Chivas USA welcome Real Salt Lake to the Home Depot Center on Saturday evening and finally put an end to a three week break from MLS action. With Chivas’ last league game being against Seattle all the way back on the 26th of May, we have had to make do with International, US Open Cup and Euro 2012 fixtures to give us our soccer fix. It’s certainly not a bad alternative; however, The Goats’ return to league action this weekend is what most fans have really been looking forward to. After an impressive ending to a string of tough games the question is: Can Chivas USA continue their good run of results after the break? RSL are the visitors in what will be an interesting match-up to welcome back club soccer.
RECENT FORM
The last time Chivas USA were in MLS action, they secured a point against the Sounders to round off what was arguably the toughest run of games they would face all year. San Jose, LA, New York and finally Seattle gave the Goats five games in which many gave them no chance. Four goals and six points later, Chivas USA have achieved something of a revival and currently sit sixth in the Western Conference with a total of 15 points. Although taking a break from the league, Chivas have still been in competitive action in the form of the US Open Cup. Yes, it is derided by a lot of fans and clubs alike, but if anything, it gave Chivas USA a chance to keep their fitness and form in check. Two hard fought victories over Ventura County Fusion and the Carolina Railhawks mean Chivas USA go into the RSL match on the back of a six game unbeaten run.
Despite climbing the table and starting what could potentially be a rewarding Cup run, there are still only four points separating them from bottom side LA Galaxy and the players won’t be getting carried away. A lengthy period away from league action can just as easily revitalize a team as it can knock them out of their stride.
Real Salt Lake, on the other hand, have not had as successful a break. A 3-1 defeat to the Minnesota Stars left RSL, and yet another MLS club, with an embarrassing defeat and elimination from the US Open Cup. However, like the majority of clubs in MLS, a desire to do well in the Cup is unfortunately lacking and this result doesn’t reflect their current form. Back to where it counts and RSL are riding high at the top of the conference with 29 points and an impressive last-five record of W-W-T-W-W.
ROUND TWO
March 24th: Two home defeats to start 2012 and things were not looking good for Chivas USA in the new season. That was until they took to the road to face Real Salt Lake in Utah. After grinding out a 1-0 victory fans were given a glimpse of the battling qualities that would characterize their season so far. The result stunned the RSL fans after a promising start to their season which saw them take maximum points from both LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls. Since then, Chivas USA’s roster has seen some major changes, especially in the goal scoring department, so this reverse fixture is likely to be a more balanced affair. Although they probably won’t admit it the RSL players are likely to be out for revenge. Equally however, the Goats will be looking to do the double over their Western Conference rivals so everything points to this being a feisty encounter.
On that note, one thing that will definitely be feisty is the midfield battle between Oswaldo Minda and Kyle Beckerman. Two of the leagues more combative midfielders line up against each other in a game that could possibly be won and lost in the midfield. Considering Minda and Beckerman are first and third respectively in the yellow card charts, some tasty challenges will no doubt be in abundance.
INJURY REPORT
Robin Fraser’s good fortune continues when it comes to the selection process as only one player is likely to miss out this weekend. Nick LaBrocca has a hamstring strain and will not make Saturday’s game. Otherwise, apart from long term absentee Marvin Iraheta, Fraser has an almost full squad to choose from.
The lengthy international break has been a welcome reward for Chivas USA. After coming through a difficult fixture list, six points from some in-form teams would have undoubtedly taken a lot out of the side. The three week break will hopefully have given the players some much needed rest after something of an up-and-down season. The Goats were struggling at home to begin with this season but have recently secured 4 points at the HDC and dropped their awful goalless streak in front of their home fans. With away games clearly being more favorable this year, kicking things off at home again gives them a chance to build on their home resurgence. With RSL arriving in California looking for revenge over their shock defeat to Chivas earlier in the season both of these in form teams will be looking to pick things up where they left off.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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