Scouting the Opposition: A Look at Chivas USA With John Santos

Prior to each match, New England Soccer Today will invite a reporter from the other side to provide insight regarding the Revolution’s next opponent.

This week, Chivas USA Examiner John Santos shared his thoughts on the state of Chivas and what the Revs can expect on Friday.

What is Chivas USA’s current form? How have they been at home lately?

The Revs are set to take on Chivas USA Friday night at 10:30PM.

“Their current form has been pretty bad.  Aside from a 1-0 victory against DC United on August 29th, they have been pretty dismal at home.  It had been nearly a month since their previous home victory against the Crew.  They haven’t won back to back home fixtures since April.”

What is their likely starting eleven on Saturday? Any key injuries?

“After the last losses, I would hope that there would be a shake up in the line up.

Starting line up would have to include Thornton at goal

(from right to left)

Trujillo-Delgado-Umaña-Bornstein

Zizzo-Zemanski-Gavin-Espinoza

Braun-Maldonado”

What do you feel are Chivas’ weaknesses that opponents have been able to exploit?

“The defense is the weakest.  Just look at at how Omar Cummings juked Ante Jazic not once but twice in the lead up to one of his goals last week vs Colorado.”

What seem to be Chivas’ strengths this season?

“Strengths would include the attacking (when they can get the ball to the attackers).  Case in point Justin Braun’s goal vs. DC a few weeks back.  He is a Brian McBride type.  If you can get him the ball, he can work wonders (10 goals this year counting those scored in the Open Cup).  The only problem is that he needs service.”

What players should fans keep an eye on Friday?

“Braun again for the same reasons stated above.  If the Revs can take him out of the equation, then they should have a good chance at keeping the Goats off the scoreboard.  Also, when played at left back, Bornstein can really fend off attackers.  For some reason he’s bee playing in the midfield lately where I think his talents are being wasted.”

John Santos’ writing can be found at http://www.examiner.com/chivas-usa-in-los-angeles/john-santos

John earned a B.A. from Cal State-Long Beach where he majored in history and minored in journalism. During his final year at CSLB, he was awarded an internship with the Chivas USA sales department and he eventually served as the team’s Customer Account Manager for the 2008 season.