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Crew-Chivas USA Preview

Jul 30, 2010 - 8:02 PM By MATT BEARDMORE STATS Writer

Columbus (10-3-4) at Chivas USA (4-9-3), 10:30 p.m. EDT

Except for a surprising loss two weeks ago, the Columbus Crew dominated a home-heavy portion of their schedule. They'll try for similar success during their upcoming stretch of road games.

The Eastern Conference-leading Crew look for their first road victory over Chivas USA in five years when the teams meet for the final time this season Saturday night.

The Crew, who hold an eight-point lead over New York in the conference, outscored opponents 9-2 and went 4-1-0 while playing five of their last six at home. Columbus (10-3-4) closed a 2-0-1 stretch at Crew Stadium last Saturday with its second straight shutout, 3-0 over Houston.

Emilio Renteria and defender Andy Iro had goals, and French midfielder Leandre Griffit found the back of the net in his MLS debut for the Crew, who have outscored their last two opponents 5-0 after losing 1-0 to visiting Kansas City on July 14.

While Columbus has one of the best home records in the league at 8-2-0, it begins this three-game stretch away from Crew Stadium with a 2-1-4 road mark. The Crew have dropped four straight at The Home Depot Center against Chivas USA (4-9-3) since a 3-0 victory in the teams' first matchup in Southern California in 2005.

After defeating Chivas 1-0 on May 15 on a penalty kick by Guillermo Barros Schelotto in the 90th minute, the two-time reigning Supporters' Shield winners will try to sweep the season series for the first time.

Chivas USA, though, is trying to extend its unbeaten stretch to a season-best four games. Chivas, which has a Western Conference-worst 15 points, forged a 1-all draw at defending MLS Cup champion Real Salt Lake last Saturday. RSL has a 19-game home unbeaten streak.

"It's not easy to come to (Rio Tinto Stadium) against the champions," coach Martin Vasquez told Chivas USA's official website."... I think it was a good result and we will take it."

With a conference low-tying 18 goals and a probable matchup against the Crew's William Hesmer, who has eight shutouts, Chivas would like to see another productive outing from Giancarlo Maldonado.

Signed July 8, the Venezuelan forward made his MLS debut last Saturday and assisted on Jesus Padilla's second-half equalizer.

Midfielder Sal Zizzo, a former Bundesliga player, will likely make his debut for Chivas on Saturday.

Chivas defender Jonathan Bornstein (right knee) is doubtful, and Dan Kennedy is expected to make his second straight start in goal in place of Zach Thornton (sprained ankle).

Chivas USA leads the all-time series 6-3-2.