Playoffs Within Grasp for Chivas USA
Chivas USA's Eduardo Lillingston and the rest of the red-and-whites will be looking to secure a playoff spot tonight against Kansas City. Photo by S. Pribyl/Getty Images
With only three teams having secured a playoff spot this deep into the season, each match has serious ramifications on the playoff hopes of multiple teams, including those of Chivas USA.
The red-and-whites got an important 2 - 0 victory over D.C. last weekend at RFK stadium and positioned themselves within striking distance of securing a playoff spot and possibly more. Tonight they get a chance to capitalize and clinch a playoff spot, but they need some help in order to make things happen.
Fortunately for Chivas USA, things will be a bit clearer for them by the time they take the field at the Home Depot Center tonight against Kansas City Wizards. Their ability to clinch a playoff spot tonight will be determined not only by a victory over the Wizards, but also the outcome of this afternoon's match between San Jose and Toronto FC. Toronto FC is still fighting for a playoff spot, but San Jose has already been eliminated, although they are unlikely to go quietly.
Chivas USA and their faithful will be hoping that indeed is the case for San Jose. A draw or victory by San Jose would put the red-and-whites in control of their own fate ahead of tonight's match. The L.A. side would then be able to seal the deal with a victory over Kansas City.
Should Chivas USA clinch tonight, it would be their fourth trip to the playoffs in their brief five year history and would be the first time in MLS history that both L.A. teams are simultaneously competing in the post season. It also has the potential of creating what would surely be the highlight of this year's campaign: a Galaxy vs. Chivas USA playoff series.
That's something that all L.A. area soccer fans can root for as it would be a duel of monumental proportions.
Lastly, back to the topic of World Cup Qualifying, the U.S. Men's National Team takes on Honduras in their penultimate match tonight at 7 PM. The Nats can book their trip to a sixth consecutive World Cup if they manage a victory in San Pedro Sula, where a hostile and vociferous crowd is expected. No free/cable TV coverage for this one, but check out local bars, pubs, restaurants, etc. for viewing parties, like the one down in Carson at the Off Campus pub.
Game Details
Chivas USA vs. Kansas City Wizards
When: Saturday, October 10th, 2009
Time: 7:30 PM
TV: DK, Match Center, PRIME
Radio: XEWW, 690 AM