The Goats are Coming

By: Kyle | May 23rd, 2008

Chivas USA is not a bad club. At least they’re not a bad club like Houston and San Jose are bad clubs. They are superbly average. When Chicago’s or even Houston’s midfield is setting up an attack, I get nervous, but not so with Chivas USA. That is, with one exception: Kljestan. That kid is the only part of the Chivas lineup that’s dangerous. To be honest, I was hoping Bradley would call him to London before Saturday (he is one of the US 33, so it will be great to have him against Argentina or Spain).

But even with Kljestan, Chivas is not penetrating the Rapids’ defense. As far as scoring goes, they either explode (like last week vs. DC) or struggle (like against Houston before that). I don’t see them or any other team exploding against Colorado.

On our side of the ball, the Rapids have never lost against Chivas at home (although they came close in 2006. Relive one of the most exciting Rapids games of all time with me, won’t you?). A win would finally put Colorado over 0.500 for the first time since opening day.

Also note: tomorrow is Bouna’s last game with the club for about a month. He’s going over to Senegal to help his nation qualify for the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. I don’t have a stake in Africa, so why not: Come on, Senegal! Bouna deserves it. I’ve never seen a more fearless goalkeeper.

Another interesting tidbit: the Rapids’ match up page has Colin playing right back. Now that should be interesting to watch if it happens. It looks like he will be assuming the role of the great oxymoron in soccer and be an attacking defender, which means Fernando probably wants the team to play a bit more aggressively. I still doubt we’ll see any goals before the 60’ tomorrow, but who knows?

My prediction: Colorado Rapids 2-1 Chivas USA.

And that’s if Kljestan plays well. If not: shutout.

Other games:
Columbus Crew 2-1 New England Revolution

DC United 1-2 Toronto

Dallas 2-1 Real Salt Lake

Los Angeles Galaxy 2-2 Kansas City Wizards

New York Red Bulls 1-1 Chicago Fire (This should be an incredible game. Catch it if you can.)

Dallas 1-1 Houston Dynamo

New England Revolution 2-1 DC United