Chivas USA make the journey to Utah on Saturday to face in form Real Salt Lake in a top versus bottom Western Conference clash. The Goats’ third game of the year sees them chasing not only their first points of the season but also their first goal. To attain either of these this weekend would certainly be a confidence boosting achievement considering the strength of the opposition. Real Salt Lake has made the perfect start to the season with 6 points from 2 games. This is even more impressive bearing in mind these victories came against both LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls.
Chivas USA’s start to the season, on the other hand, is slightly different reading. Their opening two home games both ended in 1-0 defeats to Houston and Vancouver. This leaves them rooted to the bottom of the Western Conference with no goals, no points and a hard away game to try and rectify the situation.
The Whitecaps Defeat
The last game against the Vancouver Whitecaps was another one of those defeats that you simply had to find the positives in. Their second defeat in a row was definitely a better example of possession play and included a lot of good attacking sequences. However, the problem was they failed to finish off those sequences with a goal and left themselves exposed from a set piece (just like they did against Houston Dynamo). Two games at home to start the season have left Chivas USA empty handed so perhaps they will find their form away from home this season.
How will they line up?
Robin Fraser will likely opt for the more defensive approach that he has used in the previous two games, albeit, somewhat unsuccessfully. Despite having no points and no goals after two games Chivas USA have only conceded 2 goals in the process, both coming from set pieces. If their defensive duties can be improved on corner kicks for example this could be an ideal tactic against Real Salt Lake. The Goats will no doubt come under a lot of pressure in this match and they will have to be a lot better this weekend or an even worse defeat could be the cards. However, if they can absorb this pressure and tighten things up on set pieces they have a better chance at getting a result.
Who is missing?
Juan Pablo Angel has been sidelined as a precaution, due to some ongoing problems after a head knock in preseason, and is doubtful for Saturday. Others who are still missing include Alejandro Moreno, Michael Lahoud and Blair Gavin. Moreno is still out with a broken nose but isn’t far away from a return to the side. Lahoud and Gavin are still struggling with hamstring strains. Laurent Courtois is considered doubtful due to a calf strain picked up against Vancouver. This leaves some very important players missing but there is decent competition in the side that will see them through the next few games.
The Goal Drought
What we know for certain is that Chivas USA need to start scoring. Whatever line up or formation Fraser starts with another goalless 90mins has to be avoided. The forwards must be more clinical in front of goal and actually take their chances. Juan Pablo Angel was replaced by Casey Townsend last week who had a quiet but decent first start. Cesar Romero, who scored a hat trick for the reserves midweek, is also vying for a starting spot. If Chivas are to leave Utah with a result, goals from any of these players will be needed.
On the road to Real Salt Lake is going to be an extremely difficult game for Chivas USA. Robin Fraser has spoken post match about needing more time for his players to become familiar each other and his new tactics. These things certainly won’t change overnight but the criticism he aimed at his side last week will hopefully motivate them. One week on from another defeat it will be interesting to see how they react. It is obviously still early in the season but if the Rojiblancos don’t start putting some points on the board the dream of the playoffs will become less of a reality.
(image courtesy of German Alegria/Agencia Imago7)
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