MLS Thursday Night: FC Dallas v Chivas USA

By: Bob | October 11th, 2007

It seems like just yesterday that the 2007 MLS season kicked off and already the end is in sight. The final few weeks will see teams jockeying for position as they prepare for a playoff season that largely makes the regular season irrelevant. A couple of teams that will be part of the playoff party will be on display this evening in a fun little thing we like to call MLS Thursday Night on ESPN.

On one side of the pitch there is the mighty Chivas USA (not to be confused with Chivas Iran or Chivas Kazakhstan). The Goats have not lost since July 29. That adds up to a ten-game unbeaten streak for those of you who are numbers inclined. Their late season burst has moved them into the top of the Western Conference table, three points clear of Houston and just three points behind DC United for the top spot in the league. After starting the season just 1-5-2 away from the Home Depot Center, Chivas is 4-1-1 on the road since.

On the other side of the pitch is the team some like to call FC Dallas. Third in the Western Conference, fifth overall in the league, runners-up in the US Open Cup, and undoubtedly the best professional team to call Pizza Hut Park their home. They lost to Chivas USA 2-0 on the road back in May and beat them 2-0 at home in July.

A few things to watch as you hope a couple of playoff-bound teams put forth their best efforts.

1. Mullet Mania – Not only is Dallas’ Juan Toja one of the better midfielders in the league, but the Colombian possesses one of the best mullets this side of Marco Etcheverry. To honor his amazing ‘do, FC Dallas is hosting Juan Toja Wig Night. Here’s a sample of what we’ll see.

2. Close shave – Chivas USA defender Shavar Thomas has been a revelation for Chivas since joining the team from the LA Galaxy earlier this season. Not only has he taught us all about marijuana, but he has teamed up nicely with Claudio Suarez in the center of the Goats’ backline. Suarez, by the way, has logged 1,973 minutes this season. Not bad for a guy who will qualify for social security soon.

3. Villain Vacancy - Carlos Ruiz is suspended for the game because of his red card in the whole Ricardo Clark incident so that leaves us all with the task of deciding who we should hate the most on the pitch. Toja leads the league in fouls committed but it is hard to hate a guy who sports that kind of hair. Claudio Suarez already has a lifetime achievement award in this category. Jesse Marsch would be a candidate but he took out Beckham earlier this season so he has a hero’s medal on his chest. Perhaps a new player will arise and make us mutter the name Carlos Ruiz when he does something villainous.

This could be a playoff preview or it could be a game where both teams are uninspired. Either way, enjoy it.