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D.C. United Vs. Chivas USA: Three Questions

Alicia Ratterree — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 02:30:31 -0000

Well, Chivas USA are about to face their final new opponent of the 2012 season, and for that, we thought we'd dust off the old Three Questions feature. This time around, we welcome Martin Shatzer from SB Nation D.C. United blog Black and Red United to answer some questions about Chivas' hosts Sunday. Many thanks to Martin for taking the time to answer my questions!

The Goat Parade asks Black and Red United:

1. Obviously, both teams are entering this match with the end of the season almost here. Can you briefly give a rundown of D.C. United's season and how you are feeling heading into the playoffs? What are the remaining goals this season for this club, and do you think they will be realized?

The goal this season has always been the playoffs, and yeah I think we'll make it, thanks in part to having an easier schedule to finish out the year than those around us. After starting the year with two losses, United went on an undefeated streak through the months of April and May that left the team in first place in the Eastern Conference and feeling pretty darn good about themselves. The fall from the top has been a slow one, culminating with a season-ending injury to Dwayne De Rosario while he was away on national team duty just over a week ago. United has consistently struggled on the road, but still hasn't lost a match at home since the season opener. This team has also done a good job of capturing full points against weaker opponents throughout the year, which could spell bad news for Chivas USA tomorrow night.

2. Who has been the most important player for United this season, and why? And who has performed well but mostly flown under the radar in 2012?

The most important player for United last season, this season, and every season going forward until he retires is De Rosario. Many of us thought that the team was effectively eliminated from the playoffs on the day the news broke that he'd miss the remainder of 2012, but fortunately that hasn't been the case. Among others, Chris Pontius has stepped up his already excellent form to lead the team to two-straight victories, scoring or assisting on all three goals in our wins over the New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union in the process.

You've probably heard of the two players that make up our newly established forward tandem of Lionard Pajoy and Maicon Santos, but they don't get as much media attention so you probably don't understand the importance they bring to this team. With DeRo out, Ben Olsen has turned to Santos and Pajoy to provide more strength and physicality at the top of the formation. Both are good at winning balls and holding up the play to enable Pontius, Nick DeLeon, and Andy Najar to make runs on the wings. Be ready for these two to pester Danny Califf all night long.

3. Ben Olsen has had some ups and downs in his tenure as coach, but he seems to be settling in well. Can you briefly evaluate his evolution as coach, as well as his performance in 2012?

You'll have a hard time getting an unbiased evaluation of Ben Olsen from any lifelong United fan. The man can do no wrong. If Olsen was trying to break into my parent's house, I'd probably help him. Like any young coach, he's made his share of mistakes this season. But overall, he's built a roster that's more competitive than any other roster this team has had the past four seasons, and one that never quits. This team emulates Olsen's playing style from before he retired, and that's something every United fan can appreciate.

4. (Bonus) Prediction for Sunday's match?

Since United has had such poor luck against Chivas at this point in the season recently, I hesitate to predict a win. But our 10-1-4 home record is enough to inspire me to do it anyway. I'm predicting a 1-0 win for United.

Black and Red United asks The Goat Parade:

1. On the opposite coast, many of us don't really care about Chivas USA, because we've never had to. So for those less informed, give us a short synopsis of the coaching and ownership situations.

Based on the way the season is going on and off the field, you're catching me at my most jaded, but here goes. The Goats are on a four game losing streak and an eight game winless streak, so belief in the current system is at a low point at the moment. Robin Fraser has been at the helm for almost two seasons, and a similar pattern has emerged in both campaigns: a slow start to the season, a strong middle third, and a collapse at the end of the year. When it happened in the first season, it could be chalked up to a coach learning the ropes and not having a roster of "his" guys yet. But the slide this season has raised questions that maybe the development has not come as quickly as it should.

Adding to the intrigue came the news a few weeks back (that was announced *during* a Chivas USA game, no less) that Jorge Vergara and his wife bought out the club's co-owners to take full control. The Vergaras own Chivas de Guadalajara, and he's not particularly popular in Mexico, so that's obviously a great sign. With Chivas USA, he's been an absentee owner, and there's a dilemma with his taking over complete ownership. Would fans rather see him continue his cheap and absentee ways? No. Would fans like to see him meddle in the club's business in destructive ways like he does with Chivas de Guadalajara? No.

Based on the ownership change and the on-field product, Fraser's days look to be numbered. But that could be just the start of what will likely be a very rocky ride for Chivas USA fans.

2. Chivas USA has scored fewer goals than any other MLS team this season by a fairly large margin. What will the team have to do to change that? Or do they plan on finding a way to win matches without actually scoring goals?

They've never had a breakout game all year, so I don't expect anything approaching a dominant attacking performance for the remainder of the season. With the uncertainty surrounding the club, it seems like the team is going through the motions, and while there have been some promising attacking players making a claim to get regular minutes, there is almost no service provided to the attack. So it will continue to be hard to watch, as the players continue to mess up the rare chances they get.

On the positive side, I think it is worth discussing some of the promising young players. I'm sure D.C. fans are familiar with Juan Agudelo, and while he's not scoring regularly, he's shown a great deal of potential. Columbian striker Jose Correa has been buried on the bench lately, which is unfortunate because he looks like he could be the real deal. Miller Bolanos has been leading the team in shots in recent games and has shown a level of skill and grit that could prove useful around the roster. Tristan Bowen and Casey Townsend have been getting a regular look lately, and have shown they could emerge as good pros. Of that group, somebody has to emerge at sometime, don't they? With a good playmaker, I think they could score in spades. But I'm not expecting that in 2012, unfortunately.

3. As a local product out of the University of Maryland, many United fans are very familiar with Casey Townsend, and some of us were even hoping to see him selected by D.C. in the 2012 MLS Draft. But our team never had the opportunity since he was snatched up by Chivas before United's first round pick. How has he done this season? In hindsight, was Townsend the right choice for Chivas USA?

He's a popular player with Chivas USA fans, and he got off to a hot start, when he scored the gamewinner against Real Salt Lake on the road early in the season. On paper, he's looked disappointing, as that has been his only goal of the season, but I think a couple of factors have worked against him in 2012. First, he's suffering from the same problem the other forwards on the team are, in that he seldom gets quality or consistent service from the midfield. Without getting regular chances on goal, his development stalled for a spell. The second issue is that he was buried on the depth chart for much of the middle portion of the season, with Juan Pablo Angel, Agudelo, and Correa taking nearly all of the minutes during that time. Still, it's not unusual for rookies to have to wait their turn, and he's shown promise when he has played. Did Chivas make the right choice for Townsend? To a large extent, I think the jury is still out, as we'll have to wait another season or two to see if he rounds into a good pro. But he seems to be a good player for the future with Chivas USA, which I hope will be brighter.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!

Behind Enemy Lines With Chivas USA Blog The Goat Parade

Martin Shatzer — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 23:25:34 -0000

Over the next seven days, we're taking a brief pause from relentless battles against Eastern Conference foes. We'll face the Portland Timbers on the road next Saturday, but first Chivas USA at RFK Stadium tomorrow night.

We can't blame you if you haven't watched a whole lot of matches featuring Chivas this season. I mean, why would you? So to catch up, we traded questions with someone who has actually had the misfortune of watching lots of Chivas matches this season. Here's Alicia Ratterree of The Goat Parade with the answers to our most pertinent questions.

B&RU: On the opposite coast, many of us don't really care about Chivas USA, because we've never had to. So for those less informed, give us a short synopsis of the coaching and ownership situations.

Based on the way the season is going on and off the field, you're catching me at my most jaded, but here goes. The Goats are on a four game losing streak and an eight game winless streak, so belief in the current system is at a low point at the moment. Robin Fraser has been at the helm for almost two seasons, and a similar pattern has emerged in both campaigns: a slow start to the season, a strong middle third, and a collapse at the end of the year. When it happened in the first season, it could be chalked up to a coach learning the ropes and not having a roster of "his" guys yet. But the slide this season has raised questions that maybe the development has not come as quickly as it should.

Based on the ownership change and the on-field product, Fraser's days look to be numbered. But that could be just the start of what will likely be a very rocky ride for Chivas USA fans.

Chivas USA has scored fewer goals than any other MLS team this season by a fairly large margin. What will the team have to do to change that? Or do they plan on finding a way to win matches without actually scoring goals?

As a local product out of the University of Maryland, many United fans are very familiar with Casey Townsend, and some of us were even hoping to see him selected by D.C. in the 2012 MLS Draft. But our team never had the opportunity since he was snatched up by Chivas before United's first round pick. How has he done this season? In hindsight, was Townsend the right choice for Chivas USA?

We answered three questions posed by the Goat Parade as well. Continue reading for my answers to their questions about D.C. United.

TGP: Obviously, both teams are entering this match with the end of the season almost here. Can you briefly give a rundown of D.C. United's season and how you are feeling heading into the playoffs? What are the remaining goals this season for this club, and do you think they will be realized?

B&RU: The goal this season has always been the playoffs, and yeah I think we'll make it, thanks in part to having an easier schedule to finish out the year than those around us. After starting the year with two losses, United went on an undefeated streak through the months of April and May that left the team in first place in the Eastern Conference and feeling pretty darn good about themselves. The fall from the top has been a slow one, culminating with a season-ending injury to Dwayne De Rosario while he was away on national team duty just over a week ago. United has consistently struggled on the road, but still hasn't lost a match at home since the season opener. This team has also done a good job of capturing full points against weaker opponents throughout the year, which could spell bad news for Chivas USA tomorrow night.

Who has been the most important player for United this season, and why? And who has performed well but mostly flown under the radar in 2012?

The most important player for United last season, this season, and every season going forward until he retires is De Rosario. Many of us thought that the team was effectively eliminated from the playoffs on the day the news broke that he'd miss the remainder of 2012, but fortunately that hasn't been the case. Among others, Chris Pontius has stepped up his already excellent form to lead the team to two-straight victories, scoring or assisting on all three goals in our wins over the New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union in the process.

Ben Olsen has had some ups and downs in his tenure as coach, but he seems to be settling in well. Can you briefly evaluate his evolution as coach, as well as his performance in 2012?

You'll have a hard time getting an unbiased evaluation of Ben Olsen from any lifelong United fan. The man can do no wrong. If Olsen was trying to break into my parent's house, I'd probably help him. Like any young coach, he's made his share of mistakes this season. But overall, he's built a roster that's more competitive than any other roster this team has had the past four seasons, and one that never quits. This team emulates Olsen's playing style from before he retired, and that's something every United fan can appreciate.

Prediction for Sunday's match?

Looking Up: Where Does Chivas USA Go from Here

Alicia Ratterree — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:50:26 -0000

Chivas USA have hit a new low point in the season, as they have tumbled to the basement of the Western Conference following their 2-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes and the Portland Timbers 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders. Chivas and Portland now sit level on points with 28, but Chivas are listed in last place, presumably because they have scored fewer goals than the Timbers (21 to 28).

So where do the Goats go from here? Obviously, they have seven more games this season, so there could be some movement back up the standings yet, although they've only earned two points in their last seven matches. But let's explore some of the possibilities.

Strategy 1: Continue on the same path

We all know this team is a work in progress, and so the final seven matches could be used to continue to find solutions for the various problems the team has had this year. Especially if Robin Fraser is coming back next season, he could be using this time to try and figure out some of the issues with an eye on next year. Certainly most of the first-teamers have had bright spots in 2012, so why not continue to see who is really a cut above the rest of the roster, and figure out how they can get back on track? It may be an unsatisfying way to finish the season, but it could provide a boost for at least some of the starters ahead of 2013.

Strategy 2: Play some of the younger players

If it's broken, why continue playing the same players? Why not give some of the younger guys a chance? To a degree, that's already happening in the attack, with Juan Agudelo, Casey Townsend, Miller Bolanos and Tristan Bowen getting a lot of minutes lately. Although the goals aren't coming in bunches, all of those players have looked dangerous and are building chemistry together, although they still have work to do on that front.

And considering the youth on the team, Cesar Romero, Paolo Cardozo, Jose Correa, Marvin Iraheta, and Marky Delgado could also benefit from the time on the field. To a certain extent, I think the current rotation has been positive up top, and the only player to really have gotten frozen out is Correa, who has certainly shown he has the potential to be a dependable scorer, if he's given consistent minutes and good service. Still, giving the youngsters' reps could be good for their development, especially if Chivas look likely to lose anyway. In other words, would you rather lose with Juan Pablo Angel and Alejandro Moreno starting, or with the young players starting?

The downside is that there aren't any real young defenders waiting in the wings, with the possible exception of Jorge Villafana. If Chivas had some young defenders, this could be a good chance to see them get action. They would almost certainly make mistakes, but that's part of the process, and better to give them teaching moments when the team has nothing to play for than when there's something major on the line. Bobby Burling hasn't played much, but that's because he was signed late in the season. He and Rauwshan McKenzie are younger than Danny Califf and John Valencia, but they aren't exactly "young." And there's no backup to James Riley, which continues to be a frightening fact. Fortunately, Riley has been up to play every minute this season.

Strategy 3: Does it matter?

I think there are merits to either of the first two approaches, but the key question is whether Robin Fraser is going to be around next year. If he isn't, this team is set up for yet another rebuilding project, and key players with the current group may be on the outs regardless of their relative merit. There's been no official indication that Fraser's job is in jeopardy, but the ownership shift coupled with Chivas' terrible form to end the season for the second straight year means that Fraser's job has to be in doubt beyond this season. One would hope he would work as though he was continuing with the team in 2013, and figure out one strategy or another to do productive work for the remainder of the season even if the overall project on the year was a failure. But if he is out after the season, this lame duck period won't really mean a great deal to the vast majority of incoming coaches, who want their own players, especially for a team at or near the bottom of the standings.

At the moment, we can't know what this team will look like in 2013, but they need to find a way to be productive in one way or another with the final seven games of the season. If that means continuing to work for wins, work on building the skills of the first team, or to develop the younger players, fine. But there has to be some strategy.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!

Sounders Reserves 4-2 Chivas: Recap

Eric Flatness — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 03:58:06 -0000

In a game that was really in their control throughout, the Sounders needed to come from behind to beat that other Chivas USA, after two set pieces had the home team down 2-1. But as the first team did on Saturday, so the reserves mimicked on Sunday, as Seattle picked up their second straight come-from-behind reserve win with a 4-2 victory.

Those in attendance were not only treated to an entertaining professional soccer match, but to got a look at a pair of intriguing new faces wearing the rave green Sunday. Former European star Eidur Gudjohnsen started the first half, and displayed the veteran wiles expected of a past Chelsea and Barcelona striker. While the fitness and touch were at times shaky, Gudjohnsen displayed a certain knack for finding the open space, and when presented with the ball in front of net, he didn't hesitate.

The other unfamiliar yet notable trialist was George Ogararu, whose name I'm sure I misspelled several times in the gamethread. He subbed on in the second half and quickly displayed a fire on the pitch, playing with a tenacity and aggressiveness. He frequently played opponents physically, and was unafraid to overlap the midfielder on his side of the pitch. The time he spent in the attacking third was worthwhile, leading to Sounders scoring chances. But the aggressiveness nearly cost him on a few occasions, as attackers were able to maneuver by him or into the space he was vacating. And he received a yellow card only four minutes into the second half for a rough challenge.

Ogararu's greatest asset is that, unlike Zach Scott or Michael Seamon, Ogararu could sub in for Adam Johansson and the Sounders could play a similar game as they would with Johansson in. He is a similar type of attacking fullback, and while he didn't display the pure quality that Johansson has, he doesn't necessitate a new defensive scheme. If Ogararu is signed, his value would lie in the increased defensive depth, with a little less to worry about if Johansson gets (knock on wood) injured. (I'm not just saying that. You, the reader, should knock on some wood right now).

Depth would also appear to be the key word for Gudjohnsen, who played well, but won't be taking spots from Fredy Montero, Eddie Badjohnson, or Christian Tiffert. He could fill in comfortably in a pinch at either Forward position, which is rather valuable considering that there is only one Montero, and one Eddie. (AGAIN! KNOCK ON WOOD!)

It is unsurprising that the play of these two make up the majority of this post, because the reset of the game was more or less unsurprising. Andy Rose, Alex Caskey, and Cordell Cato continued to show why they consistently earn minutes on the first team (though I must say, Cato's goal was very classy). Sammy Ochoa is still playing with surprising efficiency, involved in several of Seattle's best scoring chances. Servando Carrasco seemed to have a quiet day, though the window frame in the press box neatly blocked my view of midfield throughout the match. All I'm saying is that maybe Carrasco was Superman in one isolated stretch of the field.

Final Thought: Jeff Parke seemed to play at a higher intensity today, nearly performing a suplex on an opponent and playing to contact. This is his second match in a row outside the starting 11, so Sunday might have been the result of some frustration. Or maybe it was something completely different. Or even nothing at all. Probably that second option.

Scoring:
Sounders-Eidur Gudjohnsen 23'
Chivas-Jose Correa 26'
Chivas-Own Goal 60'
Sounders-Cordell Cato 62'
Sounders-Michael Seamon 69'
Sounders-Seth C'deBaca 90'

Sounders at Chivas USA - Three Questions

Dave Clark — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:55:14 -0000

Saturday's 7:30 PM match between the aspiring Seattle Sounders and struggling Goats features one of the hottest teams in MLS and a team that is bewildering. Despite several name brand players on offense Chivas USA has 9 fewer goals than the next worst in the league. If it wasn't for Dan Kennedy and the strong defense there would be no chance for the other SoCal team to make the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Even then their chances aren't strong. They need to start a run and they need to start it now if they are to return to the second season because they are running out of games against the Timbers. Previewing the match is Alicia from The Goat Parade to help you be ready whether you watch on KING5 or live at the Home Depot Center.

SaH: Chivas is struggling to earn results at home. Is there a particular reason?

tGP: If there was an easy answer, I'm sure we would have noticed adjustments by now. Earlier this season, Alejandro Moreno was quoted as saying the fans weren't supporting the team enough, and the backlash he got from that meant he had to consider his answer a bit more. We all know attendance could be better at home games, but the quality of play on the field makes it clear that the fans are probably not the responsible party for the team's problems at home. One problem has been the team's ability to return from a bye, as they've lost by two or more goals three times in the league this season, and twice they've played at home when coming off a bye and gotten blown out.

But the biggest explanation is that it appears to be in the players' heads. Just like their persistent trouble scoring (more on that below) they seem to believe they will struggle more at home, and they tend to perform down to expectations. Rumors continue to persist that this is Chivas' last season playing home games at the Home Depot Center, so hopefully the change of scenery will help, as long as the rumors are true of course.

SaH: There hasn't been a decent team with such difficulty scoring. Health is one factor, is it the only one?

tGP: You're right in that injury troubles have hampered the team up top this season, with Juan Pablo Angel, Juan Agudelo, and Jose Correa all missing multiple games in a row for injury. But that isn't the main reason for the scoring difficulties, as those three players have played plenty of games this year in which Chivas has been shut out. Word out of training is that the team has developed a psychological block in scoring, which is never something a supporter wants to hear. Tactically, I think the issue, besides having the yips perhaps, is that the forwards simply don't get enough service in the attacking third on a consistent basis. The team desperately needs a playmaker in the midfield, and frankly I think Chivas are only a player or two away from being a legitimately good team in the league. But the fact that the team has little fluidity in the attacking third and fail to set up chances for the talented forward corps to exploit, means that the scoring woes are approaching MLS-record levels.

SaH: Talk about Dan Kennedy because he deserves it.

tGP: He certainly does. My contention this season has been that Kennedy is definitely a Top 3 goalkeeper in MLS. The more I consider it, the more I think he has to be considered the best. What's interesting is that Kennedy is so unflappable that I've started noticing his flaws, but they are minor enough that he never gets caught on them. He's been directly responsible for one goal all season, when his distribution was sloppy, and on the other side of the balance sheet he's bailed out his teammates numerous times with remarkable saves. That he occasionally gives up three or four goals in a game and is still named to the league's team of the week (as he was two weeks ago in a terrible loss to the Galaxy) indicates the quality and level of respect he's finally earning.

I think he's national team caliber, and I'm not the type to go overboard in lobbying for a player on my team when he doesn't deserve it, but Kennedy needs a shot. I don't care that he's 30, he is simply better than younger MLS goalkeepers and he could still have another 10 years ahead of him in his career, so why punish him for his age? Still, Jurgen Klinsmann has continued to overlook him for the national team, and in my opinion, that's a damn shame.

Projected Lineup.

I wrote an article about this issue a few days back. I can attempt to guess, but it will be wrong, guaranteed.

GK: Kennedy
DF: Riley, Califf, Valencia, Jazic
MF: LaBrocca, Minda, Joseph, Courtois, Agudelo
FW: Angel

* * *
Reverse

tGP: The Sounders have positioned themselves well in the standings to this point, as they are currently sitting 3rd in the Western Conference. Is there a goal to make a push to move up even higher or even perhaps make a run for the Supporter's Shield? Or is the team trying to work out the kinks ahead of the playoffs?

SaH: With a long stated goal of making the Club World Cup the Sounders will always target every way to make the CONCACAF Champions League. This matters because as RSL qualified for the CCL by finishing third it wouldn't be too much of a surprise if the this year's third place team qualified (if San Jose wins the SS and either of they or KC make the MLS Cup Final - if BOTH do it then the 4th place team gets in too). Still, with the way Sigi Schmid rotates players they are clearly working towards an Ideal XI for the MLS Cup Playoffs. This will be helped by a relatively easy CCL group and an October schedule that is rather soft. With the games in hand on RSL and the 'Quakes the Sounders should push to finish as high as possible. More home field games and a shot at hosting a home MLS Cup makes the final standings quite important.

tGP: Eddie Johnson has been playing very well for Seattle, and Fredy Montero has been very good at coming off the bench and scoring lately. Is the attack better running through one of the pair this season, and is Montero perhaps more effective as a super sub?

SaH: The attack is going to be much more diverse now than at any point in Sounders FC's MLS history. The addition of Christian Tiffert means that the final pass will be coming from more angles. This means that Montero can play a bit higher and be a bit less of an assist man (he's a double-double threat every year). When Rosales plays in the hole and Montero starts on the bench Seattle either gives up the right wing one time crosses, or they leave Johnson by himself with no one in the box. The best lineup will have Montero in it from the start, because every player can do what they are best at doing.

tGP: Chivas were rumored to be looking at new Sounder Mario Martinez last year, but they obviously did not sign him. What do you expect from Martinez, and how will he fit in the lineup? And do you expect to see him in the lineup against Chivas?

SaH: The Martinez signing gave me reason to watch every Honduras game in the Olympics. He's a very role adaptable player who excels in a band of three or four with a defensive mid behind him. Good news for Martinez, he has one in Seattle, and in some cases he'll have two. There is an opportunity for him on the left wing, but his flexibility combined with the skill set of Rosales, Tiffert and Montero Seattle's formation might become more like a 4-1-4-1 with that band of four having different players popping up in new spaces throughout the match.

Projected Lineup: Gspurning; Gonzalez, Ianni, Parke, Johansson; Alonso; Martinez, Tiffert, Rosales; Montero, Johnson

Or not...

Chivas USA Vs. Seattle Sounders: Three Questions

Alicia Ratterree — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:00:27 -0000

Chivas USA are back to the grind again Saturday, as they host the Seattle Sounders in the second meeting of the MLS season (and third overall). Chivas and Seattle played to a 1-1 draw in the last league meeting, while Seattle beat Chivas 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal in July. What will Saturday's match bring? We'll find out soon enough.

In order to see what the latest is with the Sounders, I spoke once again with Dave Clark of SB Nation Sounders blog Sounder at Heart. Thanks to Dave for his time in answering my questions!

The Goat Parade asks Sounder at Heart:

1. The Sounders have positioned themselves well in the standings to this point, as they are currently sitting 3rd in the Western Conference. Is there a goal to make a push to move up even higher or even perhaps make a run for the Supporter's Shield? Or is the team trying to work out the kinks ahead of the playoffs?

With a long stated goal of making the Club World Cup the Sounders will always target every way to make the CONCACAF Champions League. This matters because as RSL qualified for the CCL by finishing third it wouldn't be too much of a surprise if the this year's third place team qualified (if San Jose wins the SS and either of they or KC make the MLS Cup Final - if BOTH do it then the 4th place team gets in too). Still, with the way Sigi Schmid rotates players they are clearly working towards an Ideal XI for the MLS Cup Playoffs. This will be helped by a relatively easy CCL group and an October schedule that is rather soft. With the games in hand on RSL and the 'Quakes the Sounders should push to finish as high as possible. More home field games and a shot at hosting a home MLS Cup makes the final standings quite important.

2. Eddie Johnson has been playing very well for Seattle, and Fredy Montero has been very good at coming off the bench and scoring lately. Is the attack better running through one of the pair this season, and is Montero perhaps more effective as a super sub?

The attack is going to be much more diverse now than at any point in Sounders FC's MLS history. The addition of Christian Tiffert means that the final pass will be coming from more angles. This means that Montero can play a bit higher and be a bit less of an assist man (he's a double-double threat every year). When Rosales plays in the hole and Montero starts on the bench Seattle either gives up the right wing one time crosses, or they leave Johnson by himself with no one in the box. The best lineup will have Montero in it from the start, because every player can do what they are best at.

3. Chivas were rumored to be looking at new Sounder Mario Martinez last year, but they obviously did not sign him. What do you expect from Martinez, and how will he fit in the lineup? And do you expect to see him in the lineup against Chivas?

The Martinez signing gave me reason to watch every Honduras game in the Olympics. He's a very role adaptable player who excels in a band of three or four with a defensive mid behind him. Good news for Martinez, he has one in Seattle, and in some cases he'll have two. There is an opportunity for him on the left wing, but his flexibility combined with the skill set of Rosales, Tiffert and Montero means Seattle's formation might become more like a 4-1-4-1 with that band of four having different players popping up in new spaces throughout the match.

Follow @TheGoatParade

Sounder at Heart asks The Goat Parade:

1 - Chivas is struggling to earn results at home. Is there a particular reason?

If there was an easy answer, I'm sure we would have noticed adjustments by now. Earlier this season, Alejandro Moreno was quoted as saying the fans weren't supporting the team enough, and the backlash he got from that meant he had to consider his answer a bit more. We all know attendance could be better at home games, but the quality of play on the field makes it clear that the fans are probably not the responsible party for the team's problems at home. One problem has been the team's ability to return from a bye, as they've lost by two or more goals three times in the league this season, and twice they've played at home when coming off a bye and gotten blown out.

But the biggest explanation is that it appears to be in the players' heads. Just like their persistent trouble scoring (more on that below) they seem to believe they will struggle more at home, and they tend to perform down to expectations. Rumors continue to persist that this is Chivas' last season playing home games at the Home Depot Center, so hopefully the change of scenery will help, as long as the rumors are true of course.

2 - There hasn't been a decent team with such difficulty scoring. Health is one factor, is it the only one?

You're right in that injury troubles have hampered the team up top this season, with Juan Pablo Angel, Juan Agudelo, and Jose Correa all missing multiple games in a row for injury. But that isn't the main reason for the scoring difficulties, as those three players have played plenty of games this year in which Chivas has been shut out. Word out of training is that the team has developed a psychological block in scoring, which is never something a supporter wants to hear. Tactically, I think the issue, besides having the yips perhaps, is that the forwards simply don't get enough service in the attacking third on a consistent basis. The team desperately needs a playmaker in the midfield, and frankly I think Chivas are only a player or two away from being a legitimately good team in the league. But the fact that the team has little fluidity in the attacking third and fails to set up chances for the talented forward corps to exploit, means that the scoring woes are approaching MLS-record levels.

3 - Talk about Dan Kennedy because he deserves it.

He certainly does. My contention this season has been that Kennedy is definitely a Top 3 goalkeeper in MLS. The more I consider it, the more I think he has to be considered the best. What's interesting is that Kennedy is so unflappable that I've started noticing his flaws, but they are minor enough that he never gets caught on them. He's been directly responsible for one goal all season, when his distribution was sloppy, and on the other side of the balance sheet he's bailed out his teammates numerous times with remarkable saves. That he occasionally gives up three or four goals in a game and is still named to the league's team of the week (as he was two weeks ago in a terrible loss to the Galaxy) indicates the quality and level of respect he's finally earning.

I think he's national team caliber, and I'm not the type to go overboard in lobbying for a player on my team when he doesn't deserve it, but Kennedy needs a shot. I don't care that he's 30, he is simply better than younger MLS goalkeepers and he could still have another 10 years ahead of him in his career, so why punish him for his age? Still, Jurgen Klinsmann has continued to overlook him for the national team, and in my opinion, that's a damn shame.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!