CARSON, Calif. – The task is a difficult one for Chivas USA when they travel to Texas to face on FC Dallas on Saturday (9 pm ET; Galavision). Not only will they be playing their third game in a week, but they’ll be facing a highly motivated opponent desperate to end a 10-game winless slide.
On top of all that, the Rojiblancos will not just be battling FCD on the pitch, but also the sweltering temperatures at FC Dallas Stadium.
Last season when the two sides met, the mercury hit triple digits as Dallas pulled out a late victory while the visitors melted. Saturday’s match promises to be only slightly more bearable as the forecast calls for a high of 91 degrees at kickoff.
“The weather is [a] factor there,” said head coach Robin Fraser. “It will be our third game in a week, but that’s how this league is. Dallas, for me, is a good team. They have a lot of good players and for us it’s another real exercise in concentration and being able to tighten up on a few things.”
Despite their struggles, Schellas Hyndman’s side are coming off a solid performance in their 2-1 defeat to the Houston Dynamo that saw FCD create considerable pressure before conceding the game-winning goal.
Dallas’ situation is a stark contrast to Chivas, who are coming off an emotional win over Montreal and currently sit five points in front of FCD in the Western Conference standings. With a little added confidence after a resolute performance over the Impact, Fraser expects more development from his side against Dallas.
“For us, it doesn’t matter who the next opponent is, we have to continue to improve,” said Fraser. “There were some things [against Montreal] that certainly we thought we could get better and sharper at. Regardless of who we play, there’s going to be that challenge. Dallas in particular is a very talented team. They’ve certainly not gotten the results that they’re capable of.”
Despite the difficult conditions and a hungry Dallas club, the Rojiblancos believe that they can three points from their trip to the Lone Star State.
“I think that game is there for the taking, too,” said goalkeeper Dan Kennedy. “It’s not like they’re on fire and unbeatable. I think we definitely should – when you win, it can become contagious and you can build momentum with it, so that’s what we’re going to do.”
Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at adam.m.serrano@gmail.com.
