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L.A. Galaxy Vs Chivas USA: Head To Head Preview
The Clasico's first installment of 2010 is Goal.com's Game of the Week.
Mar 30, 2010 6:44:00 PM
By Jonathan Vera and Manuel Carrera
On Form
Chivas USA: The Goats struggled to make the final pass in the attacking third in their season opener against Colorado, but there was a positive to take away in the game: their defense. There were questions as to whether the defense could pick up where they left off last season, and aside from the Omar Cummings' strike, Chivas USA held Colorado to one shot on goal. Newcomer Michael Umaña was Chivas USA’s best player on the night, which is promising for a team in the midst of trying to send more players forward in the attack.
Galaxy: Last week the Galaxy opened up the season with a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution. Los Angeles received a blow early on in the game when midfielder Eddie Lewis had to be subbed out shortly after a late challenge from New England. However, the Galaxy came out of the match with the three points they needed. "We wanted to give ourselves some momentum going into Thursday," said forward Landon Donovan.
Off Target
Chivas USA: While the Chivas USA midfield showed flashes in their home opener, there were signs that players were still becoming accustomed to their new surroundings. A lack of communication and familiarity with one another was evident in build-ups that resulted in turnovers by the midfield. Another week of training together should result in a more cohesive group. Expect Jorge Flores to begin the game as a substitute following a difficult night versus Colorado.
Galaxy: The first half of last week's Revolution match was dominated by Los Angeles as they racked up seven shots, with one being netted for the winner. However, the second half presented some problems. “We were sloppy in the first ten minutes of the second half; our passing could have been better," said head coach Bruce Arena as his side recorded no shots in the latter half. Surely, the skipper will work with his team to fix that before Thursday's Clasico.
Tactics
Chivas USA: The Goats opened their season in a modified 4-5-1 with Osael Romero acting as a withdrawn forward, but Vasquez inserted Justin Braun, a true striker for Flores at the beginning of the second half and switched to a traditional 4-4-2. Romero retreated into the center midfield, though he has played the majority of his career on the flank. Vasquez may go in a few different directions, though Braun’s lively performance likely caught the eye of his manager.
Galaxy: Expect "Bruce Almighty" to continue with the 4-4-2 formation with Donovan Ricketts safeguarding the net. Omar Gonzales, Todd Dunivant, Sean Franklin, and Brazilian young gun Leonardo will make up the defensive line. Look to see Chris Klein, Juninho, Mike Magee and Dema Kovalenko in the midfield. As for forwards, well surprise, surprise, one is going to be Landon Donovan, and paired up with him will be Tristan Bowen in lieu of a dentally recovering Edson Buddle.
Intangibles
Chivas USA: After a bitter defeat to Colorado, a team that Chivas USA players felt they were better than, look for a re-focused squad to take the field against a Galaxy team that has playoff aspirations. The Union Ultras and Legion Kalifas will try to make this an away game for the Galaxy while the Riot Squad will be in full force to defend their turf.
Galaxy: There is no doubt nerves and butterflies may have played a role in last week's home and season opener. Now that that's out of the way, expect a sharper game by the Galaxy, as this is one of the two most important regular season matches for the Galaxy; a match for Los Angeles supremacy that has been so aptly entitled - El Clasico.
Outcome
Chivas USA: LA Galaxy 1 – 1 CD Chivas USA- The latest in a series of tough matchups, both teams boast high quality in their center back tandems. Edson Buddle and Maykel Galindo will have long nights if their midfielders cannot offer better service than they did in their season debuts.
Galaxy: The Galaxy team will reign supreme as they win 2-1 over the Goats. Landon Donovan will be a little less charitable and start taking the shots as he records his first goal of the season, along with teammate Juninho.
Get all the latest MLS news with Goal.com's dedicated coverage.
Chivas USA: The Goats struggled to make the final pass in the attacking third in their season opener against Colorado, but there was a positive to take away in the game: their defense. There were questions as to whether the defense could pick up where they left off last season, and aside from the Omar Cummings' strike, Chivas USA held Colorado to one shot on goal. Newcomer Michael Umaña was Chivas USA’s best player on the night, which is promising for a team in the midst of trying to send more players forward in the attack.
Galaxy: Last week the Galaxy opened up the season with a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution. Los Angeles received a blow early on in the game when midfielder Eddie Lewis had to be subbed out shortly after a late challenge from New England. However, the Galaxy came out of the match with the three points they needed. "We wanted to give ourselves some momentum going into Thursday," said forward Landon Donovan.
Off Target
Chivas USA: While the Chivas USA midfield showed flashes in their home opener, there were signs that players were still becoming accustomed to their new surroundings. A lack of communication and familiarity with one another was evident in build-ups that resulted in turnovers by the midfield. Another week of training together should result in a more cohesive group. Expect Jorge Flores to begin the game as a substitute following a difficult night versus Colorado.
Galaxy: The first half of last week's Revolution match was dominated by Los Angeles as they racked up seven shots, with one being netted for the winner. However, the second half presented some problems. “We were sloppy in the first ten minutes of the second half; our passing could have been better," said head coach Bruce Arena as his side recorded no shots in the latter half. Surely, the skipper will work with his team to fix that before Thursday's Clasico.
Tactics
Chivas USA: The Goats opened their season in a modified 4-5-1 with Osael Romero acting as a withdrawn forward, but Vasquez inserted Justin Braun, a true striker for Flores at the beginning of the second half and switched to a traditional 4-4-2. Romero retreated into the center midfield, though he has played the majority of his career on the flank. Vasquez may go in a few different directions, though Braun’s lively performance likely caught the eye of his manager.
Galaxy: Expect "Bruce Almighty" to continue with the 4-4-2 formation with Donovan Ricketts safeguarding the net. Omar Gonzales, Todd Dunivant, Sean Franklin, and Brazilian young gun Leonardo will make up the defensive line. Look to see Chris Klein, Juninho, Mike Magee and Dema Kovalenko in the midfield. As for forwards, well surprise, surprise, one is going to be Landon Donovan, and paired up with him will be Tristan Bowen in lieu of a dentally recovering Edson Buddle.
Intangibles
Chivas USA: After a bitter defeat to Colorado, a team that Chivas USA players felt they were better than, look for a re-focused squad to take the field against a Galaxy team that has playoff aspirations. The Union Ultras and Legion Kalifas will try to make this an away game for the Galaxy while the Riot Squad will be in full force to defend their turf.
Galaxy: There is no doubt nerves and butterflies may have played a role in last week's home and season opener. Now that that's out of the way, expect a sharper game by the Galaxy, as this is one of the two most important regular season matches for the Galaxy; a match for Los Angeles supremacy that has been so aptly entitled - El Clasico.
Outcome
Chivas USA: LA Galaxy 1 – 1 CD Chivas USA- The latest in a series of tough matchups, both teams boast high quality in their center back tandems. Edson Buddle and Maykel Galindo will have long nights if their midfielders cannot offer better service than they did in their season debuts.
Galaxy: The Galaxy team will reign supreme as they win 2-1 over the Goats. Landon Donovan will be a little less charitable and start taking the shots as he records his first goal of the season, along with teammate Juninho.
Get all the latest MLS news with Goal.com's dedicated coverage.
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