Chivas USA aims for four straight:
After beginning its 2008 campaign 1-4-2, Chivas USA sits 4-4-2, tied for second place in the Western Conference, and arrives in New York ready to build on its 2-0 win over Columbus on Saturday night. The California club could, with a win, claim sole possession of first place in a congested Western Conference. Chivas has received goals from Jorge Flores and Jesse Marsch in the team's past three matches.
Chivas USA, like the Red Bulls, have been hit with the injury bug. Defenders Jonathan Bornstein (knee) and Lawson Vaughn (facial fractures) are questionable. Out of the lineup will be defender Alex Zotinca (ACL surgery), midfielder Raphaël Wicky (ankle sprain) and forwards Alecko Eskandarian (groin sprain) and Maykel Galindo (groin sprain).
Having only scored two goals over its previous three games, New York looks to secure three points for the first time since May 10, a 2-1 road win over the Galaxy. Chivas' defense sits third-worst in terms of goals against (17), while the Red Bulls' offense (10 goals) sits second-worst.
Red Bulls injury update:
Juan Pablo Ángel: Back (also did not make 5/31 trip to Houston)
On the injury:
"I would describe it as a very frustrating situation. It comes from my back, the pain is in my hamstring. The pain is still there. There is no excuse because obviously I take full responsibility the moment I step onto the pitch. But it's still there, still annoying me."
Claudio Reyna: Right hamstring strain
On the injury:
"It's similar to Juan's. They checked the back, and there are some disc problems. The doctors are going to call some back specialists to see where this takes us. It's still kind of early. To see what to do these next few days, the fastest way to deal with this thing."
On when he expects an answer on a probable return:
"Probably next week some time. I'll probably get some answers whether I'll be training next week or what I'll have to do."
On his feelings towards the injury:
"I was feeling good through Toronto. But now I have to deal. I'm not too down."
Coach Juan Carlos Osorio:
"With the coaching staff, we analyze everything, from the warm-ups and the preparation to the games and stuff like that. I can't point out (the injuries) and why they are happening."
On the rash of back injuries:
"I have seen it in the past with knees. This is weird. It's back problems. As far as the back, it's the first time I've seen something like this. It could be the hard field. This is a hard pitch. We train an hour and a half. It's intensive. We demand the best from the players. It could be that the ground is taking its toll. I know (head athletic trainer) Rick Guter is working aggressively. I think now (Ángel and Reyna) have individualized back programs. I think that's the best we can do. There's no real explanation to all this."
On the possibility of Reyna being back Thursday:
"It doesn't look bright. I like guys to train at least three days before the game. Today is Tuesday. There is only one training left, which is tomorrow. I don't think he'll be in contention for this coming match. I don't know (if Reyna will be training next week)."
Scouting Chivas USA:
Midfielder Danleigh Borman (two consecutive starts):
On containing Flores, Marsch and Kljestan in the midfield:
"We have to try and take them out of the game, try and keep it compact in the middle and try as much as possible to get them to play backwards instead of forwards because that's where they are dangerous."
On how Chivas has won three in a row, and how to neutralize them:
"I think they are attacking in stride right now, playing together. We just have to stay confident and keep it compact in the middle."
Coach Juan Carlos Osorio:
On Chivas USA's recent success:
"They seem to have found the right mixture between experienced players, Marsch, Kljesten, and they mix it up with young talent; Flores, he has come in and done very well for them. He brings balance to the midfield. I think they are very good going forward."
On specific strategy for Thursday's match:
"We have to be ready to play our game, the same game we played in Columbus, the same game where we've been successful. We have to get that confidence back to the players. Hopefully, we can match the effort we had at Houston and with more quality on the ball we would have had a good chance."
