Chivas USA: Do or Die

Chivas USA heads into tonight's match against Real Salt Lake at the Home Depot Center with its back against the wall.

After a heartbreaking, last minute loss in Salt Lake last week, Chivas USA will try to regroup to keep its MLS Cup chances alive. It won't be easy for the red-and-whites, as Chivas will need a victory with a margin of two or more goals to stave off elimination. In contrast, Real's victory last week has given them the upperhand in the series and they can eliminate Chivas one of three ways: a clean sheet, a tie or a win (by any margin). The victor will advance to the Western Conference Final and meet the winner of Sunday's New York vs. Houston match.

Without a doubt, Chivas will need to set the pace early and attack often, approaching the game with a strong offensive mentality. Former MLS Cup MVP Alecko Eskandarian trained with the team earlier in the week, and although he is listed as questionable, may see some action on Saturday. Eskandarian's return should help boost the red-and-white attack and provide more of that needed offensive prowess.

Real, on the other hand, will likely come into the game looking mostly to defend their lead, relying on counter-attack opportunities for their offense. The danger for Chivas is that the required focus on offense could help expose defensive weaknesses, making it easier for Real to counter-attack. Chivas will need to be careful to not neglect their defensive responsibilities or Real forward Yura Movsisyan could single handedly end the Chivas season.

Fortunately for the red-and-white, defensive stallworth, Claudio "El Emperador" Suárez, worked out earlier in the week along with Sasha Victorine and Attiba Harris. Suárez's absence in the backline was noticeable last week and should he return tonight, it will help provide defensive support to balance the team's focus and limit Real's chances. The possibility that this may be Suárez's last opportunity to don the red-and-white's kit would seem to indicate that indeed, he will be on the pitch tonight.

Aside from the technical, Chivas will also have some psychological aspects to contend with.