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MLS Preview: Chivas USA v. Real Salt Lake
In a battle of fourth year clubs, Real Salt Lake heads to Southern California in search of their first point outside of Utah this year, while Chivas begin a homestand still looking for their groove.
Jun 13, 2008 7:06:05 PM
Chivas USA v. Real Salt Lake
When: 10:30 pm ET
Where: The Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
The Gist: RSL have lost all five of their road matches this season and have been outscored 12-3 in those games. Chivas has recorded one of their three home wins at the hands of Real, a 3-1 result in the second week of the season. The Goats, however, are without one of those goal scorers, Sacha Kljestan, who is with the United States National Team. But Chivas is starting to get more healthy bodies involved in their lineup and has the depth to make up for missing the talented midfielder.
Why You Should Care: For Real to become a playoff team, they have to start getting results on the road. With two home games scheduled next week, a win or draw at the HDC would be a big confidence boost. Real had plenty of offense in last week’s scoreless draw against Kansas City, but were unable to beat KC keeper Kevin Hartman. This week, they face another difficult goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, who is eligible for the Goats even though he is slated to be Tim Howard’s backup in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier.
The Chivas defense is further bolstered by the return of centerbacks Claudio Suarez and Shavar Thomas, though the duo haven’t been at their best in limited action this season. The pace of Robbie Findley up top for Real could cause problems for the slow back line and be a difference maker on through balls from Javier Morales. Chivas has pace as well, though, with youngster Jorge Flores and Panchito Mendoza. But Real’s backline, now anchored by Colombian newcomer Jamison Olave, should be well suited to deal with that.
He’s So Hot Right Now: Kyle Beckerman. RSL’s dreadlocked midfield general did everything but find the back of the net with several chances last week against the Wizards. As a player who has been called into the national team before, Beckerman would love to show well with Bob Bradley in town for the US-Barbados game at the HDC on Sunday.
Prediction: Chivas USA 2, Real Salt Lake 2
-- Pat Walsh, Goal.com USA
When: 10:30 pm ET
Where: The Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
The Gist: RSL have lost all five of their road matches this season and have been outscored 12-3 in those games. Chivas has recorded one of their three home wins at the hands of Real, a 3-1 result in the second week of the season. The Goats, however, are without one of those goal scorers, Sacha Kljestan, who is with the United States National Team. But Chivas is starting to get more healthy bodies involved in their lineup and has the depth to make up for missing the talented midfielder.
Why You Should Care: For Real to become a playoff team, they have to start getting results on the road. With two home games scheduled next week, a win or draw at the HDC would be a big confidence boost. Real had plenty of offense in last week’s scoreless draw against Kansas City, but were unable to beat KC keeper Kevin Hartman. This week, they face another difficult goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, who is eligible for the Goats even though he is slated to be Tim Howard’s backup in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier.
The Chivas defense is further bolstered by the return of centerbacks Claudio Suarez and Shavar Thomas, though the duo haven’t been at their best in limited action this season. The pace of Robbie Findley up top for Real could cause problems for the slow back line and be a difference maker on through balls from Javier Morales. Chivas has pace as well, though, with youngster Jorge Flores and Panchito Mendoza. But Real’s backline, now anchored by Colombian newcomer Jamison Olave, should be well suited to deal with that.
He’s So Hot Right Now: Kyle Beckerman. RSL’s dreadlocked midfield general did everything but find the back of the net with several chances last week against the Wizards. As a player who has been called into the national team before, Beckerman would love to show well with Bob Bradley in town for the US-Barbados game at the HDC on Sunday.
Prediction: Chivas USA 2, Real Salt Lake 2
-- Pat Walsh, Goal.com USA
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