On Wednesday night Chivas USA travelled to Ohio to take on the Columbus Crew in their first game of a two game road trip. Enduring some poor performances and some even worse results recently, the fans were hoping for a return to that inspiring road form Chivas enjoyed earlier in the year. Unfortunately though, what they got was the wrong type of déjà vu.
It was certainly an improved performance and it did remind the fans of the battling qualities their team had showed on away days earlier in the season. However, what we were also reminded of was last-minute heartbreak that instantly changes the headlines. From a ‘hard-fought’ point it became just another defeat. In the 89th minute, when a point seemed like a deserved but still disappointing result, it got worse. Columbus Crew got the only goal of the game and ended Chivas’ midweek chance of moving from the Western Conference’s basement.
DC UNITED vs. CHIVAS USA
On Sunday evening Chivas USA will take on their second Eastern Conference side this week, in a two game road swing that got off to that heartbreaking start back in Ohio. They line up against DC United at the RFK in a fixture between two sides facing very different end of season fortunes. Sitting in fourth and just 2 points above the playoff line, the hosts are fighting to build on their push up the Eastern Conference and secure a post-season. Although having similar ambitions a matter of weeks ago, Chivas USA are now facing a very different prospect…finishing bottom. This game will not only see them play for some pride to end their horrendous run of form but ensure they don’t end their season with the dreaded basement spot.
RECENT FORM
Chivas USA’s recent form does not make good reading. In a two month period that was meant to define their season and eventually end with a playoff spot, the Goats’ fortunes have been the complete opposite. August and September only defined 2012 as another disappointment and sent Chivas to the bottom of the Western Conference.
Chivas USA have not won a game since July 28th when they secured a 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers in Oregon. Since that time, sandwiched between six defeats, there have only been two ties that both came on the road. Robin Fraser has therefore seen his side embark on a terrible run of form that has also seen them concede a shocking 23 goals in 8 games, scoring just 7 in return.
Nevertheless, being on the road does seem to suit the Goats as that is where they have found, not only their only recent points, but also the few goals they have actually scored. Not an inspiring statistic as such, but one we have to cling onto for hope.
THE HISTORY
This is the only meeting between the two sides this season but, regardless of the result, DC United will still hold the historical advantage. Of the 14 meeting between them, United have won 7 games, with 3 ties and Chivas USA winning the remaining 4.
Despite losing their home game 3-0, Chivas did manage a 2-2 tie at the RFK Stadium with both goals coming from Juan Pablo Angel. With a loss and a tie in their last two fixtures against DC, Robin Fraser will hopefully be sending his side out to get that elusive victory.
ABSENCES
Robin Fraser has an almost full and healthy roster going into this match. It has been reported that the only injury concern in the squad is that of back-up goalkeeper Tim Melia who has a lower back strain. The only other forced absence from the side will be Oswaldo Minda. Not surprisingly, the Ecuadorian midfielder once again misses through yellow card accumulation and will be sorely missed in the middle of the field on Sunday.
Against the Columbus Crew, despite the result, the Rojiblancos did manage to improve on previous showings and they took the game to the very last minute. However that last minute goal will still be playing on their minds, and hopefully it inspires them against DC United on Sunday to get a positive result.
It has been far too long since Chivas USA have taken all 3 points from a game and that is what they need this weekend. A tie simply isn’t good enough. Although every point matters in trying to pull away from last place in the West, the fans deserve nothing less than all three points. When coming so close to a result in Ohio, it was hard to be delighted even at the prospect a point on the road. The idea of the playoffs was killed off so quickly, but Robin Fraser still spoke of needing wins and just going out for a win. Hopefully the end of the summer this weekend will see the end of our search for one.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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