New England Revolution Vs Chivas USA

Posted Wednesday, May 05, 2010 by Goal.com

Can Chivas USA win in a third consecutive away match?

On Form

New England Revolution, by Allen Ramsey: The back line is on top form and that's a very good thing for the Revs considering that goals are at a premium. Darrius Barnes looks to be back to his best and Corey Gibbs has been solid. Considering that the Revs haven't had much possession all season and have been under constant attack, the back four have done a tremendous job of keeping the team in games.

Chivas USA, by Manuel Carrera: Sacha Kljestan and the Chivas USA midfield continue to build cohesion after a difficult beginning to the season. Though the Goats walked out of Chicago with only one point, their midfield dominated stretches of the match with superb possession. With Kljestan playing as a withdrawn forward, he is acting as a conduit between the midfield and the striker.

Off Target

New England: This award could go to any number of players or positions, but for now we'll just say the entire midfield. The job will be even harder with Joseph Niouky having been sent off in Sunday's match with FC Dallas. There will be some changes, but the gap in quality is honestly not that huge, given that the quality in the middle of the park hasn't been very good all year.

Chivas USA: Though the Goats' play has been much improved over the past few games, they seem to be missing a dangerous presence up front with the lingering injury to Maykel Galindo. Justin Braun, Chukwudi Chijindu, and Maicon Santos have formed a forward by committee up front with varying results.

Tactics

New England: Kehli Dube joined Niouky on the sent-off list on Sunday, so there will certainly be some changes. Fortunately for New England, the options are pretty wide spread. Marko Perovic could slide up front or into the middle. Khano Smith or Kenny Mansally could slide in on the left or up top. Nico Colaluca and Michael Videira offer more options as withdrawn forwards or central mids. In other words, the options are too many to name, and guessing at what Steve Nicol will do is somewhat pointless.

Chivas USA: Another week, another wrinkle by Martin Vasquez. The Goats opened up in a 3-5-2 and ended in a 3-1-4-1-1 against Chicago. The pattern in Vasquez’ lineups decision seems to be based on what other teams will open up with and analyzing how to control possession versus that particular lineup. With New England likely opening with a 4-4-2, expect Chivas USA to open either a 4-5-1 or some variant that gives them an advantage in the middle of the pitch.

Intangibles

New England: The Revs have one good piece of luck in the quick turnaround week. Chivas USA played a tough match on Saturday and now have a cross-country trip to deal with, while the Revs get to rest up for an extra day. It may not be much, but it's certainly a bit of an advantage.

Chivas USA: Chivas USA return home after what can be called a successful road game following the debacle in Houston. Chivas USA are playing their best soccer of the season and will be entering the game thinking that they are favored to walk away with three points.

Outcome

New England: It's hard to see this one not going in Chivas' favor but the Revs are hard to breakdown at home. Considering the Fire held Chivas to a 1-1 draw on the weekend, there is certainly promise for New England to grab a similar result. New England Revolution 1-1 Chivas USA.

Chivas USA: New England should be easier to beat without Shalrie Joseph as in the midfield. Chivas USA notch their third win of the season. New England 1-2 Chivas USA.