Columnist Nick Green has written 100 Percent Soccer
since 2005. A
native of England, he began writing about soccer in
the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat
in the stands for one in
the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home
Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas
USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer.
Married to a long-suffering soccer widow, he has a cat
named Pele.New England Revolution-Chivas USA at Home Depot Center
It's not just the stands that are bare this morning, so is the Chivas USA (1-3-2) squad.
It's virtually an all new back four for Chivas USA against the Revs (3-3-1).
Shavar Thomas is the lone holdover, with Eric Ebert making his first MLS start and Bobby Burling of Loyola Marymount his MLS debut, alongside veteran Jim Curtin.
The rest of the starting XI is the same as the one that began the scoreless draw against the Dynamo last weekend.
Brad Guzan mans the net, Sacha Kljestan, Jesse Marsch, Paulo Nagamura and Panchito Mendoza are the midfielders, while Ante Razov and Maykel Galindo are the attackers.
New signing Carey Talley isn't even on the bench.
Chivas USA are seeking their first win in four games.
The Revs are in similar disarray, looking to halt a run of one victory in the last four games.
Coach Steve Nichol reverts to a three-man back line from the team that lost 3-0 to Chicago last weekend.
Former Galaxy favorite Chris Albright, Jay Heaps and Michael Parkhurt line up in front of goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
In midfield, it's Steve Ralston, Shalrie Joseph, Jeff Larentowicz and Mauricio Castro.
Kenny Manselly and Khano Smith are up front.
Chivas USA will undoubtedly be relieved that striker Taylor Twellman, who is not fully
fit, starts on the bench although he's expected to see action around the 70th minute or so.
Twellman must relish his chances against the inexperienced Chivas USA defense.
Before I forget, as expected Manchester United pipped Chelsea for the EPL crown today.