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Union-Chivas USA Preview

Jul 2, 2010 - 5:27 PM By ALAN FERGUSON STATS Writer

Philadelphia (3-7-1) at Chivas USA (3-9-1), 10:30 p.m. EDT

Chivas USA will try to end its longest MLS slide in team history by continuing another streak.

The franchise has never lost its initial matchup with an expansion club, and will look to keep that run going Saturday night when its hosts the Philadelphia Union.

Chivas (3-9-1) suffered its sixth straight defeat in league play, 2-1 to visiting FC Dallas last Saturday before earning its first victory in the U.S. Open Cup in five years. Jesus Padilla scored in the 12th minute of a 1-0 win over the Austin Aztex on Tuesday.

"This win helps our confidence," coach Martin Vasquez told the team's website. "The effort was there. We were disciplined, and we created opportunities. ... I think it will give our guys a positive attitude (against Philadelphia)."

While it might help their outlook, the victory didn't help the Red and White get any closer to climbing out of last place in the Western Conference. Chivas trails seventh-place Seattle by five points.

"The win in the Open Cup is great, but we have a big hole to climb out of in MLS play," forward Chukwudi Chijindu told the league's website. "If we can continue this form Saturday, score some goals and be able to defend well, I think we'll be able to get out of this sooner than later."

If history is an indication, facing the Union (3-7-1) could help. Chivas is 4-0-1 when playing expansion clubs for the first time, and has earned wins in the past three such games - against Toronto FC in 2007, San Jose in 2008 and Seattle last year.

Philadelphia, tied for last in the East with D.C. United, has also dropped a league-high seven road games, but opened its new stadium with a 3-1 win over Seattle on Sunday.

The Union did all of their scoring in the second half, and earned points for the first time in three tries. After Fred netted the go-ahead score in the 79th minute, No. 1 overall draft pick Danny Mwanga sealed the win with his fourth goal in five league games.

"For us to come out after the (World Cup) break and have the performance that we did on Sunday was huge," goalkeeper Chris Seitz said. "Obviously, we played a very good second half, and I think we're going to look to continue to do what worked and bring that to Chivas. ... There's really no reason why we can't go and take three points."

Chivas could get a boost with the expected return of Jonathan Bornstein to the lineup. The defender played all 120 minutes of the United States' World Cup loss to Ghana last weekend.