After being humbled by Sporting Kansas City last week, Chivas USA went back on the road to try and redeem themselves on Saturday with a match against the Portland Timbers. Hopes were once high amongst the support that this would be the type of game that Chivas could take all three points from, and mount a serious challenge for the playoffs. Despite their good run, Portland were fellow Western strugglers last year and probably our direct competition for a playoff spot this year. But once again, the Goats failed to turn up and played out a second road game with a heavy defeat. Conceding three goals against the Timbers without reply left fans scratching their heads at what was not so long ago exciting times for the Rojiblancos.
After a dismal performance against Sporting Kansas City, Chivas USA had a lot to work on. Their offense was looking very similar to last years, and the defense was looking even more vulnerable. The faith that this was just a mini slump in a long MLS season was based on the fact the Goats showed us what they are capable in the month of March. But since that time the team has suffered from injuries, suspensions, a surprise trade and a dip in form. What was needed wasn’t a revival of the goal scoring Goats of March, but the Goats that could grind out road results from early 2012.
Unfortunately, this game was all too similar to the SKC game. Chivas USA held on for a good portion of the first half without offering anything up front but holding out for an improved second half. However, that was undone by a magnificent counter attack from Portland that ended with Rodney Wallace scoring in the 34th minute.
Chivas USA were on the ropes. Portland were dominating and they would have been disappointed to end the first half with only one goal. Once again, Chivas USA looked disjointed and the forward line, starved of chances, was largely ineffective. Add to that a back line that playing a very risky high line and the outcome of this game was not a difficult bet.
In the 2nd half, Chivas USA only managed a couple of shots on target and Timbers goalkeeper Ricketts had an easy afternoon. Stand in Chivas goalkeeper McClain on the other hand had to collect the ball from his own net on two more occasions. Diego Valeri punished Chivas’ high line in the 70th minute and made it 2-0 before Will Johnson produced a stunning effort in the 92nd to make it 3-0. Two fantastic goals from the home said that sadly were not even needed. Chivas USA offered nothing in return and 3 points for the Timbers seemed the only outcome from the first whistle.
Seven goals conceded in two games, zero scored. Chivas USA from back to front are in a slump. Things are just not clicking, and the absence of Dan Kennedy surely didn’t help a defense lacking confidence (McClain did a good job on Saturday and was not really at fault for any of the goals). Agudelo has been traded; Minda and Bolanos are not in the side. Three of Chivas USA’s best players are not featuring for a team lacking in experience and energy. One player who did emerge with credit is Avila, but this is just one positive that can be taken from the Portland game.
That early season positivity is beginning to fade amongst the fans. Goals and points were still coupled with a leaky defense and a thin roster, and the last few games have only highlighted that even more so. Panic is indeed setting in.
On the other hand though, there a positives (or excuses) that can be found. We are missing key player, we have played two teams who played a very good game, and we have the hope that March’s results could return. It is worth noting that we have seen what they are capable of so one good result could kick start that kind of form again. Even so, Chelís has a huge job to do. Even when we were playing well, there were clear problems with what he had to work with. Unfortunately for him though he won’t get much help from his superiors in fixing that.
It wasn’t that long ago MLS fans were asking “What is going on with Chivas USA?!” They still are…but for slightly different reasons.
(image courtesy of USA Today Sports Images)
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