Chivas USA Midseason Report
Even though Chivas USA is still in last place in the Western Conference and have not won a match since March 30, the club is only three points behind the final playoff spot at the midpoint of the 2013 MLS season, owned by their rivals – the L.A Galaxy.
It has been four years since Chivas USA graced its presence in the MLS postseason and it looks like that at the halfway mark of this season, the playoffs are definitely within reach.
Here are the updated standings from the Western Conference as of yesterday:
One thing that sticks out – Chivas USA is finding a groove in the scoring department even with the departure of last year’s leading scorer, Juan Pablo Angel. Although leading scorer Juan Aguedelo only has two goals, there are eight other players on the club who have one. It certainly shows that the Goats are spreading the wealth with two defenders, three forwards and four midfielders in the goal department this year.
However the Goats (3-5-2 11PTS) have continued to struggle in the defense department, allowing the second most goals in the MLS with 18 surrendered in ten matches this year (D.C. United leads with 19). Two prime examples would be the 3-0 thrashing courtesy of the Portland Timbers on the road last Sunday and the 4-0 defeat by Sporting KC back on May 5. But the club is looking to remedy that situation as they acquired midfielder/defender Gabriel Farfan from the Philadelphia Union for Chivas USA’s first natural SuperDraft pick and allocation money.
Farfan had 51 caps for the Union, scoring one goal in a 6-2 victory over Toronto FC back on May 28, 2011.
The third year man will be available for Coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola’ in Chivas USA’s next match on May 19 at home against third place Real Salt Lake (5-5-2 17PTS).
Coach Sanchez Sola’ might have to play him on account that midfielder/defender Mario de Luna will be unable to play in the match after being yellow carded twice in the loss to Portland.
The Goats will also be without midfielder Carlos Alvarez, who is still serving a two game suspension for what was considered to be, according to the MLS, “violent conduct” during Chivas’ loss to Sporting KC. Alvarez has only one goal but has provided a spark for the offense with 12 shots on the year. The 27-year-old will be able to return to action on May 25 against the Colorado
Discipline has no doubt been an issue with the Goats as of late.
Starting goalkeeper and captain Dan Kennedy was banned from playing in the match against Portland after being red carded in the previous match against Sporting KC. Kennedy’s replacement this season has left a lot to be desired as backup Patrick McLain in two appearances has given up six goals on ten shots with a 4.35 GAA saddled on his stat line. Kennedy in his nine starts has sparkled for the Goats, sporting a 1.40 GAA with 53 saves on 65 shots.
For Chivas USA to have a crack at the postseason, they would need Kennedy in goal and in check as he is the focal point of the club’s success. Upcoming games worth noting as the Goats head into the second half of the campaign:
June 19 vs Vancouver Whitecaps
June 30 vs LA Galaxy,
August 4 @ San Jose Earthquakes
September 1 @ Vancouver
Those four matches will weigh heavily on Chivas USA’s chances of making it into the postseason with all three opponents hovering around the final spot in the playoffs.
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