Los Angeles’s second team may not get the publicity it deserves. But it’s clear from recent moves that Chivas USA has the better chance of claiming MLS Cup in November.

Why so bullish on the Goats’ chances?

Forget about Jose Cardozo. Think about Raphael Wicky.

The former Swiss international defensive midfield will sneak under the radar, but he’s got big time game. Clubs on his resume include Werder Bremen, Atletico Madrid, and Hamburger SV. He’s played in a World Cup and a European Championship and boasts 75 caps for his national side.

Moreover, he plays the type of position that can impact the game. Put him beside Jesse Marsch and you’ve got someone with the range of passing, alongside Marsch’s bite, to provide Sasha Kljestan with the necessary service.

Wicky also gives the team significant depth in central midfield; Kljestan will miss time with the Olympic team and Marsch will miss games here and there with the inevitable knocks a player of his vintage will acquire.

Add Wicky to the core in place and you have a team significantly improved from last year’s Western Conference champions.

(Incidentally, Wicky is exactly the type of player the league needs to sign: an established, high-level international between 29 and 32 willing to play for less than DP money. These are the players that can really make a difference.)

Brad Guzan’s failed transfer to Aston Villa hurt the league (a £2 million sale will turn into a free transfer at the end of the season) but shored up the goalkeeping worries for head coach Preki with Preston Burpo’s departure in the expansion draft. Guzan remains the best goalkeeper in the league.

With all the positive news out of SoCal, there must be a drag for the Goats.

It comes with rumors of a difference of opinion between Ante Razov and Preki. Any rift between the pair must be sorted out prior to opening day. Alecko Eskandarian is a worthy reserve, not a full-time partner for Maykel Galindo.

Relying on Eskandarian or any of the foreign trialists, including the goal-shy Japanese striker Takayuki Suzuki or the quasi-retired Jose Cardozo, in lieu of Razov will lead to playoff heartache.

But for now, all signs are positive for Chivas as it opens camp.