Chivas wants complete performance against Revs

Foxborough, MA – Chivas USA showed promise offensively, but was a disaster on the other end of the pitch against Seattle Sounders FC over the weekend.

"We took one step forward," Chivas forward Tristen Bowen said, "and almost two steps back."

Chivas scored two goals in a match for just the third time this season, a huge accomplishment for a team with just 15 goals scored all season before the game - and one that has been shutout nine times.

But on the other end, Chivas USA allowed a season-high six goals in a 6-2 loss at The Home Depot Center. That made goals from Juan Agudelo and Miller Bolanos lose a lot of luster.

Chivas (7-10-6) will try to put it all together Wednesday night, when it heads to Gillette Stadium to face the New England Revolution (6-14-5) in MLS.

"Obviously disappointed how we defended and pleased with the attacking group," Chivas coach Robin Fraser said after the Seattle loss.

Despite its struggles most of the season offensively, Chivas remains in great position to make a late run at the playoffs. As much as that seems unlikely, a run is possible because the Goats have played the fewest games in the West.

With as many as five games in hand on the teams directly above it in the table it is not impossible for Chivas to make a run. But it cannot afford drop many points, especially against struggling New England.

"We need every game ... and now it's just about pride, it's all about pride," said Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy. "Every week going out there and playing for the team, playing for yourself and giving everything you've got."

Chivas has actually fared better away from home, picking up four wins and four draws in 10 away matches. New England has earned 18 of its 23 points at home, going 5-4-3 overall. Something will have to give.

The Revolution lost their last game 4-3 to the Columbus Crew as it blew a two- goal lead, then allowed a late winner. Ryan Guy, Jerry Bengtson and Lee Nguyen scored, so at least the offense played well.

But with new England just two points off the foot of the East table and 17 off a playoff berth, the second season is unlikely. How the Revs, who are winless in eight straight - including seven defeats - respond, will decide if they can be spoilers late in the season.

Or whether New England slips to the foot of the overall table, one year after it tied expansion Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the fewest points in the league.