Davis' Discussion: Jonathan Bornstein Growing Up

The much-maligned fullback, who has started nine matches for the U.S. during the first 10 months of '09, posted his best performances during the team's last two games. In addition to the goal against Costa Rica, he was important defensively and proved to be an integral part of the backline during the American's historic defeat of Honduras four days earlier. These outings were quite a change from earlier ones that had U.S. supporters calling for someone, anyone, to replace him on the flank.   

The UCLA product credits a more serious approach as a key to his improvement.  

"I adopted a new mentality to go out there and work extremely hard," Bornstein told Goal.com on Thursday as his Chivas USA side prepared to meet the Los Angeles Galaxy in the second leg of their playoff series. "I think I was getting along better with the guys [on the National Team]. I think everything has been a lot more positive this year than it has been in the past for me." 

After bursting on to international stage in 2007 -- he became one of only seven players to earn 10 caps during his first calendar year with the squad -- the versatile, five-foot, nine-inch defender spent much of 2008 recovering from a knee injury. Although he battled back, starting 19 games for his club that year and playing 90 minutes for the U.S. against Guatemala in a November World Cup qualifier, Bornstein didn't feel comfortable on the National Team until early 2009.  

"The January camp kind of set it all off, getting the starts and getting the games," the fullback said. "Obviously, this whole year has overall been very good for me. 

"It's definitely a maturation of myself as a player and as a person as well, but I would say I've learned a lot from the guys around me," he continued. "My relationships with these guys have been growing over the years. I think it's gotten to a point where we all understand each other. We laugh. We joke. We can have a good conversation. In the beginning, being a younger player I was a little more timid, I didn't always know what I was doing. But overall experience-wise, I think that has helped me grow and ultimately on the field it's being shown out there." 

Bornstein hopes the success will continue this weekend when Chivas, which tied the Galaxy 2-2 in the first leg, looks to advance to the conference final for the first time in four tries. Both the Goats and the Galaxy play at the Home Depot Center, but L.A. will be the "home" team on Sunday. Although the stadium will be "a little bit more blue and gold and white" because of this, Bornstein knows the intensity of the Superclasico is tops no matter which squad wears the home kits.    

"The Chivas-Galaxy games are the most intense the fans get," he said. "When we play them, it gets a little bit more heated and the emotions start getting into the game, both on the fans side as well as on the players side."  

If the Goats move on, Bornstein won't be called into the U.S. camp in advance of the squad's friendlies against Slovakia and Denmark. One player who seems likely to make the trip is Edgar Castillo, currently the biggest competition for the left back position. Bornstein relishes the chance to fight for the spot.  

"I don't know very much about him as a player," the 2006 Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year said. "I know he's probably going to get called in. It's healthy competition to have multiple guys competing for the same spot. I'm looking forward to it. [Laughs.]" 

One advantage for the Chivas defender might be his long professional relationship with Bob Bradley. The current U.S. head coach previously managed the Goats and drafted Bornstein in the fourth round. Although the California native played midfield or striker throughout his college career, Bradley saw a fullback and worked to convert Bornstein, who went on to start all 32 games during Chivas' inaugural campaign. The coach's confidence helped smooth the transition. 

"I was learning on the job at that point," Bornstein said. "The fact that he gave me the opportunity in the beginning was a good indication that he trusted me and my skills and what I could bring to the team." 

The respect each man holds for the other has continued to develop since that initial pairing.  

"Our relationship has grown over the years in terms of him having a lot of trust in me," Bornstein explained. "I trust the way he coaches in terms of style and formation and mentality." 

But for now, club comes before country. A win on Sunday would mean Chivas are no longer second-class citizens in their own stadium. Bornstein is confident his squad can pull off what would be a huge upset.  

"No real prediction on score, but I can see a Chivas win in order," he said. "I want to move on very badly. We've never moved out of the first round before as a franchise and it would be a huge stepping stone to do it against the Galaxy and have bragging rights for an entire year." 

If Chivas prevail, the red and white will be flying high over Carson, California.  

Come next July, Bornstein will add some blue to the mix.  

Noah Davis covers the United States National Team for Goal.com.

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