Carson, CA – The Philadelphia Union aims to continue its playoff push on Sunday at The Home Depot Center while Chivas USA attempts to cling to what little hope is left.
In addition to needing help from other teams, Chivas will likely need wins in its final three games of the season to have any chance at qualifying for the postseason.
The Goats picked up three vital points last weekend with a 3-0 triumph over Toronto FC to snap a seven-game winless streak, but striker Juan Pablo Angel is realistic about his team's playoff aspirations.
"You never know what's going to happen, but I think that it's a bit late for us," Angel said. "The only thing that we can do is control what we do on the field."
On the field Chivas will face three playoff-caliber teams in the Union, Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC over the final three matches, presenting a daunting task for coach Robin Fraser's team.
Philadelphia brings a five-game unbeaten streak into the match as the Union continues to fight to remain in the top three of a tight Eastern Conference.
A 3-2 win over D.C. United on Thursday kept the club within touching distance of the top spot in the East as the team was led by striker Sebastien Le Toux's two-goal performance.
Thursday's game continued a strong run of form for the Frenchman, who after scoring just once in 22 games to start the season, has tallied nine goals in the last eight matches.
"I think once he started to score goals he broke that [mental] barrier," said Union forward Veljko Paunovic. "He was maybe struggling during the year, but he's more relaxed now. He's enjoying the game. He's enjoying everything around the team and the locker room. He's a very funny guy, a very nice guy. He brings a lot of positive energy."
The Union will be facing a tough stretch to end the season as three of their final four games take place away from home, including trips to Chivas and Seattle over the next week.
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