September 18, 2009 TIME TO MAKE A STATEMENT Chivas needs points against Seattle on Saturday
Maykel Galindo and Chivas USA are looking for a win over Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
Chivas USA and Seattle Sounders FC have been within a whisker of each other for much of the MLS season, first at the top of the Western Conference table and now near the middle of the pack, where every point counts in the scramble for playoff position.
For the moment, Sounders FC has a one-point advantage with 37 (9-6-10), but Chivas (11-9-3, 36) could change the picture dramatically with a win on Saturday at Qwest Field (12:00 noon, FSC). It’s a tall order, considering that Seattle has lost only two of 13 games so far at their raucous home stadium. The Red and White, meanwhile, have been no better than mediocre on the road, taking points from only five of 12 matches (3-7-2). But Preki’s Goats have always been at their most dangerous late in the season, and the roster for this weekend is looking as solid as it has at any other point in this injury-plagued season.
Maykel Galindo, whose US soccer odyssey began in Seattle with his defection from Cuba, will be available to supplement an attack already bolstered by newcomers Maicon Santos and Jesus Padilla. Third-year forward Justin Braun also had a strong showing in last Sunday’s 2-0 win over New England, and Mexican striker Eduardo Lillingston also has become a more consistent force up front to help keep the Sounders on the defensive.
That’s what Chivas will need to do, since their weak spots this weekend will be in the back. Not one but three goalkeepers are on the injured list, with starter Zach Thornton appearing to be the least fragile. He’s listed as “probable” with a right quad strain. Backup Lance Parker is questionable with the same injury. Dan Kennedy remains completely out of the mix with knee surgery. Veteran Jon Conway, picked up from the New York Red Bulls, is available, but hasn’t played in a league game since June. Whoever gets the start in net will be looking to extend Chivas USA’s streak of two straight shutouts over Sounders FC (2-0 on April 18 and 1-0 on June 6).
Backliner Carey Talley will not travel to Seattle after picking up a red card for last Sunday’s dust-up with New England’s Edgaras Jankauskas, but the good news on that front is that Claudio Suarez is off the disabled list to help stabilize the Chivas defense against league Golden Boot contender Fredy Montero (11 goals) and strike partner Nate Jaqua (7 goals, 7 assists). Colombian Yamith Cuesta should make his third start on defense as well.
Both teams are coming off big wins last weekend. Chivas put the brakes on a two-game skid in emphatic fashion last Sunday, dominating the New England Revolution. Although the 2-0 scoreline might have looked good, it probably should have been much more lopsided in light of the Goats’ 18-2 advantage in shots.
Seattle, meanwhile, handed DC United their first home loss of the season, 2-1, with goals from rookie Steve Zakuani and Montero.
