Chivas USA drew 1-1 with the Chicago Fire on Saturday at the Home Depot Center. A 26th minute goal from Chicago striker Dominic Oduro put the Fire on top before Nick LaBrocca leveled the score shortly after the restart with a terrific shot outside the box. The result broke the Goats’ three-game losing streak and resulted in a point, which is a good sign moving forward. Despite the talk from Chivas players and coaches coming into the match that the tide needed to turn, the play on the field in the first half was rather poor. In particular, Chicago had a multitude of chances in the first half and Chivas were rather lucky to escape with only conceding a goal. Additionally, Oduro’s goal was really not a good one for the defense to concede, as he went on a solo run up the left side, sped right on by Michael Umaña, and Heath Pearce failed to commit to a double-team, giving Oduro an opportunity at a tightly angled shot that made it past Dan Kennedy. Not to take anything away from Oduro, who is having a good season, but that was the kind of goal that a solid defense would not give up. It looked as though Chivas’ defensive frailties would bite them once again.
But they stuck with it and were able to knot up the score on LaBrocca’s goal. Although they were not exactly an offensive juggernaut, the Goats also had several near misses on the day, including a one-on-one opportunity between Jorge Flores and Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson in the first half. Flores could not hold his nerve and turned his body into Johnson, thereby cutting off his angle and botching a golden opportunity. LaBrocca also had a shot off the post, and forward Victor Estupiñan headed the ball straight at Johnson during the closing minutes of the match.
Again, a point is better than none, and Chivas came from behind to earn the draw. But it is still something of a disappointing result and one that makes fans fear Chivas maybe just aren’t ready to compete at a higher level this season. But another opportunity for three points is upon us, as Chivas are hosting San Jose on Wednesday. Chivas can shake off the bad feelings from the Chicago match and quickly move on to the next one, which may help them relax and just play their best. Additionally, the Goats have beaten the Earthquakes already this season, when they earned their first victory of the season on April 23 by a 2-1 score. Chivas were slowly coming to life at that point, but that win jolted them awake and into a good run of form for the next month, while San Jose hit the skids for a time following the loss. Obviously, Chivas can take strength from that earlier victory, as they may need it, as the teams’ fortunes are again headed in seemingly opposite directions. The Earthquakes are currently in 6th place in the Western Conference, and Chivas are three points back in 7th place. San Jose has jumped into better form in recent weeks, and seem like they have put the worst behind them. So this may be another match to jumpstart the season for Chivas. Obviously, if they can win, they can draw level with San Jose on points. Maybe the Quakes can be their lucky charm for the year?
Absences for this match include Jimmy Conrad, who is still out with post-concussion symptoms. Defender Ante Jazic (calf) and midfielder Paulo Nagamura (quad) are listed as questionable and will likely sit out. For San Jose, Bobby Burling will not feature as he is suspended following a double yellow card last match. Midfielder Bobby Convey is out with a knee knock, and defender Ike Opara is also out with a foot problem.
Considering their shaky form of late, it is difficult to anticipate what Chivas will manage on Wednesday. But they know they can beat the Earthquakes, and really need to return to the game plan that helped them win the first time around. Chivas can play better, and they need to show it now.
(image courtesy of Juan Miranda/Chivas USA)
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