July is a hectic month for Chivas USA. Six league games -- all against Western Conference opponents -- fill the schedule this month but no matter what happens, Chivas will remain in contention for Major League Soccer's championship.
Wednesday, however, Chivas will play a do-or-die match that will see its title hopes fade or rise. Chivas will play Roma FC in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match at the University of Santa Barbara at 7 p.m.
Roma FC upset Miami FC 1-0 on June 28 to reach the tournament's third round. Miami FC plays in the United Soccer League First Division, one notch below MLS, and features 1994 World Cup winners Romario and Zinho as well as former Crew midfielder Mario Rodriguez.
Roma FC, meanwhile, competes in the United States Adult Soccer Association. The club has a few former MLS players, such as ex-Crew midfielder Dominic Shell and ex-Dallas players Carl Bussy and Juan Sastoque. Many players are former Dallas Sidekicks, the now-defunct club that used to play in the Major Indoor Soccer League.
For all of Roma FC's apparent shortcomings, Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley said he will not overlook the club.
"We're not taking anybody lightly," Bradley said. "Roma beat Miami FC so they must be doing something right."
A year ago, Chivas survived a scare in the third round. Playing at USL Second Division side Charlotte Eagles, Chivas overcame a late 2-1 deficit, tied the game late and won it at the tail end of stoppage time by a 3-2 score.
Players said the goal with the Open Cup is the same with MLS.
"The goal is to win it. We are not going to take it lightly," Chivas striker Ante Razov said. "We're going to go in there with the mindset to win."
Whether Razov plays remains to be seen. July has been the busiest month on the calendar. In the first eight days of the month, Chivas beat FC Dallas 3-0, tied Real Salt Lake 0-0 and lost 3-1 at Houston. Saturday, Chivas plays the Galaxy before games at Colorado (July 20) and at Real Salt Lake (July 26). For good measure, Chivas has a friendly lined up against Club America on July 23.
Bradley did not reveal his lineup plans but said the club will be looking for a victory.
"We will put a good team on the field and try to advance to the next round," Bradley said.
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
