D.C. United vs. Chivas USA: 10 Bold Predictions

Sep 8, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Chivas USA forward Erick Torres (10) attempts a shot defended by D.C. United midfielder Perry Kitchen (23) during the second half at StubHub Center. The Chivas USA defeated D.C. United 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

A major cross-conference tilt will take place at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. on Wilmer Cabrera’s Chivas USA are flying high in Major League Soccer, with four straight wins, good for a record of 6-7-5 (23 points) and seventh place in the MLS Western Conference. As for Ben Olsen’s D.C. United, they are chasing Sporting Kansas City with a record of 9-5-4 (31 points), just one point behind first place in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET and will be televised by UDN. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday night’s match between D.C. United and Chivas USA.

1. At least 45 fouls, under five cards

This will be a tough match between a rising power and a power in pursuit. Look for a very physical match left and right. The MLS Multiplex calls for at least 45 fouls whistled and under five cards issued.

2. Erick Torres will score

With 13 goals under his belt to go with an MLS All-Star Game call-up, Erick “Cubo” Torres will score against D.C. United. It will be a shame if Torres returns to Guadalajara; MLS could use his skills to raise the profile to the league, who owns Chivas USA.

3. On goal, Luis Silva

This season, D.C. United’s Luis Silva has four goals and an assist to lead United. With Fabian Espindola still out due to injury, the onus is on players like Silva to fill in. Silva will score in the first half.

4. Eddie Johnson on goal for D.C.

Eddie Johnson has not had a season to remember, with just two goals and an assist. However, against Chivas USA, he will be successful and score for United against the Goats.

5. Leandro Barrera breaks through

Leandro Barrera opened up his scoring account last weekend against the Vancouver Whitecaps on the road. In the second half, watch for Barrera to record another and make things interesting in the nation’s capital.

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6. Mauro Rosales with a goal and an assist

Mauro Rosales is Chivas USA’s top provider, with eight assists this season. Even though Rosales has not made a name for himself as a provider, Rosales will record at least a goal and an assist in this game.

7. No goals for Marvin Chavez

Despite two goals this season for Marvin Chavez, he hasn’t rounded out into form, which explains why he is loaned from Colorado to Chivas to get back into form. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting that Chavez will not get on the scor sheet.

8. Dan Kennedy with at least five saves

This will be your usual performance from Dan Kennedy. This season, the Chivas captain has 46 saves to his credit and against D.C., he will make at least five saves.

9. Under five saves for Bill Hamid

It will be one of those night for Bill Hamid, one he will most likely forget. Against the hottest team in Major League Soccer at the moment, D.C.’s goalkeeper will make under five saves in a losing effort.

10. Chivas USA win their fifth straight

Chivas USA, unlike their inter-city rivals the Los Angeles Galaxy, have a tendency to win on the road often. Against D.C. United at RFK, watch for the Goats to win their fifth straight, with Erick Torres spearheading the charge.

Chivas USA 3, D.C. United 2