Things have been a bit stop-start for Chivas USA recently. After a good run of results was interrupted by a lengthy international break, The Goats returned to action last month with a respectable four points from a possible nine. However, any sort of momentum was halted again when they took a two week break from MLS action. During that time though (US Open Cup victories aside), the other Western Conference results have arguably went their way and the table is now set up nicely for their next run of games. On Saturday, the Rojiblancos will welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps to the HDC, in a rematch of March’s 1-0 defeat to the Canadians, and a match that could start a defining month for Chivas USA.
HOW THINGS STAND
While Chivas USA were absent from the MLS fixture list, results from their competitors have been favorable. As thing stand, Chivas sit 7th on 19 points after 16 games played. Although dangerously close to the tail end of the Conference, they are still in a very promising position indeed. With just 4 points separating them from bottom side FC Dallas and 8 from 4th placed Seattle, Chivas’ league position is delicately poised.
Place Team PTS GP
3 Vancouver 29 17
4 Seattle Sounders 27 18
5 Colorado Rapids 22 17
6 LA Galaxy 20 18
7 Chivas USA 19 16
8 Portland Timbers 19 16
9 FC Dallas 15 18
Having tied with FC Dallas in their previous fixture, The Goats will now face their other close competitors the Vancouver Whitecaps, LA Galaxy and Portland (twice) in the space of a month. In their favor, as with Portland, Chivas have played fewer games than the majority of teams in the West and a decent return of points in July could find Robin Fraser’s side finally challenging in the top half of the Conference. On the other hand, any more post-break hiccups like the Real Salt Lake defeat and Chivas USA could find themselves perilously close to the foot of the table. Luckily, this run of games starts in front of the home fans on Saturday, against the high-flying Whitecaps.
RECENT FORM
Chivas USA’s last two games, whilst positive in terms of points, were ultimately two games that will not live long in the memory of the fans. Both performances were slack and unconvincing, but still good enough to take four hard fought points and remain in a decent league position. With a last 5 record of T-T-L-W-T, The Goats continue to pick up points even when they are not playing well (Since the start of the season they haven’t went more than two games without getting some sort of result). Luckily, the teams in and around them have also been inconsistent which is a major reason why things remain so competitive. With home form gradually improving, no longer is an away fixture a blessing for the home support. Defeating Montreal Impact 2-1 in their last home game, a similar result against another Canadian side will be expected on Saturday.
The Vancouver Whitecaps though, will arrive in California sporting an impressive position at the top of the table. Coming off the back of a 1-0 win over Colorado, the Whitecaps sit third in the Western Conference with 29 points after 17 games. With the best last 5 record in the West (W-W-T-L-W), they will be looking to continue their rise up the table and put more pressure on leaders San Jose and 2nd placed RSL.
ROUND TWO
This Saturday, Chivas USA will face the Vancouver Whitecaps for the second time this year and also for the second time at the Home Depot Center. Back on March 17th, the two teams lined up in only the 2nd game of the new season, and the visitors won 1-0 leaving California with all 3 points. It was part of a poor start to the season for Chivas USA, but things are quite different now and thankfully, performances at home have improved.
THE INJURY LIST
After a relatively good spell without many injuries, Chivas USA now have a few players who are struggling to make the line-up. Top of the list has to be Juan Agudelo. With 2 goals and 3 assists (8 appearances) this season, the inform striker is doubtful for Chivas this weekend with a knee injury. During the break from action, Agudelo has missed three consecutive training sessions with what has been described as bruising to his knee and is now unlikely to make the Vancouver game. Also on the sidelines and listed as questionable are John Valencia and Miller Bolaños who both are suffering from hamstring strains.
Looking back to that defeat earlier in the season, the game against the Vancouver Whitecaps this weekend is likely to be a different affair. Despite the fact Chivas USA could be missing their new star striker, the curse of the Home Depot Center that blighted their early season has now seemingly been lifted. Performances gradually improved, goals eventually followed and some inspiring points at home got Chivas’ season back on track after a barren spell on their own turf. Although the Goats’ attack is still leaving fans frustrated some of their best performances have come at home recently. A challenging run of games awaits the Goats in July, and in the quest for a playoff place, a victory over the Whitecaps at home would be the perfect start.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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