CARSON, Calif. – After a tough loss to Kansas City last Sunday, Chivas USA have set their sights on Philadelphia as a chance to bounce back into the 2010 playoff race. The Red-and-White will make their first-ever trip to brand new PPL Park this Saturday in a must-win contest against the Union.
After two solid performances against New England and Chivas de Guadalajara, the Goats were frustrated by the Wizards last weekend – managing just one shot on goal in the 2-0 defeat at the Home Depot Center.
“If you look at our games against New England and even Guadalajara, there was a lot more bite to us,” said Chivas USA midfielder Michael Lahoud. “For whatever reason, we didn’t have that same bite and intensity for 90 minutes [against Kansas City]. We have to each look at ourselves in the mirror and figure out that reason.”
Sitting on 25 points with just six regular-season games left to play, Chivas USA’s chances of making the 2010 postseason are mathematically possible but very slim. Still, with a favorable schedule ahead, the team still maintains hope of a fifth consecutive playoff appearance.
“From here on out, it’s got to be looking for three points wherever we go,” said Lahoud. “We still believe that we have a chance. We’re going to Philadelphia looking to get a result.”
WATCH: Lahoud, Espinoza, Delgado talk getting points in Philly
After a shaky start to their inaugural season, the Union have found their form of late and pushed themselves back into the playoff race. They sit just one point behind Chivas USA and will be just as eager as the Goats to secure points from Saturday’s game.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game,” said Rodolfo Espinoza. “But it’s really important for us to get three points as the visiting team.”
While there are some who may have already written Chivas USA off for the postseason race, the Goats themselves maintain a firm commitment to pushing hard in their final six games. The team is keeping its head down and focusing on its preparation for Saturday.
“We’re always training hard to prepare for the next game,” said center back Dario Delgado. “I hope our hard work shows in the game against Philadelphia.”
