. "I'm happy in Los Angeles."

"I can't complain about anything, life is pretty easy out here, but at the same time I'm also excited to make a move to Europe and test myself in bigger leagues against bigger clubs."

Soccer365 reporter Greg Seltzer blogs daily over at No Short Corners.

Official Chivas USA Jerseys at WSS!