Chivas USA return to the Home Depot Center on Saturday night to face Philadelphia Union with a point to prove. After their recent two game road trip came to an end with maximum points, a home fixture is just what they needed. Six points from the two away trips to Portland and Toronto saw The Goats move up to fifth in the Western Conference but still without any goals or points at home. With performances steadily improving and some goals being scored, albeit on the road, Robin Fraser must be confident now is the time for a home victory. Following on from the win over struggling Toronto FC, Chivas USA will line up against The Union who sit just one place above the bottom in the Eastern Conference.
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Chivas USA’s previous game against Toronto was another one of those unspectacular but pleasing performances. Winning 1-0 in a nerve wracking encounter The Goats showed a desire to grind out a victory and once again show their strengths lie in a defensive approach. It was their second win a row after defeating the Timbers 2-1 and left them with three away wins for the season. The three 1-0 defeats at home this year, however, have come after some good performances that were eventually undone by a lack of concentration. With the confidence the side will have from these two road wins Philadelphia could be about to play a revitalized Chivas USA side at the Home Depot Center.
The Union, on the other hand, has had a slightly different start to the season. With a 1-3-1 record their first win came last Saturday against the Columbus Crew when they recorded a valuable 1-0 win. Despite their only other point coming from a home tie with Vancouver, Philadelphia will take a lot of confidence from their first win and look for more of the same against Chivas USA.
The Injury List
Finally there is some good news on the injury front. Juan Pablo Angel has returned to full training for The Rojiblancos and if he can win his battle with post-concussion protocol, he could return this weekend. His presence in the side has clearly been missed but a starting berth against Philadelphia is still unlikely considering his fitness will not be up to scratch.
Unfortunately, someone who isn’t likely to return after a lengthy period out is Michael Lahoud. The midfielder has been missing with a hamstring strain and, although he was close to a return, has suffered a setback and as a precaution will not be rushed back into the side. Fellow midfielder Peter Vagenas is also unlikely to feature as he is still suffering from the rib contusion he picked up a couple of weeks ago.
How Will They Line-Up?
One thing is for sure, Robin Fraser will not be altering the defensive partnership of McKenzie and Pearce. After another outstanding display against Toronto the defenders, along with Riley and Jazic, proved to be a solid foundation for Chivas’ defensive game plan. Robin Fraser’s approach to games may not be free flowing soccer, but it has paid dividends while the players still work on proper cohesion.
Last weekend’s goal scorer Oswaldo Minda is another name that will be among the first on the team sheet. Another convincing display from the Ecuadorian has earned him more rave reviews but the midfielder is close to suspension after picking up several yellow cards already this season.
With Juan Pablo Angel not ready for a starting slot up front, the position of striker has still not been claimed by any of the other forwards. Coach Fraser has opted to practically audition each of his new forwards; Townsend, Romero and Bolanos. Each of the preseason signings have started up front this year with Bolanos starting and getting an assist in the previous game. Since all have continued to impress in reserve games his starting striker could change again for the game against Philadelphia.
Robin Fraser has become visibly frustrated with the performance of his side in their home games. With a one goal margin in all of them, Chivas USA had been so close to preventing such a poor home record and adding a maybe a couple of extra points to their tally. However, it was not wonder goals from their opposition that prevented this but simple attacking plays that should have been dealt with. Returning for their fourth game of the season at the Home Depot Center now could be the time to repay their fans. Philadelphia Union is a side that has struggled so far in 2012 and The Goats, therefore, will start this game as favorites. With Chivas USA no longer looking up at the rest of the Western Conference from the bottom of the league, and with a two game winning streak under their belts, they have a good chance of making it three wins out of three this Saturday.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
