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Chivas USA Vs Colorado: Head To Head Preview
Goal.com's Head to Head previews continue with the Goat's home opener.
Mar 26, 2010 4:48:00 PM
By Allen Ramsey and Manuel Carrera
Goal.com introduces a new preview format for MLS games. Now, with the perspectives of two Goal.com writers, you can quickly see how the rival teams scheduled to meet have looked of late (On Form), where they've been weak (Off Target), and how they're likely to approach the match (Tactics). You'll also be made aware of those elusive factors that can turn a match around (Intangibles) and finally, be given a prediction by both correspondents (Outcome)
On Form
Colorado: Conor Casey is always the man to watch for Colorado. The big striker can be a constant threat and is expected to carry the load for the Rapids most nights. The front office is also on pretty good form having brought in Marvell Wynne to add an attacking threat down the right flank to help get Casey some service.
Chivas: A flurry of offseason activity has resulted in a more attack-minded Chivas USA midfield. Look for Chivas USA to come out in numbers against a Colorado team whose backline is in transition. While they will likely attack with one striker (Galindo), look for Flores, Romero and company to test the Colorado backline.
Off Target
Colorado: Colin Clark is the great unknown this season. After suffering a torn ACL in August it will be interesting to see how quickly he can find form and match fitness, but don't expect to see much in the opening match.
Chivas: With all of the excitement that the new midfield should bring into the Home Depot Center, one cannot trivialize the departures of three defensive stalwarts in the Chivas midfield, Jesse Marsch, Sasha Victorine and Paulo Nagamura. Zach Thornton will also be out with an injury meaning that highly-regarded Dan Kennedy will be between the posts.
Tactics
Colorado: Curious question to see if Wynne slots in from the jump, but it probably won't change much. Look for the Rapids to run out a 4-4-2 with the target man Casey and the speedster Omar Cummings up front looking to do the damage, and the rest of the team trying to contain Chivas' five man midfield.
Chivas: Expect the Goats to come out in a 4-5-1 formation given the knee injury to Maicon Santos, though there is an outside shot that Jesus Padilla may work his way into the lineup at some point during the game. The starting lineup will not likely be different from the one used in Houston to close the preseason, with the exception of Kennedy in goal: Dan Kennedy, Mariano Trujillo, Michael Umaña, Jonathan Bornstein, Ante Jazic, Michael Lahoud, Marcelo Saragosa, Sacha Kljestan, Jorge Flores, Osael Romero, Maykel Galindo.
Intangibles
Colorado: One thing Colorado has in abundance is tough, gritty players. Chivas may have problems dealing with the Rapids' physicality. The Rapids also have plenty of players with good experience in tougher situations than opening night at the Home Depot Center (San Pedro Sula anybody?) so don't look for the hostile crowd to be a big problem.
Chivas: Home Depot Center will be buzzing as Chivas USA begin a new chapter in their franchise history with a new manager at the helm, new players, and a new style. Sexy soccer is in Los Angeles, just not at the LA Galaxy. The Union Ultras and Legion 1908 will be among what is expected to be a full house as the 2010 season starts.
Outcome
Colorado: I'm calling the first draw of the season with the teams splitting four goals. Chivas 2-2 Colorado.
Chivas: Chivas USA 3 – 2 Colorado Rapids: With both teams featuring new back lines and potent attacks, expect a fluid offensive spectacle that can really go either way. The home field advantage may prove to be the edge that puts Chivas USA into the victory column.
Get all the latest MLS news with Goal.com's dedicated coverage.
On Form
Colorado: Conor Casey is always the man to watch for Colorado. The big striker can be a constant threat and is expected to carry the load for the Rapids most nights. The front office is also on pretty good form having brought in Marvell Wynne to add an attacking threat down the right flank to help get Casey some service.
Chivas: A flurry of offseason activity has resulted in a more attack-minded Chivas USA midfield. Look for Chivas USA to come out in numbers against a Colorado team whose backline is in transition. While they will likely attack with one striker (Galindo), look for Flores, Romero and company to test the Colorado backline.
Off Target
Colorado: Colin Clark is the great unknown this season. After suffering a torn ACL in August it will be interesting to see how quickly he can find form and match fitness, but don't expect to see much in the opening match.
Chivas: With all of the excitement that the new midfield should bring into the Home Depot Center, one cannot trivialize the departures of three defensive stalwarts in the Chivas midfield, Jesse Marsch, Sasha Victorine and Paulo Nagamura. Zach Thornton will also be out with an injury meaning that highly-regarded Dan Kennedy will be between the posts.
Tactics
Colorado: Curious question to see if Wynne slots in from the jump, but it probably won't change much. Look for the Rapids to run out a 4-4-2 with the target man Casey and the speedster Omar Cummings up front looking to do the damage, and the rest of the team trying to contain Chivas' five man midfield.
Chivas: Expect the Goats to come out in a 4-5-1 formation given the knee injury to Maicon Santos, though there is an outside shot that Jesus Padilla may work his way into the lineup at some point during the game. The starting lineup will not likely be different from the one used in Houston to close the preseason, with the exception of Kennedy in goal: Dan Kennedy, Mariano Trujillo, Michael Umaña, Jonathan Bornstein, Ante Jazic, Michael Lahoud, Marcelo Saragosa, Sacha Kljestan, Jorge Flores, Osael Romero, Maykel Galindo.
Intangibles
Colorado: One thing Colorado has in abundance is tough, gritty players. Chivas may have problems dealing with the Rapids' physicality. The Rapids also have plenty of players with good experience in tougher situations than opening night at the Home Depot Center (San Pedro Sula anybody?) so don't look for the hostile crowd to be a big problem.
Chivas: Home Depot Center will be buzzing as Chivas USA begin a new chapter in their franchise history with a new manager at the helm, new players, and a new style. Sexy soccer is in Los Angeles, just not at the LA Galaxy. The Union Ultras and Legion 1908 will be among what is expected to be a full house as the 2010 season starts.
Outcome
Colorado: I'm calling the first draw of the season with the teams splitting four goals. Chivas 2-2 Colorado.
Chivas: Chivas USA 3 – 2 Colorado Rapids: With both teams featuring new back lines and potent attacks, expect a fluid offensive spectacle that can really go either way. The home field advantage may prove to be the edge that puts Chivas USA into the victory column.
Get all the latest MLS news with Goal.com's dedicated coverage.
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