March 29th, 2008 . 6:23 am . By: Jason Benfield

 The match previews will take a bit of a different format this season. The general strategies of the opposition will be discussed, followed by a scouting report on each player of their roster. The scouting report uses the following rating system:

1 = Developmental player
2 = Solid bench player
3 = Below average starter in MLS
4 = Above average starter in MLS
5 = All-star caliber player in MLS
6 = Superstar

CHIVAS USA FORMATION

Preki runs Chivas out in a 4-4-2. In the midfield, both central players hold back defensively, while the outside midfielders move forward as wingers. The defense has a similar look as the central defenders hold back and the outside defenders join the attack. Chivas thrives on the counter, and work the ball outside and then back when moving forward. Defensively, they hold a deep line in order to cover for a lack of speed centrally. The goal is to force the other team to hold possession and force opponents to break them down through a short passing game.

CHIVAS USA ROSTER

Bornstein – 5 – Starting left back is an All-star and a reserve US International. Getting more and more comfortable with his defensive responsibilities, but has never been as reckless as Burciaga, Jr. Very good going forward, has great speed, is a good passer, and can finish. Perfect fit for the Chivas system.

Pozniak – 2 – Right midfielder was just acquired for Cunliffe from San Jose. Can play centrally and also at right midfield. Played sporadically for Toronto last season. Is a solid passer, but does not possess top level speed and does not beat players on the ball. Not starting quality, but provides depth.

Curtin – 3 – Former Fire central defender. Good size, and shows composure under pressure. Can be exposed for lack of speed and athleticism. These qualities limit him to being a 3, but is a nice player to have coming off the bench as depth, which is the case with Chivas. The Chivas system plays with the central backs lying pretty deep, so he could excel in this system. Will most likely fill in for Suarez on Sunday.

Eskandarian – 2 – Former DC, Toronto, and RSL striker. Was at one point considered an up and coming talent for both the league and the US national team. Always has lacked speed and athleticism. Not a good passer, and does not combine with players very well. Very good striker of the ball, and takes free kicks well. Made his name with a tremendous work rate, and was very brave around the goal, which allowed him to find himself in the right place at the right time for goals. Once the concussion issues went, so did the intangibles, and the weaknesses of his game have become more prominent. At this point in his career he is best used off the bench, but he could become a solid MLS starter again. He will be the choice to pair with Razov up top if Galindo can’t go.

Galindo – 4 – Cuban forward with great speed was very good last season. On the verge of becoming a solid all-star forward. Benefits a lot from the intelligent work of Razov off the ball; was not nearly as effective when Razov was not in the game. Best attribute is speed, but also does well finishing his chances. Good first touch, but not a great passer. If passing develops, will take his game to another level. He might not start on Sunday because of his fitness level.

Guzan – 6 – US International Keeper was very good last season and would be in the EPL if he wasn’t denied a work permit. Is the most athletic keeper in the league and has great size and instincts. Does well with a slow central defense in front of him and the numbers that Chivas likes to put into the attack. Has become more vocal and better at organizing the defense on set pieces. Best keeper in MLS.

Harris – 2 – Former RSL player has yet to find a position. Has all the physical tools to play forward, but lacks a strong finishing shot and loses composure in front of goal. Very similar to Chris Albright at this stage in his career, but perhaps has better touch. Played forward and defensive mid last season for RSL. Chivas seems to be trying him at right midfield as cover for when Kljestian is lost to US Olympic and full national team duty; however, Esky has not done well in the preseason, which has forced Chivas to use Harris as a reserve forward, and also pushed them to acquire Pozniak and unload Cunliffe. Has not established himself as a starter in the league, but the athleticism is certainly there to allow for progression to the next level.

Kljestan – 4 – Starting right midfielder is now a fixture on the US Olympic Team and is in the mix for the full national team. Played in the center of the park as a youth, but is a better fit in the Chivas system on the outside. Has adapted to wing play at a consistent rate. Has steadily improved every year in the league. Lacks the pace you might want in a true winger, but size allows him to be patient on the ball, has great vision, and is a very good passer. His finishing skills took a step up last season. Needs to be more consistent and more aggressive to put his stamp on a game and let his abilities shine in order to take the next step, but the potential is there to be an all star.

Marsh – 4 – Starter at one holding midfield spot, has restarted his career with Chivas. Was always an adequate defensive midfielder, but has improved with age as his experience and leadership allow him to organize both the midfield and the defense and keep the lines tight. Very solid in the short passing game. Not a lot of athelticism or speed, but reads the game extremely well.

Mendoza – 4 – Starting left midfielder. Short and limited physically, but very quick and wonderful on the ball. Still very young and expect to progress this season to a solid 4. In the past has faded in and out of games, but has shown the ability to dominate the wing at times. Should become more consistent with experience. Tends to play very well at the start of the season and then get beaten up and slowed down as the season wears on.

Nagamura – 3 – Defensive midfielder bounced around from LA to Toronto before finding a home with Chivas last year. Is not asked to do much other than be positionally sound and make simple passes to the outside, both of which he is good at. The physical limitations in his game are covered by the system that he works in. Showed last season that he can be a solid starter in the league. Will not be first choice this season, but will play on Sunday because Wicky will not be available.

Razov – 5 – Former US International Forward has raised his game to new heights. Had a great season last year and was Chivas’ MVP and a candidate for the league award. He has always been streaky as a finisher. In his younger days, he was also a horrible passer with very little vision. This made him a fixture in any lineup when he was on his game, but absolutely useless when he was off. Now, however, he has developed into a good passer with good vision. This has taken his game to a new level, and last season he had a strong impact on every game he played in. Age has made him injury prone, but has not limited his effectiveness otherwise because he never relied on speed. Also works very hard away from the ball, which is another change from his earlier days. Is not a superstar, but is playing at an all-star level.

Suarez – 4 – Mexican Central defender continues to defy his age. He was supposed to be too old when he entered the league, and many people were skeptical that he could handle the physical play of the league. Has been outstanding since his arrival. Organizes the back quite well. Is good in the air. Lacks pace, but makes up for it through the system that is played as well as superb positioning. Has retained the athleticism to be a strong tackler and good on set pieces. At some point will lose another step and become less effective, but right now is still a solid starter in the league. Will miss the Dallas game because his Father died this week.

Thomas – 4 – Jamaican central defender was the missing piece that brought the defense to another level last season. Is a very physical player who takes pressure of Suarez and allows the Mexican to read the game. Has enough speed to cover for Suarez mistakes. Passing abilities have improved and is very strong in the air. More important to the Chivas defense than Suarez. Passing and positioning need to improve a little bit more in order to be considered for the next level. Could be an all-star this season if he continues to develop.

Vaughn – 3 – Will be the starter at right back after Zotinca’s injuries. Has been a starter when healthy in his young career and has made an impact when on the field. Should continue to improve, but not sure if he has fully recovered from ankle surgery in the off season. Relies on speed and athleticism, perhaps a bit too much. Still getting used to defensive responsibilities. Does well joining the attack. Has not had the same level of impact as Bornstein, but has the same potential. Zotinca’s injury opens the door to taking the next step in his development.

Wicky – 4 – Swiss international will take Nagamura’s spot once fit, but not expected to play in the Dallas game. A strong organizer, will fit in well next to Marsh in the midfield. Has a great pedigree and should be an all-star if he takes the league seriously.

Zotinca – 3 – Is a solid, but unspectacular right back and right midfielder. Lacks top level speed and positioning to be a high level outside back, and lacks crossing ability to be a top tier midfielder. Is a solid overall player. Out for the season with a knee injury, otherwise would be competing for the right back spot.

Burling, Braun, Chiles, Ebert, Flores, Hamilton, Mayen, Paladini, Savage and Parker are all developmental players I have never seen and as such I have no report to give.

PREDICTION

Both teams are using their second or third choice striker to partner with their main guy, which should keep the score down even though both teams are missing players on defense.  Chivas have a significant advantage on the wings, which proves to be the difference in the game.

Chivas USA 1 – FC Dallas 0.

Categories: Match Preview.

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