Brotherly Game - The Whole Story: Matchday 15 California Dreamin' Of A Win Against Chivas USAThe beautiful game with a Philadelphia attitudehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48005/brotherlygame-fave.png2014-06-07T09:00:04-04:00http://www.brotherlygame.com/rss/stream/55274232014-06-07T09:00:04-04:002014-06-07T09:00:04-04:00The DoopCast Takes on the Chivas Game
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<p>Our very own Richie and Dan give their take on the Chivas USA-Philadelphia Union match.</p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/2876378/height/360/width/360/theme/standard/direction/no/autoplay/no/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/" style="border: none" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="360"></iframe></span></font></p>
<p>Richie and Dan consider the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas </a>game. How can a three-nil victory, away from home no less, end up feeling so... blah? Only this <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> could make you feel that way. Perhaps just like owners eventually end up looking like their dogs, the Union are slowly starting to morph into Mr. Vanilla himself. Sure, <span>Hack's</span> a great guy, level-headed, smart, not too pushy or showy, but that's more like the kind of guy you want to rent an apartment from - not the kind of desperate, win-at-all-costs kind of unique individual you want representing your heart and soul on the pitch.</p>
<p>Ho-hum... You see? Even after a three-nil win I still feel a little bummed out. What can cure that? A confident, free-flowing performance against a red hot team. Here's hoping, because if the fans start to boo and complain too loudly they might just get put on the naughty step by the nanny.</p>
<p>One thing is for sure, this is a very interesting time to be a Philadelphia Union fan.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/7/5786750/the-doopcast-takes-on-the-chivas-gameRichie_the_Limey2014-06-04T07:00:03-04:002014-06-04T07:00:03-04:00HOT TOPIC QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Savior Fred?
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<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With one of the least satisfying 3-0 victories ever over Chivas USA this week and the emergence of an old favorite, the question must be asked: Did Fred just save John Hackworth’s job?</p>
<p>Yes, I stayed up to watch the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> play Chivas USA in what was considered to be a soccer match by some and considered by others a replacement for counting sheep to help them fall asleep. Let's be clear the game late Saturday night was not the most thrilling of 90 minutes I've ever seen. By comparison, <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland's</a> and <a href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vancouver's</a> game the following day made the Union-Chivas match look like my rec soccer league.</p>
<p>But 3 points is supposed to be 3 points, even if it is against a team worse than you by an unfathomable amount. So John Hackworth's men must be given credit as well as the man he put in charge of acting as the missing piece in the midfield: Fred.</p>
<p>Excuse me - FREEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDD!</p>
<p>He's back and just about the same as he always was, however his inclusion raises a few flags coming off of an above average performance. He was the major change in the lineup, and whether we like it or not major changes get the credit or blame for any results that follow. So with a 3-0 win over the MLS punching bags, did Fred just save Hackworth's job?</p>
<p>Let's see what my colleagues said.</p>
<p>--</p>
<p><b>Barry Evans</b> - No. I don't think he has done enough. Against Chivas, while he played well it is almost meaningless. He also gave the ball away quite a bit (rustiness), and took minutes away from Prefer who could have used the extra experience.</p>
<p><b>Eugene Rupinski</b> - No. Fred was garbage. A step slower and the same poor decision making from 2010. A weak PK call saved Hackworth's job.</p>
<p><b>JC Escobar</b> - I don't necessarily think that Fred saved Hackworth's job, but if they get a result from Vancouver, I can see the FO keeping him on for the rest of the season.</p>
<p><b>Frank Cobbina</b> - No, and while I won't go as far to say Fred was garbage, he didn't exactly light it up in my eyes either. I find it hard to believe that a 34 year old Fred who was previously languishing in the bottom of the A-League is the answer to our scoring troubles. I think it had more to do with playing an inferior side in <a href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chivas USA</a>. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup</a> break is coming up; that would be a perfect time for the Union to find a head coach successor. It's another win-or-go-home situation for Hack in my eyes against Vancouver.</p>
<p><b>Justin F. </b>- Only once Fred scores a game-winning goal in stoppage time next weekend will he have saved Hack's job. It seems like it is a stretch to call any singular game "win or the coach gets sacked", but I find it hard to believe Hackworth would be sacked during the WC break on the heels of two wins. Perhaps sometime after that, then if/when things go sour again? If firing Hackworth is at all on the table for Sakiewicz, it won't suddenly go away for the rest of the season. And if it's not actually an issue, then well I hope you like Fred.</p>
<p><b>Jared Young </b>- Whatever job-saving games are occurring, they are only temporary. The tickets to nowhere for this team are already issued. There are enough weaknesses that can't be addressed by improved play and the coach can and will take the fall. The waiting game is rough though. It'd be a lot more fun to put our hope into a new future, instead of hoping the Union lose.</p>
<p><b>Dan "I love Fred" Kenworthy</b> - How is this the question of the week? Fred got 3 shots off, 1 on goal, and fouled 5 times. The game itself was questionable at best, and the focus is on Fred? Why do you think it's a possible hot topic question that he could save Hack's job? Because he's from 2010 roster, playing someone that costs more than average salary, or just pleading to the fans?</p>
<p>I honestly don't get how this is the focus.</p>
<p>The major change is he was someone who kind of knew what he was doing...but he did it in the same way as back in 2010. As opposed to the mess of a strategy that is the Union because "we are doing everything right, why isn't this working" is wearing thin on motivation. I feel, especially in the Chivas match, you could tell they are mentally drained because of the pressure, and confusion, of why things aren't working.</p>
<p>--</p>
<p>My point of including Fred as the focus was because I believe Fred exceeded expectations in his first start in MLS since 2011. I believe Fred played well - he wasn't garbage as was suggested - and there's many people who thought the 34 year-old would have failed miserably in his first start back with Philadelphia.</p>
<p>Fred was the major, and most surprising, change in the lineup for the Union this week. I don't think I'll have many arguing that against me. What a coincidence it is that the Union demolish Chivas in his first appearance. So did his inclusion save Hackworth's job?</p>
<p>Absolutely not.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong, I love Fred. I have his jersey signed and hanging up in my house. I wanted to start a supporters group back in 2010 in Section 114 called "Fred's Friends". Needless to say, I didn't. A trip down memory lane for the Union at the Stubhub Center resulted in a 3-0 victory, but very little of that had to do with Fred's performance.</p>
<p>Chivas looked as abysmal and lethargic, as the Union did a week prior against the Galaxy. Maybe a week of fun and sun in Southern California was the ticket that got them the three points. Or perhaps it was the ref who gave a preposterous penalty and allowed a clear interference of <span>Dan Kennedy</span> by an offside Andrew Wenger. The Union may have had more opportunities at goal and clearly were the dominant side, but that's like saying Brandon Davies beat me in one on one basketball.</p>
<p>So is Hack's job saved in general? I don't think so. Maybe the glorious Front Office in all their might can view this win as a triumphant return of positive results and that the tide turning for the Union, but to do so would imply they are delusional. We beat Chivas. So? Every team beats Chivas. This isn't necessarily a good thing, but should be more of an expected thing. The bottom line to me is that John Hackworth will be down to the wire on Saturday against Vancouver. If the Union get a result, Johnny keeps his paycheck. If the Union lose, I can't see how he is still the coach on the other side of the World Cup break.</p>
<p>It's do or die on Saturday for <span>John Hackworth's</span> job.</p>
<p><i>Please let us know what you think in the comments and the poll below!</i></p>
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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/4/5776236/hot-topic-question-of-the-week-did-fred-just-save-hack-s-jobDoug Gobrecht2014-06-03T10:00:07-04:002014-06-03T10:00:07-04:00Chivas USA 0-3 Union: Stat Hero of the Match
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<figcaption>Edu during one of his season and team high 105 touches | Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Union have reversed fortune and now have 9 goals in their last 4 games. But are the goals coming from Hackworth's preferred style?</p> <p>The Union had transitioned from frustrating to embarrassing as the season continued to reach new lows - and then along came Chivas. In the last match, the Union appeared to play the blueprint game for Hackworth’s system, dominating possession on the road even while holding the lead. The Union completed 497 passes, by far their most this season. The second highest game was game 2 against Houston when they completed 403 passes in the 1-0 win. The fact that the Union did so while leading most of the game is even more impressive. Their pass completion rate was 87%, also a season high. The game was a passing clinic and this time the goals came along with the linking. But were the goals a result of what has been criticized as a possession strategy that is too methodical?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The game funnel below reveals how dominating the performance was for the Union. They outshot <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA</a> 14-6 and allowed just 3 shots in the box and 1 shot on goal.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4544915/GameFunnelChvPhiMay312014.JPG" target="_blank"></a> <br id="1401653540511"></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Stat of the Match –</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Union had two players with more than 100 touches each</b>. Both Edu and Nogueira touched the ball 105 times and 104 times, respectively. It was the first time any Union player collected 100 touches in a game and only the second time any player had 100 touches in a Union game. <span>Matt Besler</span> had 115 touches in the Sporting KC match. Nogueira completed 91% of his 90 passes and Edu 89% of his 85. They also combined to complete 15 of 18 long passes of more than 20 yards. It was an impressive display from the central midfield pair.</p>
<p><b>Stat Zero of the Match –</b></p>
<p>The exceptional possession display by the Union <b>does not suit <span>Danny Cruz</span>’ style of play</b>. Cruz was the forgotten player in the match. Compare his statistics with his wing partner Maidana. Maidana collected 90 touches to Cruz’ 47. Maidana made 66 passes to Cruz’ 25. Maidana made 4 key passes while Cruz was unable to connect such a pass. Whether the team was intentionally looking to Maidana’s side or Cruz was just less effective, the bottom line is Cruz didn’t make an impact on the match. He also only recorded 1 defensive statistic with a single tackle.</p>
<p><b>Stat Hero the Match –</b></p>
<p>The hero is a tough call this week - <b>Maidana and the goal and beautiful assist or the two goals from <span>Conor Casey</span>?</b> Whoscored rated Maidana’s game an astounding 8.87 and Casey’s an excellent 8.38. The defensive statistics were even close. Casey had two defensive headers off corners, an interception and 2 clearances. Maidana had two tackles and an interception. I’m going to pick Maidana this week. While Casey's PK was solid, it was not earned by a play he made.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Big Picture –</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The goal scoring drought that plagued the team earlier appears in the past with the team scoring 9 goals in the last 4 games. But there is still concern over the Union’s ability to score from the methodical buildups that have become their calling card. The Union scored from a questionable handball, a counterattack and a breakaway goal. The Union offense appears at its best when attacking quickly from the middle of the field and getting the ball at the feet of Maidana. There is still little evidence they can score while eating up possession. Here's a breakdown of the six goals in the last four games that did not result from a penalty kick.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1. Against KC - Maidana's run from a throw in deflects off the keeper and the rebound goal is scored on the hustle play by Cruz.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2. Against KC - A great hold of the ball in the box from Wenger whose pass was deflected perfectly to Maidana who calmly finished.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3. Against NE - Nogueira's blast after a pass from a Williams throw-in (which effectively works like a free kick).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4. Against NE - A long ball to the top of the box by Le Toux and a nice header from Berry lands the ball to the feet of Williams who finishes easily.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">5. Against Chivas - Edu's pressure forces a turnover picked up by Williams. Edu gets the ball back and finds Maidana headed down the left side with plenty of space. He struggles to control the ball but somehow lands a perfect cross onto the head of Conor Casey.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">6. Against Chivas - Fred is at midfield and sends a ball to a running Nogueira who finds Maidana wide open again on the left. This time Maidana takes it himself and scores.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of the non-penalty kick goals the only one that was scored from a prototypical 4-3-3 mold was the Wenger goal. Four of the others were quick strikes coming from the top of the attacking third, usually taking advantage of Maidana's flair in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/british-open">the open</a> field. These quick strike opportunities were not be executed in the earlier part of the season when the Union struggled to score.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is not to criticize the goal scoring of the Union which has been pretty of late. The question is whether or not the 4-3-3 is to be given credit for the goal scoring or is there another reason for their recent success. And should the Union be playing more of a deliberate counterattacking style to take advantage of Maidana's ability in the open field?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What are your thoughts? Please feel free to comment below and let us know.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/3/5770206/state-hero-union-chivasunionoscopy2014-06-03T07:00:05-04:002014-06-03T07:00:05-04:00Game-Changers: The Perfect Storm
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<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What led to the Union's somewhat unfulfilling 3-0 win over Chivas?</p> <p>As our readers are well aware every week we" Monday Morning Quarterback" each Union game. What were some of the most interesting points of the game? What were the turning points?</p>
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<p><b>1. The inclusion of <span>Conor Casey</span></b></p>
<p>Saturday night's start was only his fourth of the season, as the acquisition of <span>Andrew Wenger</span> and the switch to the 4-3-3 has limited his playing time. However, with Wenger in John Hackworth's doghouse, and Le Toux on the injury list, Casey got the start. Wenger, while big, is able to move pretty well, and can serve passes better than the average target forward. Conor Casey offers no such versatility. At this point in his career, all Casey can do is head a ball, which severely limits the Union's attacking options when he is on the field. Any experienced defense knows that if Casey is on the field, the objective is to get the ball to the big man's head. Chivas does not have an experienced defense--they didn't on Saturday, at least. Usually, <span>Bobby Burling</span> and <span>Carlos Bocanegra</span> can be found in the center of the Chivas defense, but neither Burling nor Bocanegra were available this weekend. Instead, Coach <span>Wilmer Cabrera</span> started Eriq (I don't get the "q," either) Zavaleta and Tony Lochhead. Zavaleta, on loan from Seattle, is on the same boat as Wenger, in that he does not have a set position. Coming into the match he had only recorded 394 minutes of MLS play in his career. Lochhead is a defender with international experience, but he is accustomed to playing at left back. The Union were wise to send in endless crosses and, surprisingly, the crosses were good! Philadelphia completed 30% of their 20 crosses, which leads me to my next point.</p>
<p><b>2.The Utilization of Maidana<br></b></p>
<p>Cristian Maidana hasn't had as much success as the other two midfielders acquired in the offseason, but Saturday's game offered a glimpse of what he can do. He completed three crosses, the most notable of which being the assist on the second goal. Maidana is eighth in MLS in completed crosses, with a total of 23. He has only played 871 minutes, the second fewest number of minutes played by anyone in the top ten list of completed crosses. Much like other players on that list like <span>Graham Zusi</span> or <span>Harrison Shipp</span>, Maidana isn't known for his speed. They have excelled because they've been given license to do whatever they want on the field. Maidana has traditionally been a winger this season, but on Saturday, he was all over the place. Nogueira has been in that role so far this season, but he does not seem to have the same attacking instinct as Maidana. Fans have been calling for a three-man midfield of Maidana, Nogueira, and Edu for a while now and it looks to be a success in the early going.</p>
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<p><b>3. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA's</a> resistance to attacking, scoring goals, and playing soccer in the opponent's half</b></p>
<p>Chivas, much like the Union, have a very defeatist attitude. They've gone through years of misery, but this year looked more promising. MLS bought the club from its previous owner, Jorge Vergara, who many Chivas USA fans thought was the source of all the club's problems. Wilmer Cabrera was hired as manager, and the team made a number of exciting signings. <span>Leandro Barrera</span>, <span>Mauro Rosales</span>, and <span>Martin Rivero</span> were all added in the offseason, and <span>Erick Torres</span>, who scored seven goals in 15 games last season, returned to the club. That's an attacking unit that should worry every back line in the league, but it doesn't. Chivas doesn't attack--at least they didn't on Saturday night. The Union came into the StubHub Center and dominated possession 62% to 38%. Philadelphia attempted nearly 150 more passes than Chivas in the attacking half, and their completion rate was also significantly higher. If Chivas won't attack at home against one of the worst teams in the league, then when will they? If CUSA had a bit more confidence, that match would not have ended 3-0.</p>
<p><b>4. Wenger's tampering</b></p>
<p>On <span>Cristian Maidana's</span> 76th minute goal that clinched the 3-0 victory for Philadelphia, Andrew Wenger was pretty clearly in an offside position. From the time Maidana kicked the ball, to the moment it crossed the goal line, Wenger did not touch the ball. However, the ball passed between his legs, and Wenger's positioning complicated things for Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy. Firstly, Kennedy had to consider the possibility that Maidana would play the ball to Wenger's head. Secondly, Wenger's body diverted Kennedy's course ever so slightly, that it could be argued that Kennedy would have made the save were Wenger not there. This debate is centered around the passive offside rule. FIFA states that while in an offside position, a player cannot interfere with an opponent. Interfering with an opponent is defined as "preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play a ball" and "making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent." Did Wenger interfere with Kennedy's ability to make a play? Yes. The offside flag should have gone up and Chivas would have had less of a deficit to overcome in the final minutes.</p>
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<p>What were your game changers? Let us know below.</p>
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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/3/5770794/union-chivas-game-changersJohn Rossi2014-06-02T11:27:20-04:002014-06-02T11:27:20-04:00Poetry Corner Kicks: a Hackworth reprieve?
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<figcaption>For once it wasn't the Union that looked like this. | Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Poetry Corner Kicks rhymes this momentary reprieve for Coach Hackworth.</p> <p>I’ll take a win. Even against Chivas. Sometimes you just need three points to keep the season from feeling like swallowing sand and pretending to enjoy it. Upon reflection, of the three wins that the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> have this season, only one has come against a poor team and that was Saturday’s win against <a href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chivas USA</a>. The other two, against <a href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sporting Kansas City</a> and the <a href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Revolution</a>, look somewhat impressive in retrospect, fluky or not. Let’s examine this Hackworth-sacking-saver in rhyme...</p>
<p><br>The Union didn’t travel<br>They stayed out on the coast<br>The burns from LA’s Galaxy<br>Had made them feel like toast<br>But all was soon to heal<br>For a soothing balm was nigh<br>A soccer game ‘gainst Chivas<br>Would lift their spirits high<br>The Union poured it on<br>From the time the whistle blew<br>They really aren’t a super team<br>But Chivas is bad too<br>In minute twenty-seven<br>Was a handball in the box<br>A dubious call at its best<br>That went against Chivas<br>Casey took the penalty<br>His kick was quick and true<br>The score was one to nothing:<br>Advantage for the U<br>Kennedy was busy<br>Punching crosses, making saves<br>But after half, the Union scored<br>It just was not his day<br>Maidana hit a cross<br>And it found the perfect mark<br>Casey’s header found the net<br>And silenced the whole park<br>Shortly after Casey<br>Was another Union goal<br>The visitors now up by three<br>The home team in a hole<br>Though controversy does exist<br>For both goals one and three<br>The Union were the better team<br>And that was clear to see</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/2/5772094/poetry-corner-kicks-union-3-chivas-usa-0stocktonryan2014-05-31T22:30:09-04:002014-05-31T22:30:09-04:00GAME THREAD: Chivas vs. Union
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<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Now featuring numerous different spellings of the name "Eric!"</p> <table cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center">
<tbody>
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<th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">UNION GAME #15</th>
</tr>
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<td width="240"><center> <a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2222613/dwugaj3mzx6r0y02lau4gno7p.gif"><img alt="Dwugaj3mzx6r0y02lau4gno7p_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2222613/dwugaj3mzx6r0y02lau4gno7p_medium.gif"></a> </center></td>
<th width="20" align="center">VS</th>
<td width="240"><center> <a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2222619/qee7soq7augbn2jofb315sw1i.gif"><img alt="Qee7soq7augbn2jofb315sw1i_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2222619/qee7soq7augbn2jofb315sw1i_medium.gif"></a> </center></td>
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<tr>
<td bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><b>StubHub Center, Carson, CA</b></td>
</tr>
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<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>May 31, 2014</b></td>
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<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>10:30 PM ET</b></td>
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<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>CSN - JP Dellacamera and Peter Pappas</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3">
<b>Know Thy Enemy: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thegoatparade.com/">The Goat Parade</a>
</td>
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<tr>
<th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">Starting XI</th>
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<td width="240" align="right">Leandro Barrera, Erick Torres</td>
<th width="20" align="center">Forward</th>
<td width="240">Cristian Maidana, Conor Casey, Danny Cruz</td>
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<td width="240" align="right">Carlos Alvarez, Marco Delgado, Oswaldo Minda, Martin Rivero</td>
<th width="20" align="center">Midfield</th>
<td width="240">Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira, Fred</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right">Eric Avila, Eriq Zavaleta, Tony Lochhead, Donny Toia</td>
<th width="20" align="center">Defense</th>
<td width="240">Fabinho, Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Ray Gaddis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right">Dan Kennedy</td>
<th width="20" align="center">Goalkeeper</th>
<td width="240">Zac MacMath</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right">Tim Melia, Michael Nwiloh, Kris Tyrpak, Matthew Fondy, Mauro Rosales, Ryan Finley, Agustin Pelletieri</td>
<th width="20" align="center">Bench</th>
<td width="240">Brian Holt, Ethan White, Brian Carroll, Leo Fernandes, Zach Pfeffer, Antoine Hoppenot, Andrew Wenger</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">Stats (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/3/7/5481326/mls-advanced-statistics">Explained Here</a>)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right">.461</td>
<th width="20" align="center">TSR</th>
<td width="240">.535</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right">.451</td>
<th width="20" align="center">DZR</th>
<td width="240">.492</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right">.469</td>
<th width="20" align="center">xGR</th>
<td width="240">.514</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">Game Officials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3">Referee: Allen Chapman</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3">Assistant: Fabio Tovar</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3">Assistant: Anthony Vasoli</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3">Fourth: Daniel Radford</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Fred is 34-years old. Fred struggled the past couple of years in the A-League, a league inferior to MLS. Fred is starting tonight for the Philadelphia Union tonight. Another swig of booze, please.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/5/31/5768590/game-thread-chivas-usa-vs-philadelphia-union-fredJustin F.2014-05-30T07:00:03-04:002014-05-30T07:00:03-04:00Opposite View: 3 Questions With The Goat Parade
<figure>
<img alt="It could be worse Bobby Burling - you could be on the Union." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5HG5wNvQBSzFFNynPHRFzrydsWA=/0x413:2658x2185/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33677303/494226239.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>It could be worse Bobby Burling - you could be on the Union. | Jeff Gross</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This week we've reached out to Alicia Ratteree of The Goat Parade, SBN's Chivas USA blog, for a look at what to expect from the Goats.</p> <div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong>tBG) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA</a> seems to be a team making improvements after a disastrous couple of seasons. What are some of the biggest reasons for this, and can we expect this trend to continue?</strong></div>
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<strong>tGP)</strong> Well, the biggest reason the team appears to be headed on an improved path is that former owner Jorge Vergara is no longer in the picture. It may sound like an exaggeration to place the blame at one person's feet, and to be sure, there have been some struggles with the front office, coaches, players, etc. But Vergara's institutional tone set the rest of the organization up for failure, frankly. But what's done is done. The bigger challenge now is to dig out of the rubble of underinvestment and incompetence, as well as make sure the next owner of this club will have the right priorities and be able to improve the team. As much as folks would like the slate to be magically wiped clean with Vergara's departure, it doesn't work like that, and it's going to take a while to get into a respectable position again.</div>
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<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">As far as on-field performance, new head coach <span>Wilmer Cabrera</span> seems to be unafraid to combine experience and youth, and a fair number of new additions are playing well. In particular, a quartet of Argentine midfielders have played well, with <span>Mauro Rosales</span>, <span>Agustin Pelletieri</span>, <span>Leandro Barrera</span>, and more recently, <span>Martin Rivero</span> getting regular action for the Goats. And if a newcomer isn't working out, the club is not afraid to cut bait quickly and move on.</div>
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<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong>tBG) Much was made about Chivas' attempt to mirror the parent club in Guadalajara's Mexican-only player policy and the charges of racism by members of the coaching staff. How did that effect the fan base, and what has been done to try and heal those wounds?</strong></div>
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<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<strong>tGP)</strong> We're in a transition phase, still, so it's hard to say what will happen ultimately. In that way, this 2014 season is good in that the team has moved past the Vergara era, which was definitely necessary, but there is still a sense of uncertainty regarding what's going to happen moving forward. I think most surviving Chivas USA fans are looking forward to the future, but there are still fans who are apprehensive and concerned the new owner will not materialize or that the team will ultimately move away from LA.</div>
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<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">As far as immediate changes, the former front office has been cleared out entirely, and the team is no longer signing only Latino players. I think there's a sense that one of the strengths of the club is the Latino identity, but obviously after the lawsuits brought against the club last year, nobody is looking to go back to that strategy and even prudent ideas of marketing to Latinos in the region are largely on the back burner at present while we wait and see who the new owners will be.</div>
<div class="im">
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong>tBG) Black Army 1850 has started a campaign to raise the funds needed to buy the club from MLS. How is that going, and what are the plans in the event the money can't be raised? Will the group have a hand in working with the league an the new ownership, and what role will the other groups have?</strong></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<strong>tGP)</strong> I have not heard any updates recently about the campaign, so I'm not sure, to be honest. The group did say when they announced the campaign that in the event they were unsuccessful in purchasing the team, they would donate any money they had collected to charity. Although having a supporter-owned club would be pretty interesting in American sports, I think it's quite likely we'll see the regular pattern of "rich guy/rich family/rich consortium" as the new owners of Chivas USA, not least because one of the priorities for the new owners has to be getting this team a stadium of their own, and it will almost certainly have to be built.</div>
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<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I will say the efforts of the two surviving supporters groups of the team, the Black Army 1850 and Union Ultras, has been nothing short of impressive in very trying circumstances. Both groups have pledged their support to the team beyond this season, and despite continual abuse from opposing fans, frequently testy relations with the organization in the past, players who are not always willing to take the time to thank fans after games, and of course, dwindling support, they have been firm and constant in their support. If the next ownership group does not bend over backwards trying to get the support of these groups, not to mention the other non-affiliated existing fans, they will be making a huge mistake, in my opinion.</div>
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<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<strong>Starting XI:</strong> <span>Dan Kennedy</span>; <span>Eric Avila</span>, <span>Eriq Zavaleta</span>, <span>Carlos Bocanegra</span>, <span>Donny Toia</span>; Martin Rivero, <span>Oswaldo Minda</span>, <span>Carlos Alvarez</span>, Agustin Pelletieri, Leandro Barrera; <span>Erick Torres</span>
</div>
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<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<strong>Prediction:</strong> You know, I think it's going to be really close. Both teams can play well at times, and both usually play poorly. Chivas USA have never beaten the Union...but I'll be optimistic and go for the streak breaker. 2-1 Chivas.</div>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/5/30/5763316/opposite-view-three-questions-with-the-goat-parade-philadelphia-union-chivasEugene Rupinski2014-05-29T07:00:04-04:002014-05-29T07:00:04-04:00The West Coast Swing: Union at Chivas
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZKFUeKHopdqu2OADOQVN0TSupdk=/3x0:3993x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33636515/20130717_kkt_bg2_097.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Union stay on the Left Coast this week to take on a struggling Chivas USA. Can they stop the bleeding and keep the Goats winless at home for a fifth straight match?</p> <h4 align="center" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span>Union vs <a href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chivas USA</a>
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<p align="center" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="Calibri"><strong>StubHub Center, Los Angeles CA</strong></font></span></p>
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<p align="center" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="Calibri"><strong>10:30pm EST</strong></font></span></p>
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<p align="center" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="Calibri"><strong>Comcast SportsNet</strong></font></span></p>
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<p><font face="Calibri"> </font></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="Calibri">The Union remained in California this week to complete their West Coast Swing. The return of <span>Maurice Edu</span>, following his USMNT snub, and a reshuffle of the starting XI could not change their fate against an <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a> featuring a <span>Landon Donovan</span> looking to prove a point to Jürgen Klinsmann. In true Union fashion the Zolos were more than accommodating, but can now at least say that they are in the record books as the team that Donovan put to the sword to claim the all-time MLS scoring record.</font></span></p>
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<h5 style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span>Mirror, Mirror
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</span></h5>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="Calibri">This week the Union face Chivas USA, a team that mirrors their own situation pretty closely. Both teams currently sit 9th in their respective conferences, have leading goal scorers in the single digits, and are currently in the throes of a personality crisis. These are both teams trying to find a balance, unsuccessfully. They even have eerily similar records: The Union have 2W-7L-5T with 11 points from 14 matches, and Chivas touts a 2W-6L-4T and tally of 10 points from 12 matches. The two clubs have both lost their last matches at the Stubby and are desperate to halt their downward spirals.</font></span></p>
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<h5 style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span>Ripe for the picking
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="Calibri">Chivas are really ripe for the picking, losing their last four home matches and having been outscored 11-2 in the process. The Union however, are the best streak-breakers in the league. So the Zolos' inability to put the ball in the back of the net should go a long way to helping Chivas break their winless streak. This match could be a ready-made three points for almost any other team in the league.</font></span></p>
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<h5 style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span>The Hackworth Effect
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="Calibri">There has been much speculation over <span>John Hackworth</span>’s likelihood of remaining the Union manager past the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup</a> break, so much so that both the coach and the players have spoken out publicly calling for calm and defending the former US Youth Team coach. The issue is that Hackworth has not been doing himself any favors by backing up his claims that he is the right man for the job by adding to the W column. As long as the winless stretches continue, there will be speculation over his future unfortunately.</font></span></p>
<h5 style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span>Prediction
<p> </p>
</span></h5>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="Calibri">The hallmark of the 2014 <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> is that they are consistently inconsistent. It’s just too tough to call any match this season. They have looked promising, they have looked abysmal, and they have touched every adjective in-between. So one side of me wants to call this 1-0 to the Union and the other says to call it 3-0 to the Goats. I suspect that the truth lies somewhere in the middle, which is exactly where this match will be decided. Cabrera’s men seem to have issues getting the ball to <span>Erick Torres</span> in dangerous areas and the Union have had problems finding a dangerous area. Chivas has struggled to capitalize on free kicks and the Union have issues defending them. The Union have relied heavily on the skill and drive of just a few midfielders and the ability of a talented keeper to stop defensive mistakes from turning into goals, Chivas likewise. So as you can see, this is anyone’s match and with the luck that both teams seem to have this season, my prediction is that it will be neither’s. I call shenanigans and a TIE</font></span></p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/5/29/5760536/the-west-coast-swing-union-at-the-stubby-versus-chivas-usaWm Murphy