Columbus Crew vs. Chivas USA: 10 Bold Predictions
Mar 2, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Columbus Crew forward Federico Higuain (33) loses his footing while being defended by Chivas USA defenseman Bobby Burling (2) during the second half at the Home Depot Center. Columbus won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
With apologies to legendary wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, can you smell what Gregg Berhalter’s Columbus Crew are cooking? If it’s birria de chivo, you are correct. If it’s a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, you are also correct. You see, the Crew are in a race for a spot in the postseason, and a victory on Sunday, Sept. 7 against Wilmer Cabrera’s Chivas USA at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio will put them on the right track.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET and will be televised by UniMas. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday’s contest between the Columbus Crew and Chivas USA.
1. At least 45 fouls, under four cards
You won’t see a lot of cards in this contest, but you will see plenty of challenges. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts for at least 45 fouls whistled and under four cards issued.
2. No goals for Chivas USA
The Plex had this one wrong the last time, but this time around, we’ll get this right. If the Columbus Crew reduced the Los Angeles Galaxy to one goal, certainly Chivas USA will come up dry here. There will be no goals for the Goats on Sunday at Crew Stadium.
3. Justin Meram will score
With five goals this season, Justin Meram has been getting things done, and after a disappointing performance by the Crew against the Montreal Impact, Meram has a chance to get things right. Watch for Meram to score in the first half.
4. Federico Higuain with a goal and an assist
This season, Federico Higuain has nine goals and six assists to lead the Crew. Higuain will add to those totals on Sunday against Chivas USA.
5. Ethan Finlay gets on the score sheet
With six goals in 2014, Ethan Finlay has been a reliable goalscorer for Columbus, and he will also get on the score sheet against Chivas USA. This will be a one-sided clinic, make no mistake about it.
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6. Dan Kennedy with at least five saves
Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy is going to have another tough go for the Goats. He’ll be facing some game shooters on Sunday and this won’t end well for him, as usual. Kennedy will make at least five saves.
7. Under five saves for Steve Clark
On the flip side, it will be a quiet night for Crew goalkeeper Steve Clark, who has 78 saves this season. Watch for Clark to make under five saves against Chivas USA as the Crew will be pressing the ball often.
8. Jairo Arrieta gets on the scoresheet
With only three goals this season, Jairo Arrieta will need to get his form back, and what better way to round into form than against Chivas USA. Arrieta will score in the second half of this game.
9. Hector Jimenez with an assist
Hector Jimenez only has three assists and will need to pad his stats to be a strong factor for the rest of the season. Chivas USA is what this former Galaxy midfielder ordered. He’ll record at least one assist.
10. A massive win for…the Massive, who else!
The Columbus Crew will be victorious in this contest. Unlike the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, the defense won’t let up and will be rock-solid to preserve the shutout. Be sure to bring your effigies, Crew fans!
Columbus Crew 4, Chivas USA 0