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MLS Dispatch Pick Em: Chivas USA vs D.C. United

It’s been a long World Cup break for MLS Dispatch, as many of our writers pulled double duty during the festivities. Pick Em is back from a month-long hiatus to dissect and predict the showdown between D.C. United and Chivas USA. DC United has shown a complete turnaround from last season’s dismal last-place finish; they have already eclipsed last years wins, goal scoring, and points total and sit five points atop the Eastern Conference standings. Chivas USA are on a tear in the West, winning their last four and looking to continue their climb up the standings against one of the best defenses in MLS. Will Torres continue to show us his individual talents and lead Chivas to a fifth straight win, or will DC’s defense and midfield dominate the day? Our writers share their predictions for an exciting match-up between these two underdog clubs.

Chivas USA vs D.C. United

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Roger Cleaves (@TheCleavesiest) –

Two teams on amazing win streaks will meet in RFK Stadium on Monday, but only one will come out on top. The key to this match will be Eddie Johnson, and if he can get hot he could easily slot home a few goals to keep the United run going. Chivas USA have a secret weapon in Erick Torres, but their defense is still a little questionable. Look for D.C. United to come out swinging and for Chris Rolfe to pick apart the opponents. 

Prediction: 2-1 United

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Eric Walcott (@ericwalcott) –

I have no idea how D.C. United keep winning. Eddie Johnson isn’t scoring and Fabian Espindola is injured, yet they keep pulling out the results. I know exactly how Chivas USA is winning. Cubo Torres is amazing, and right now he’s one of the few players in MLS that makes me tune in just for the individual performance. Torres has scored 5 games in a row to lead Chivas to a 5 game unbeaten streak. Chivas USA has beaten Real Salt Lake and Vancouver in the last 4 weeks, as well as San Jose and Montreal (whom United have also beaten). With the exception of a 3-1 win against Vancouver last weekend, Chivas has mostly been snatching 1-0 wins on goals from Cubo.

Prediction: 1-1, with D.C. scoring first and Cubo staying true to form with a stunning, late equalizer.
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Jack Hummel (@jhumms8)
D.C. United and Chivas USA finish off the week with what I predict to be a thrilling 90 minutes of Major League Soccer.  With D.C. United with a five-point cushion in the Eastern Conference and Chivas on a 4 game win-streak, it’s bound to be an exciting contest at RFK Memorial Stadium. The last 5 times these two teams have faced off, each have taken 2 wins and one tie. Many have struggled with the Chivas record 6-7-5, but recently the team has begun to show a very much improved and more promising style of play.  Whether you think the Los Rojiblancos are worth watching, one thing is for certain; Cubo Torres is.  Torres leads Chivas USA with 13 goals and you can be sure that the D.C. United defense will have their hands full on Sunday. D.C. United has a solid core but outside of Espindola, there are no prolific finishers. Recently, Chivas USA has had a tendency to win on the road often.
Prediction: 2-1, as Chivas USA surprise United and the rest of MLS.
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Alec Rivera (@LWOSAlec) –
D.C. United have made a marked turnaround from last season–a true worst to first Cinderella story. Still, questions remain as the team have been unable to put together consistent performances against inferior competition; they truly play at their best against conference leaders, not the minnows. Chivas USA have romped the past couple weeks, but they face their own set of question marks; most important among them is whether Torres can continue to carry the team with individual mastery on the pitch. Ultimately the question is whether D.C.’s defense can be exploited to the extent Chivas have exploited their competition during their winning streak. Ultimately, Chivas USA’s gains have been artificial and lucky and I don’ t think the luck holds out at RFK, where the atmosphere is sure to play a major contributing factor. Look for a masterful performance from Chris Rolfe, who will be marshaling the midfield. Goals from Rolfe, Kitchen, and a wonder strike from super sub Fabian Espindola, who will be back in form after being out due to injury. Chivas score an equalizer after Rolfe’s early goal, but Torres’ magic runs out and D.C. runs rampant.
Prediction: 3-1, Vamos United
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