After another heavy defeat, Chivas USA are back on the road on Saturday evening to take on another in-form side in the Colorado Rapids. After a 4-1 loss to Real Salt Lake, goals drying up, and the return of rumors regarding the future of the club there is a dark cloud hovering above the Goats the right now. Already Chelís has had to answer questions on his future, and a positive result on the road to our Western Conference rivals is exactly what is needed to turn the tide of negativity.
It was way back in March 2009 that Chivas USA last won against the Rapids and the Goats have already suffered defeat at the hands of Colorado this season. Although their season started well, Chivas USA have been in free-fall and find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference with 11 points after 11 games.
Criticism is being directed at not only the underperforming players, but the owners who have clearly failed in giving Chelís the support he needs in building a genuine playoff side. Hard fought points have been won, but after injuries and suspensions the lack of depth in the roster has been brutally exposed over the last few weeks with some heavy defeats.
“We do as much as we can, but this is just our level. We have different players now than the ones we had at the beginning of the season, so obviously we play differently. I feel proud of what they did in the beginning of the season and I continue to feel proud of what they’re doing now.” – Chelis
Chelís and his players are remaining positive but unfortunately the early season high has worn off amongst the fans. The quotes coming out of the club are all about “fighting” and “moving forward” in an attempt to rekindle the form of their opening set of games. However this won’t be easy as the cliché of “there are no easy games in MLS” certainly applies here. Taking on the Rapids away from home will be a difficult game for the Goats even regardless of their current form. They will have to live up to that promise of “fighting” if they are to get something out of this one.
Despite all the negativity, there is room for hope. Chivas USA’s first game of the season against Columbus Crew was extremely disappointing; however, they turned it around and won rave reviews in the month of March. We all know what they are capable of. And it could be one lucky bounce of the ball on Saturday evening that gets them back on track.
(image courtesy of Olivia Cervantes)
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