CARSON, Calif. – Whatever happens in Chivas USA’s final four games of the 2012 season, the club won’t come out unscathed on the other side.
Chivas lost their sixth consecutive match on the weekend – a 4-0 setback to Real Salt Lake – and another loss Wednesday in Vancouver would set the club record for longest losing streak. It would mark the lowest point in a 7-16-7 season which will have repercussions.
“Without a doubt, you don’t have a season like this and go without changes, no question,” Fraser said after Saturday night's setback to RSL. “You evaluate everything and you determine where you can make your changes given all the restrictions and rules there are within the league. It’s not as easy as just going out and making changes. Certainly coming off a season like this, changes have to be made.”
WATCH: Chivas USA lose 4-0 at home to RSL
Fraser took over following the club’s second-worst season, an 8-18-4 campaign in 2010 that snapped a four-year playoff run. The team made strides in 2011, as Fraser pieced together an 8-14-12 season, with the 36 points compiled during that season providing optimism for a playoff push in 2012.
But those positive feelings have not materialized into more points.
READ: Chivas USA react to latest setback vs. Real Salt Lake
“It’s a results-oriented business. If you don’t get results, changes will be made," Fraser said. "Without a doubt, I’m sure everything will be evaluated including the coaching staff, the players.
"I’m not naïve," Fraser continued. "I’ve been around this profession a long time. I do understand that results are key, certainly there is a process that goes into rebuilding a team, but I think we’ve all known results are an important part of it.”
Still, things could have been different. Chivas USA have allowed 49 goals – third-most in MLS – but they have lost six games by a 1-0 score. Some output from the team’s meager attack and its league-worst 21 goals scored could have changed the club’s fortunes.
The pain has been mostly self-inflicted for the Goats during 2012.
“There were critical moments throughout the season where if plays had been different perhaps we’re having a different conversation now,” Fraser said. “But too often we’ve found ways to make critical mistakes at very pivotal points of games and as a result we’re having this discussion now.”
Luis Bueno covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com and can be reached by email at buenodad@gmail.com.
