CARSON, Calif. -- Chivas USA lost to Real Salt Lake by 1-0 in the first leg of the teams' Western Conference Semifinal Series. Now, with RSL holding a slight advantage entering Saturday's second leg at The Home Depot Center, it might not seem quite as difficult to figure out RSL's game plan.
The first-time playoff team would likely do well to defend their slight advantage and try and hold the Red-and-White to a draw.
But Chivas USA players aren't necessarily counting on a defensive-minded opponent.
"Knowing them and knowing their coach (Jason Kreis), I wouldn't think they would come in here and play defensively," Chivas USA defender Shavar Thomas said. "We've played them a number of times now under their new coach and he's an attacking guy and he's going to come in here and throw everything they have because they want to make it to the next round."
Chivas USA will play host to Real Salt Lake needing to score at least one goal to remain with life in the MLS Cup Playoffs. If Chivas USA wins the game by two or more goals, the Red-and-White advance to the Western Conference Championship. A one-goal edge after 90 minutes would force extra time and, if necessary, penalty kicks, while anything else sees Real Salt Lake through.
Chivas USA will have the pressure of equalizing but must also prepare for different scenarios and possible tactics from RSL.
Past performances, though, might give Chivas USA an edge in trying to figure out their counterparts.
"They feel that their team is better when they go after teams," Chivas USA midfielder Jesse Marsch said. "I feel that they are going to come in here and try and push the pace of the game a little bit. Whether they are going to be able to close down space on a bigger field or not is yet to be seen. That's something we need to try and do as well, to push the pace to make us harder to play against and make it harder on them to pass easily and find much space. We're going to try and push the game a little bit and take it to them."
Real Salt Lake face a scenario that several other teams have faced in the last three years. Since 2004, eight road teams have entered the second leg with a one-goal advantage, but only three advanced to the conference final.
Defending a lead, thus, might not be the most simple thing to do and could force Real Salt Lake to open up and try for an early goal. Regardless of their tactics, Chivas USA players said they would be prepared.
"You are always changing on the fly based on how the other team is playing as well," Chivas USA forward Alecko Eskandarian said. "We of course are going to have a game plan set to go out there and win the game based on how they are set. If they are sitting completely behind the ball, like obviously playing for a tie, then we will change our tactics a little. If they are going to come at us and try to score and double their lead, we're going have to change the way we play. At the end of the day it's two teams of 11 going at it, try to break each other down."
Still, players stressed the significance of not letting down their guard and staying focused at all times no matter the situation.
"They have some speed up front and we don't want to let down our guard in terms of going forward and not paying attention to their counters," Thomas said. "They have guys up there in (Robbie) Findley and (Yura) Movsisyan who can really get you on a counter. We have to be mindful of that."
In the end, Chivas USA players said they will have to put themselves in good positions against RSL and will need a bit of fortune also.
"These games are tough and they're hard," Chivas USA forward Ante Razov said. "In my 13 years and 30-some-odd playoff games you need a little bit of luck and you need to make your own luck as well."
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