In the upcoming match between Chivas USA and Vancouver Whitecaps this Saturday, the opposing strengths of the two teams is the story. With a goals against tally of five in four games this season, Chivas are establishing themselves as a good defensive unit, which isn’t necessarily surprising considering Coach Robin Fraser was a defender himself and made shoring up the defense a priority this season. With two points in the last two games, and a clean sheet in the last match against Columbus, the Goats look like they are starting to build some momentum.
On the other hand, Chivas have only scored 3 goals this season, and a complete lack of offensive production has to be worrisome. Contrast this with the Whitecaps, who have allowed 10 goals, the most in the league, and have also scored a league-leading 9 goals. So in breaking down the game, it seems clear that the game will likely either be a tight defensive affair or a freewheeling goal fest. For neutrals, Vancouver has been perhaps the most exciting team so far, and an offense-dominated match will probably be preferred. For Chivas, however, nothing indicates so far that they can put 3 or 4 goals on the board, so they need to fight for a low-scoring game if they want to escape with a good result.
In particular, Chivas will have their hands full with the Brazilian Camilo, who has been a shrewd acquisition and is capable of popping up at opportune moments to score goals. Designated Player Eric Hassli, back from a second red card, has also scored goals in his limited playing time and will represent a challenge for Chivas’ backline. His physical play and lack of awareness is a vulnerability, though, and the visitors may be able to capitalize by goading him into foolish yellow or red cards. Atiba Harris has also played well, and Nizar Khalfan has been a quiet and steady presence for Vancouver. U.S. National Team Defender Jay DeMerit is questionable with a groin problem, as is Midfielder Terry Dunfield and John Thorrington.
For Chivas, although maintaining a strong defense will be the overall priority, in looking to the long-term they need to get players to start taking chances on offense. In addition to poor link-up play between midfielders and forwards, very few players seem comfortable taking shots, even speculative shots from the fringes of the 18-yard box. Although quality counts more than quantity in getting scoring chances, Chivas need to start taking shots in order to build up to quality chances if they have any hope of scoring more goals. Midfielder Blain Gavin is out with the hamstring problem he re-aggravated against Colorado, and Forward Tristan Bowen is out with an ankle injury, while Captain Jimmy Conrad is questionable following his concussion suffered against Colorado. Given the high-profile case of Taylor Twellman and his struggles with post-concussion symptoms that ultimately forced him into retirement, it is important that Conrad not do permanent damage to his health by rushing his return. At the same time, his return to the lineup will certainly provide some much-needed experience and stability to the squad.
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