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Chivas USA Versus FC Dallas: Head-to-Head Preview
Jun 26, 2010 2:40:00 AM
By Manuel Carrera and Isabel Navarro
On Form
Chivas USA: The best thing that could have happened to the Goats this summer was a break in the action for the World Cup. Prior to the interval, Chivas USA had lost their previous five matches, four of those by one goal. The break in the action will go a long way to refocus the young squad that had been reeling from a rash of injuries and a string of late game collapses after dominating large portions of matches.
FC Dallas: With no injuries reported, FC Dallas will be ready to face off against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center. The young midfielder Brek Shea will have to prove that his recent success was not a fluke. In the last game before the World Cup break, Shea scored two goals against the San Jose Earthquakes within a two-minute span. His two goals earned Dallas their second victory of the season. Shea subsequently received the MLS player of the week title. The midfielder David Ferreira has also been a key player. Ferreira was the one that slipped the ball to Shea that resulted in the first goal against San Jose. Another player that has performed consistently well is goalkeeper Kevin Hartman. Hartman had a relatively easy game against San Jose, but did make a couple of crucial saves.
Off Target
Chivas USA: Chivas USA are missing their co-captains, Jonathan Bornstein who is at the World Cup, and Sacha Kljestan, who has transferred to Champions League-bound Anderlecht. An already young roster will have to show that it can adapt to adversity late in matches while Bornstein returns to lend a steadying presence. Of particular concern is the back line that has played well for long stretches of matches before letting in a stray goal at the end of the match. There is some good news, though. Chivas USA has announced the return of Paulo Nagamura, effective July 15th, who will add leadership and defensive prowess to a team that has been long on flair, though short on results.
FC Dallas: There are two major problems with FCD, the first is no follow through and the second is Jeff Cunningham. The two problems might even be a little bit interconnected. Dallas has no problem creating scoring opportunities - their problem is that the opportunities rarely materialize into a goal. Dallas needs to work on: connecting passes, playing in synch, and immediately halting all their disjointed play. Jeff Cunningham is not the player he used to be. Cunningham needs to get back in form and his head back in the game. All his recent performances indicate that he should no longer be a starter, especially when there is so much talent sitting on the bench.
Tactics
Chivas USA: Without Kljestan as a withdrawn striker, Martin Vasquez will look to maximize the ability of the players that he has in the 4-4-2. Vasquez may utilize a back line consisting of Mariano Trujillo, Michael Umana, Dario Delgado and Carlos Borja, though there have been concerns regarding his experience. The midfield may feature Blair Gavin and Ben Zemanski in the middle with Jesus Padilla and Michael Lahoud on the flanks. Finally, up front, I feel that he will try to pair Maykel Galindo and Justin Braun in a more traditional flat 4-4-2.
FC Dallas: The game against San Jose indicates that Dallas does have the formula to victory. As of lately, Dallas Coach Schellas Hyndman has opted to use the 4-1-4-1 formation. It seems that Hyndman is set on certain things i.e. keeping Cunningham as a starter but is confused on others like where to place Heath Pearce. Pearce is a defender and should play as one. An interesting tactic that could be used is giving more play time to some benched players and less to some starters. Eric Avila is a young midfielder that has proved himself to be an asset in the very little minutes he has gotten to play. He does not waste the little time he is given.
Intangibles
Chivas USA: On the Goats' side, there are positions to be won in the starting lineup. Kljestan’s departure and Bornstein’s rumored departure will give players a chance to impress Vasquez prior to the transfer window opening. The Goats also have had a chance to solidify as a unit during the respite.
FC Dallas: If Pearce is placed correctly, he can be an incredible asset to the team. Ever since he was cut from the U.S. World Cup team he seems to be playing like he has something to prove. In the past Pearce had lazy performances; now it appears that being cut from the U.S. team gave him the motivation to play better. He is now playing as though he wants U.S. Coach Bob Bradley to regret the decision to cut him from the final 23 man team.
Outcome
Chivas USA: I'm calling the match as Chivas USA 1-1 FC Dallas. Chivas USA will stop the bleeding at five games as the season resumes with the return Maykel Galindo from injury and the newly fit Osael Romero in the lineup. FC Dallas’ best chance will come late when the Goat’s have made a habit of surrendering leads.
FC Dallas: The Hoops are tired of mediocrity and are ready to step it up. Dallas has what it takes to win. Before the World Cup break they left off on a high note and fully intend to keep it. As long as they can keep their energy up and the pressure on they will be victorious. FC Dallas 2-0.
Chivas USA: The best thing that could have happened to the Goats this summer was a break in the action for the World Cup. Prior to the interval, Chivas USA had lost their previous five matches, four of those by one goal. The break in the action will go a long way to refocus the young squad that had been reeling from a rash of injuries and a string of late game collapses after dominating large portions of matches.
FC Dallas: With no injuries reported, FC Dallas will be ready to face off against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center. The young midfielder Brek Shea will have to prove that his recent success was not a fluke. In the last game before the World Cup break, Shea scored two goals against the San Jose Earthquakes within a two-minute span. His two goals earned Dallas their second victory of the season. Shea subsequently received the MLS player of the week title. The midfielder David Ferreira has also been a key player. Ferreira was the one that slipped the ball to Shea that resulted in the first goal against San Jose. Another player that has performed consistently well is goalkeeper Kevin Hartman. Hartman had a relatively easy game against San Jose, but did make a couple of crucial saves.
Off Target
Chivas USA: Chivas USA are missing their co-captains, Jonathan Bornstein who is at the World Cup, and Sacha Kljestan, who has transferred to Champions League-bound Anderlecht. An already young roster will have to show that it can adapt to adversity late in matches while Bornstein returns to lend a steadying presence. Of particular concern is the back line that has played well for long stretches of matches before letting in a stray goal at the end of the match. There is some good news, though. Chivas USA has announced the return of Paulo Nagamura, effective July 15th, who will add leadership and defensive prowess to a team that has been long on flair, though short on results.
FC Dallas: There are two major problems with FCD, the first is no follow through and the second is Jeff Cunningham. The two problems might even be a little bit interconnected. Dallas has no problem creating scoring opportunities - their problem is that the opportunities rarely materialize into a goal. Dallas needs to work on: connecting passes, playing in synch, and immediately halting all their disjointed play. Jeff Cunningham is not the player he used to be. Cunningham needs to get back in form and his head back in the game. All his recent performances indicate that he should no longer be a starter, especially when there is so much talent sitting on the bench.
Tactics
Chivas USA: Without Kljestan as a withdrawn striker, Martin Vasquez will look to maximize the ability of the players that he has in the 4-4-2. Vasquez may utilize a back line consisting of Mariano Trujillo, Michael Umana, Dario Delgado and Carlos Borja, though there have been concerns regarding his experience. The midfield may feature Blair Gavin and Ben Zemanski in the middle with Jesus Padilla and Michael Lahoud on the flanks. Finally, up front, I feel that he will try to pair Maykel Galindo and Justin Braun in a more traditional flat 4-4-2.
FC Dallas: The game against San Jose indicates that Dallas does have the formula to victory. As of lately, Dallas Coach Schellas Hyndman has opted to use the 4-1-4-1 formation. It seems that Hyndman is set on certain things i.e. keeping Cunningham as a starter but is confused on others like where to place Heath Pearce. Pearce is a defender and should play as one. An interesting tactic that could be used is giving more play time to some benched players and less to some starters. Eric Avila is a young midfielder that has proved himself to be an asset in the very little minutes he has gotten to play. He does not waste the little time he is given.
Intangibles
Chivas USA: On the Goats' side, there are positions to be won in the starting lineup. Kljestan’s departure and Bornstein’s rumored departure will give players a chance to impress Vasquez prior to the transfer window opening. The Goats also have had a chance to solidify as a unit during the respite.
FC Dallas: If Pearce is placed correctly, he can be an incredible asset to the team. Ever since he was cut from the U.S. World Cup team he seems to be playing like he has something to prove. In the past Pearce had lazy performances; now it appears that being cut from the U.S. team gave him the motivation to play better. He is now playing as though he wants U.S. Coach Bob Bradley to regret the decision to cut him from the final 23 man team.
Outcome
Chivas USA: I'm calling the match as Chivas USA 1-1 FC Dallas. Chivas USA will stop the bleeding at five games as the season resumes with the return Maykel Galindo from injury and the newly fit Osael Romero in the lineup. FC Dallas’ best chance will come late when the Goat’s have made a habit of surrendering leads.
FC Dallas: The Hoops are tired of mediocrity and are ready to step it up. Dallas has what it takes to win. Before the World Cup break they left off on a high note and fully intend to keep it. As long as they can keep their energy up and the pressure on they will be victorious. FC Dallas 2-0.
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