With just four games remaining in the 2006 Major League Soccer season, Chivas USA (9-7-12, 39 pts) looks to claim second place in a tightly packed Western Conference this Saturday at 7 p.m. PT versus the Colorado Rapids (11-11-6, 39 pts) at The Home Depot Center (TV: FSN WEST, 30-minute delay; Radio: KTNQ 1020 AM Univision Radio; Web: MLSLIVE.tv). Chivas USA is coming off a successful two-game road trip in Texas, registering a 1-0 win over Western leaders FC Dallas and a 0-0 draw with the Houston Dynamo. Colorado is coming off a 0-0 draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy last week in Carson. For tickets or more information, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit www.cdchivasusa.com.
PLAYOFF SUMMARY: Chivas USA enters Saturday's match tied for third place with Colorado on 39 points, edging out the Rapids on the first tiebreaker, head-to-head competition. Chivas USA beat Colorado 4-1 on June 3 at The Home Depot Center, while earning 1-1 and 3-3 draws in Denver on June 21 and July 20, respectively. Just ahead is the Houston Dynamo, with 40 points, while close behind are fellow 2005 expansion side Real Salt Lake (36) and the Galaxy (33).
HELLO JESÚS, GOODBYE TIMMY: For the third week in a row, Chivas USA Head Coach Bob Bradley will be forced to adjust his starting lineup due to suspension. Defender Tim Regan, one of only two Chivas USA players (alongside Jonathan Bornstein) to have started all 28 games this season, is sidelined after receiving two yellow cards last Sunday in Houston. However, forward Jesús Morales returns from his one-game suspension (served Sunday at Houston) and could start this Saturday. Finally, Chivas USA defender Jason Hernández, having played three consecutive games without receiving a yellow card, has had his caution total reduced (from four to three) under MLS's 'Good Behavior Incentive'.
RESERVES SUNDAY VS. COLORADO: Following Saturday's match, the Chivas USA Reserves (3-2-3, 12 pts) take on the Colorado Rapids Reserves (7-3-0, 21 pts), current leaders of the 2007 MLS Reserve Division, this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. PT at The Home Depot Center's University Field 1. Admission is free and media members are encouraged to attend.
CHIVAGIRLS CALENDAR: Chivas USA invites fans and members of the media to the official Launch Party for the ChivaGirls 2007 Calendar, this Thursday, September 21, 2006 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. PT at the restaurant Tortas Ahogadas GDL, located at 6810 Eastern Ave, Unit G, in Bell Gardens, California, 90201. There will be music, food and fun for the whole family. All 14 members of the ChivaGirls will be on hand to sign calendars.
NEXT CHIVAS USA GAMES: After facing the Rapids, Chivas USA closes the season with two of three matches versus Western Conference rivals at The Home Depot Center. On Saturday, September 30, Chivas USA faces the Los Angeles Galaxy in the fourth and final 'Honda Super Clásico' of 2006. A week later, Chivas USA takes on the Wizards at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Finally, Chivas USA closes out its 2006 MLS regular season in Carson against Real Salt Lake on Sunday, October 15, in a match that will also feature a special post-game performance by a surprise musical guest.
GUADALAJARA UPDATE: Club Deportivo Guadalajara, Chivas USA's Mexican sister team, managed a 0-0 home draw against Pumas UNAM this past Saturday at the Estadio Jalisco. This Sunday, Guadalajara faces intra-city rival Tecos UAG at the Estadio Tres de Marzo at 2:00 p.m. PT (4:00 p.m. local time) on Matchday 10 of the 17-game Apertura 2006 season. Guadalajara (3-2-4, 14 pts) is currently in third place in six-team Group 1.
'SANGRE CHIVA': Be sure to tune in, this and every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. PT, to 'Sangre Chiva', Chivas USA's weekly radio show on KTNQ 1020 AM Univision Radio. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Hipólito Gamboa and former Chivas USA and Chivas Guadalajara goalkeeper Martín Zúñiga, the hour-long program features exclusive interviews, match analysis and special ticket offers, plus all the latest Chivas USA news and happenings.
'SOMOS CHIVAS USA': Don't miss, this and every Saturday from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. PT, 'Somos Chivas USA', Chivas USA's official weekly program on KAZA Azteca 54, official Spanish-language television broadcast partner of Chivas USA. Recorded each week at The Home Depot Center, this exciting 30-minute show gives fans an exclusive insider's look at the world of Chivas USA.
CHIVAS USA CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20-24*
Wednesday, September 20: Training, 10:00 a.m., University 1
Thursday, September 21: Training, 10:00 a.m., University 1
Friday, September 22: Training, 10:00 a.m., University 1
Saturday, September 23: Chivas USA vs. Colorado Rapids, The Home Depot Center, 7:00 p.m. PT (TV: FSN WEST, 30-minute delay; Radio: KTNQ 1020 AM Univision Radio; Web: MLSLIVE.tv)
Sunday, September 24: Chivas USA Reserves vs. Colorado Rapids Reserves, 10:00 a.m., University 1
*Subject to change. Unless otherwise noted, all times Pacific and all events scheduled for The Home Depot Center. Media access provided after games and trainings. For latest information, contact Chivas USA's Communications Department.
