Carolina RailHawks vs. Chivas USA: 10 Bold Predictions

Jun 26, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Carolina Railhawks starting players pose for a photo prior to a U.S. Open Cup match against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Colin Clarke’s Carolina RailHawks are looking to upset a few teams in Major League Soccer once again in the U.S. Open Cup, and in the fourth round, they get their chance against Wilmer Cabrera’s Chivas USA at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. on Saturday, June 14. The RailHawks were 4-2-3 (14 points) in the 2014 NASL Spring Season, while Chivas USA have one of the worst records in Major League Soccer at 2-7-5 (11 points), good enough for last place in the MLS Western Conference.

“For us, this is not a break, so we all have to continue and this is another possibility to continue growing in what we would like to do,” Cabrera told cdchivasusa.com’s Alex Arpiza. “It’s another away game and we know that it is important for us to continue what we have done, especially when we play away, and we won’t be happy until we get a win. That’s the mentality.

“We’re professionals and the players have to understand that every time you put your foot on the grass, you go full throttle or you don’t go. Right now the players are focused, they understand this concept and they know that we have the responsibility to go for the win against a very good rival that is waiting to do the same thing at home.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday night’s U.S. Open Cup match between the Carolina RailHawks and Chivas USA.

1. At least four saves from Dan Kennedy

If Chivas USA are smart, they will treat this like an MLS game and field their strongest side possible. Goalkeeper Dan Kennedy has 37 saves in league play and will make at least four saves to lead the Goats.

2. No goals for Chivas USA in this match

If there is a definite MLS opponent that NASL teams can beat, it’s Chivas USA, and the Carolina RailHawks will prove it on Saturday. Having beaten them before last year by the score of 3-1, the RailHawks will be held scoreless this game.

3. Akira Fitzgerald with at least five saves

One of the most reliable goalkeepers in the NASL is Carolina netminder Akira Fitzgerald, who should get the start on Saturday against Chivas USA. Watch for Fitzgerals to record at least five saves in this game.

4. Zack Schilawski will score for Carolina

With three league goals to his credit, Carolina forward Zach Schilawski will record another Open Cup goal to his credit to lead the RailHawks.

5. Here comes Mike Grella

RailHawks forward Mike Grella is one of a number of players to have two goals scored in a balanced attack for Carolina. Watch for Grella to send one past Kennedy in this match.

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6. Ty Shipalane with a goal and an assist

Tiyiselani Shipalane has two goals and two assists for the Carolina RailHawks and is a rising star on this team. In Open Cup play, Shipalane will record a goal and an assist in thsi match.

7. Enzo Martinez will score for Carolina

Another goalscorer that will lay a hurting on Chivas USA is Carolina midfielder Enzo Agustin Martinez, who also has two goals in league play this season. Martinez will get on goal late in this match.

8. A penalty will be called

This is a game where Chivas will be playing desperately in their own third, and some shenanigans in the box will see to it that a penalty is called in this match. It’s gonna get ugly.

9. At least 35 fouls and a red for Chivas USA

This match is going to get real ugly and Chivas may be staring at a quick exit. At least 35 fouls will be whistled, and a Chivas USA player will be sent off in this game.

10. Carolina’s cooler heads prevail

In this match, the Carolina RailHawks will pick up from where they left off and deliver a quiet end to the Open Cup adventures of Chivas USA, who are a team in transition. With the win, the RailHawks will either host the Los Angeles Galaxy or USL PRO side Arizona United.

Carolina RailHawks 4, Chivas USA 0