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Chivas USA midfielder Gerson Mayen in action against Colorado last week. Photo by AP.
Tuesday morning, as Chivas USA players prepared to return to the practice field, midfielder Sacha Kljestan tweeted "back to training... gotta get this season back on the right track." Kljestan's succinct message accurately summarizes the red-and-white's current situation.
Things weren't supposed to go this way for Chivas USA this year. Many of last year's hindering injuries were history at the start of the campaign and the team's blazing start seemed to indicate that, indeed, this would be Chivas USA's year. However, injuries have once again depleted the team. Kljestan himself has struggled throughout the year -- reducing the team's offensive capabilities -- and its once formidable defense suddenly stopped being the brick wall it once was. As a result of many of these factors and others, Chivas USA now finds itself in the midst of a two month long skid and in the unexpected position of flirting with the possibility of missing out on the playoffs for the first time since its inaugural season in 2005.
Last week's 4 - 0 thrashing at the hands of Colorado was a tough pill to swallow for team, but there are several positives in which the team and its fans can take comfort. Half of the team's remaining games will be played at the more friendly confines of the Home Depot Center, where the red-and-whites hold an impressive 6 - 2 - 1 record. More importantly, three of the team's final four matches in October will also be in Carson and they have two games in hand. This could prove a crucial advantage, especially if Chivas USA finds itself in a dogged fight for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the campaign.
For now, the team must take it one game at a time, beginning with New York Red Bull tonight at Giants Stadium. New York is not without its own problems, thus presenting Chivas USA an opportunity to capitalize and start building confidence to get the season back on the right track.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Galaxy are looking to further extend their recent undefeated streak. The blue-and-gold are on a six game run, including three rare road victories -- albeit one of them was at Chivas USA. Despite a rough start to the season, the recent string of victories has catapulted the Galaxy into second place on the Western Conference standings. Only four of its remaining ten games are on the road and should bode well for the Galaxy as it looks to secure a playoff spot.
Tonight, they face a Seattle side in a match that pits two former English Premier League stars -- David Beckham and Freddie Ljunberg -- against each other for the first time in MLS action. Seattle has run into some recent troubles but will not be an easy task for the Galaxy.
The Galaxy are facing some interesting challenges against the Emerald City side. Landon Donovan tested positive for the H1N1 virus earlier in the week and while he played against Mexico on Wednesday, it is unclear as to whether he will be capable of playing tonight. The combination of the travel, midweek game and flu may prove a bit too much.
His absence would leave the majority of the offensive duties to David Beckham, but whether he is 100% for the match is to be seen. Two weeks ago, the English International was complaining about back pain in the days leading up to the match versus FC Barcelona. The team then traveled to Boston a week later then, after the match versus New England, Beckham traveled to the Netherlands to participate in a friendly with the English National Team.
Tonight, fans will get to see how all that travel has affected him and his back.
Game Details
Chivas USA at New York Red Bull
When: Saturday, August 15th, 2009
Time: 4:00 PM
TV: DK, Match Center, PRIME
Radio: XEWW, 690 AM
Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders FC
When: Saturday, August 15th, 2009
Time: 8:00 PM
TV: DK, Match Center, PRIME
Radio: KLAC, KWKW
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