Chivas USA’s season did not get off to the best of starts last week against Houston Dynamo. A late goal from the Dynamo meant they started 2012 with a defeat but they have a chance to repay their fans with another home game this Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
An Unfortunate Start
The opening day defeat to Houston should not be of major concern to any Chivas USA fans. With a few injuries to contend with, and coming up against a good side in last year’s Eastern Conference Champions, The Goats were unlucky not to walk away with a tie. The team’s attitude and application could not be doubted and an unfortunate bounce of the ball allowed Houston to grab all 3 points in the dying moments of the game. The improvements in the side were evident and there were positives to take from the performance. Playing out yet another goalless game for 90 minutes, however, they clearly need to be more clinical in their upcoming fixtures.
A Second Chance
The Rojiblancos start the season with two home games in a row and this gives them another game with home advantage. Kicking off their season last week at home, after a poor end to preseason on the road, was crucial. This didn’t exactly work out but they have a chance to redeem themselves against Vancouver this weekend. The Whitecaps, on the other hand, face Chivas USA as their first game of the season away from home. Their opening game saw them defeat fellow Canadians Montreal Impact 2-0 and will give them a lot of confidence coming into this tie.
Key Players for Chivas USA
Robin Fraser made some significant changes to his team over preseason. Over a third of the squad is different from the team we saw last year. It was the familiar face of Dan Kennedy however that was the standout against Houston. Another fantastic performance from the goalkeeper kept Chivas USA in the game several times and another big performance from him this weekend (and for the rest of the season) will be needed. Juan Pablo Angel, as expected, will be the focus of the attack again and will be looking for his 1st goal of the season after failing to find the net last week after a couple of chances. One signing in preseason that raised a few eyebrows was that of Peter Vagenas and the ex-Whitecaps midfielder showed up well in his debut for Chivas USA. His experience will be vital in the middle of the park, against his former team, if The Goats are to stifle the attack of Vancouver.
The History
Last season these two clubs met each other twice in what was Vancouver’s first season in the MLS. On both occasions they shared the points. The first match up in Vancouver saw both teams fail to score and it ended 0-0. The second encounter, this time at the HDC, ended 1-1 with Chivas USA scoring through Nick LaBrocca. With ties in the last two competitive games things might be different this time around. Vancouver Whitecaps will be looking to maintain winning ways after beating Montreal and Chivas USA will want to make up for that home defeat last week.
Who will be missing?
Michael Lahoud missed the season opener with a hamstring injury and will be sidelined once again. Another player who missed out was John Alexander Valencia but he has a chance of returning to the side. Blair Gavin and Alejandro Moreno may miss the game with hamstring and nose injuries respectively.
With significant changes to the roster a big improvement on last year is expected from both the Chivas USA coaching staff and also the fans. Robin Fraser has admitted his side will need time to become more cohesive and become accustomed to one another and that is understandable. The Western Conference though is extremely competitive this year and Chivas face a side that will have similar goals. Therefore, if Chivas USA are to reach the playoffs they really should be winning games such as this one. It is vital then, that the side continues to progress starting with this game and improve on last week’s result.
(image courtesy of Robert Husky)
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