Chivas USA make the relatively short journey north on Sunday night to take on the Western Conference leaders the San Jose Earthquakes in an all-important, all Californian clash. Things could not be much different between the two sides at the moment, with San Jose looking to strengthen their hold on the top of the conference and the Goats trying to salvage their fast diminishing playoff hopes. Amid a hectic week of ownership change for Chivas, and widespread rumors of more ‘big’ changes to come, the only change the fans are hoping for this weekend is in their on the field affairs. Robin Fraser has spoken of needing wins in every single game if they are to have any shot of making the playoffs. However, since their ‘push for the playoffs’ began, wins have been non-existent and this has to change on Sunday night in San Jose.
RECENT FORM
Chivas USA are not in the kind of form that either Robin Fraser or the fans would have hoped for at this stage in the season. Taking their time to find their scoring touch (and a dependable line-up) the latter stages of the season have crept up on us. However, despite being the lowest scoring MLS side this year, and failing to find any consistency the playoffs remained an attainable goal. It wasn’t that long ago that we were all talking of a ‘strong push for the playoffs’ after the Shalrie Joseph trade. But in a matter of weeks hopes of the playoffs were dented significantly. A 4-0 Super Clasico defeat to LA Galaxy, a disappointing 1-1 tie in Colorado and then an embarrassing 6-2 defeat to the Seattle Sounders. Not only was the fans’ hope of the playoffs disappearing, but so was their faith in the head coach.
Then earlier this week, the Goats found themselves 3-0 to the Revs after just 21 minutes. A stirring 3 goal comeback did follow, but again it was a game that they really should have taken 3 points from in their increasingly unlikely hunt for the playoffs. A comeback of that nature is always pleasing but what isn’t pleasing is losing 3 goals in 21 minutes, and in the game that followed losing 6 at home. It also meant that Chivas USA had lost 14 goals in 4 games…just 6 short of what they have scored all season (20) (San Jose has scored 52).
On a brighter note (if that’s possible), 3 goals in a game was a season high for the Rojiblancos and 6 goals in 3 games overall could be seen as in improvement on the offensive front. Although conceding much more than they have scored, one thing have fans have been asking for is a bit more entertainment (i.e. goals). Seeing Chivas USA finally score does leave room for optimism and confidence, but facing an in form side like San Jose will be a completely different game than the Revs one. And with defensive performances not nearly at the standard of a playoff side Chivas USA will have to make a vast improvement on their recent form in order to get a result.
ROUND 2
Chivas USA are travelling to the Buck Shaw Stadium for the second time this season and it will be their last trip there before they welcome San Jose to the HDC in a couple of weeks’ time. Despite hailing from the same state, the rivalry between Chivas USA and San Jose still lacks in comparison to the other Californian derbies. However, if it was treated in the same fashion, Chivas would definitely hold the bragging rights. In the 14 meetings between these sides the Goats have twice as many wins as the Earthquakes (6-3), with the sides tying the remaining 5. Another important statistic in favor of the visitors is the fact that they have only lost once to the Earthquakes since the San Jose side re-entered MLS back in 2008.
Despite their superior record though, Chivas USA have failed to match the form of their state rivals this year and both teams now find themselves at opposite ends of the Western Conference. Earlier this year (May 13th), the two sides shared the points in a 1-1 tie that was, frustratingly, one of those ‘ties that feels like a defeat’ kind of games. Well it was for Chivas USA anyway. An early Jose Erick Correa goal had the Goats on track for all three points before ex-Goat Alan Gordon snatched an 88th minute equalizer. A good point for Chivas USA, considering their lackluster attack, but it only epitomized the kind of disappointing displays we have had to witness this season.
Since that time, performances have remained on the poorer side for the Rojiblancos and despite vast changes in the side; the Goats will certainly enter this game as underdogs. Players such as, the rarely seen Jose Correa and Laurent Courtois, and the now departed Heath Pearce and Michael Lahoud, featured in this game, and it only highlights the personnel changes that have now been made to the side. But the odds on who will win Round 2 of this fixture will still be in favor of the hosts but they do face a much improved side than last time. On paper anyway.
THE INJURY LIST
Robin Fraser’s only concern on the injury front is the hamstrings of both Peter Vagenas and Ryan Smith. Missing for the last couple of games, it has been the influential Smith who has perhaps been missed the most by Chivas USA. Fortunately though, the midfielder is listed as ‘doubtful’ as opposed to Vagenas who will definitely not make the match. Otherwise, despite the lengthy absence of Marvin Iraheta, Fraser certainly has a lot of options available to try and mastermind a result against the Western Conference leaders.
Chivas USA currently sit 7th in the Western Conference with a total of 28 points from 24 games played. Although results and performances have been poor, hope still lies in the fact they have three games in hand on Vancouver who occupy the last playoff place in the West. Nine points separate the two teams and however unlikely it may seem, Chivas USA have to strive to win all 3 of these games to keep their postseason dreams alive. Wins is what they need, and it is wins that Fraser keeps talking about. San Jose would be a good place to start.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
