Lots to talk about this morning including Chivas USA’s playoff hopes, Brad Guzan, history for Long Beach State, joy for CD Guadalajara and more.

Let’s get to it:
*An undermanned New England Revolution predictably succumbed to the Chicago Fire Thursday and now it’s Chivas USA – in a similar situation in terms of personnel and facing a must-win game in Carson – that’s feeling the pressure.

*Not surprisingly, RSL are preaching defense to preserve their slender one goal advantage.

*I’ll be back later today with a Q & A with Chivas USA striker Justin Braun, who could have a key role to play Saturday. And yes, tickets starting at $14 are still available for the 7:30 p.m. game that’s also live on Fox Soccer Channel. The first 10,000 fans get a free T-shirt. Call 1-877-CHIVAS-1.

*Meanwhile, former Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan earned a shutout Thursday in only his second senior appearance for England’s Aston Villa. Coach Martin O’Neill calls his performance “briliiant.”

*Also brilliant: CD Guadalajara Thursday, who dealt shock Argentine bottom feeders River Plate yet another blow.

*Long Beach State won its first post-season game in program history Thursday and now has a chance Sunday at an even bigger prize: a first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

*Other college action in Southern California this weekend includes Pac-10 champion UCLA (8-4-6 overall, 6-1-2 Pac-10) hosting Big West leader Cal Poly (10-4-4) in its home finale. Game time is 7 p.m. Saturday at Drake Stadium.

*The pick of the televised games this weekend:
7 a.m. Saturday Fox Soccer Channel Sunderland-Portsmouth
9:30 a.m. Saturday FSC Liverpool-West Bromwich Albion
8 a.m. Sunday FSC Fulham-Newcastle United
10 a.m. Sunday KAZA Puebla-Guadalajara
11:30 a.m. Sunday FSC Lecce-Inter Milan
Noon Sunday Telefutura Houston Dynamo-New York Red Bulls