Chivas USA are back on the road this weekend to face fellow Western Conference playoff hopefuls, the Colorado Rapids, with both teams looking to bounce back from defeats. The Goats and the Rapids are tied in the conference with 9 points and a victory for either side could see them move up to the top half of the table. With LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers also struggling at the wrong end of the league Chivas USA have an opportunity to move further away from that dreaded bottom spot.
RECENT FORM
Chivas USA go into this match against Colorado with a lot to prove and play for. Last week, they lost their fourth consecutive home game and they are still goalless in over 360 minutes of soccer at the Home Depot Center. With such a poor record at home, The Goats have relied on a shock away run that has seen them win all three away fixtures this season. A match on the road therefore will once again be a relief for Chivas USA fans who have watched their team struggle in Carson. A fourth win on the road is not an easy task, but the Rojiblancos will be looking to prove they have what it takes in the Western Conference and this away run is not just a lucky streak.
Colorado Rapids are also looking to bounce back from some recent disappointment. Last week’s 2-1 home defeat to LA Galaxy was their third loss in a row but it took a stoppage time penalty save to deny them a tie. Facing the other LA based team now the Rapids will be aiming to stop their losing streak and get their season back on track.
THE INJURY LIST
Just as we welcomed back one of our most experienced players from a concussion, we have now lost another, Alejandro Moreno, to a similar problem. Juan Pablo Angel finally returned to the side last weekend when he featured as a substitute against Philadelphia and in the same match Moreno suffered a concussion. Although going through the league’s concussion protocol, Robin Fraser stated he is making good progress and will not be missing from the side for too long.
One player who might be on his way to making his first appearance of the season is Michael Lahoud. The midfielder has been out with a hamstring injury and has been close to return for a while now but hasn’t been risked due to the nature of his injury. However, although lacking fitness, he could make the substitutes bench for the game against Colorado.
Marvin Iraheta (knee) remains out but midfielders Ben Zemanski (knee) and Peter Vagenas (rib) are still listed as ‘probable’.
HOW WILL THEY LINE-UP?
Robin Fraser’s tactics away from home this season have been vital to the record we have on the road. With three away wins keeping Chivas USA’s hopes of a playoff place alive it is likely things won’t change in Colorado. The 4-5-1 defensive formation has worked wonders when we have been up against it away from home and the side has defended superbly when protecting a lead. However, it is obtaining that lead that could be the problem against the Rapids. Every game this season we have either lost by one goal or won by one goal.
So, although he has only just returned, we could hopefully see Juan Pablo Angel starting a game again. Making an instant impact after coming on as a sub against the Union, and the team still lacking goals, he could return to the starting 11 now considering we also lack the experience of Moreno.
Elsewhere in the side, I wouldn’t imagine much else changing. With a lot of options available in midfield/attack Fraser has rotated some of the younger players already this season and could do so again for this weekend. Cardozo and Bolanos started last week but players such as Romero, Townsend and Courtois will be pushing hard for a place back in the side.
Chivas USA will still be hurting from the defeat to Philadelphia last weekend. Although it was a similar score line to the other defeats it was not a similar performance. Chivas USA produced an attacking display that saw more shots on goal and crosses into the box than all their previous home games combined. The ‘aggression’ that Robin Fraser had asked for finally arrived. It is just a shame that no one managed to convert one of those chances into that elusive home goal. Question marks will now be raised over whether The Goats can secure a fourth away win and bounce back from more home disappointment. This game though, provides them with a perfect opportunity to respond to those who have returned to doubting their playoff chances. The Rapids are their direct competitors in the Western Conference and if Chivas USA really are to make an improvement on last year’s finish this is the type of game where a result is required.
(image courtesy of Chivas USA)
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