Chivas aim to reverse history in KC
Red-and-White seek their first-ever victory on Wizard's pitch
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Chivas USA have never beaten the Wizards at their home, but are not letting their lack of success in Kansas City faze them ahead of Saturday's match.
"We're preparing for this game like we prepare for any other game," said Preki."Every game is important and this one is the same. We know we're going into a tough place with a tough environment and a smaller field, and we have to be ready."
The field at CommunityAmerica Ballpark will be a concern for the Red-and-White, as they are used to The Home Depot Center's large pitch.
"The field plays small. It plays tight. It's definitely a more physical, quick game," said Chivas USA midfielder Sasha Victorine, who played with the Wizards from 2005-2008. "I think if we play hard and play physical, we'll definitely give them a tough time. Although our record hasn't been great there, we're all positive about going there and getting a result."
Chivas USA will have its hands full with Kansas City striker Josh Wolff, who has scored four goals in the Wizards' last three games. His recent run of good form has moved him into a tie for the MLS Golden Boot with six goals on the season, level with the Chicago Fire's Brian McBride.
"Josh Wolff has been playing well as of late, so we have to contain him," said Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan. "But obviously they have some other good attacking players in Davy Arnaud and Claudio Lopez, so we have to keep them in check and make it hard for them as well."
Kljestan is available for Saturday night's match after serving a one-game suspension against D.C. United for yellow card accumulation.
"I feel good. My body feels rested and I'm ready to help the team," said Kljestan. "Coming off of what we almost feel like is a loss against D.C., I think we have to have a good mentality coming back. Hopefully we get back on track with three points when we're there."
Chivas USA's 2-2 draw with D.C. United last Saturday saw them concede their first goal in 400 minutes of play.
"With D.C., we realized the reality of this game," said Carey Talley, who spent the 2002 and '03 seasons with Kansas City. "The whole game, they never broke us down, never played through us, never got behind us, never anything -- and then there are two little half-chances and they're in the back of the net. So we know, as a team, that we've got to play every game out.",p> While wary of a tough road match, Talley is confident of Chivas USA's chances against his old squad.
"It's a chance to go back and prove that players move on and they still do succeed in other places," said Talley. "I love being with Chivas and the way this team plays, and I'm looking forward to taking that back there and getting a victory."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com
