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Although Chivas USA are on a bye, their first of 2014, this weekend in league play, that doesn't actually mean they aren't playing today. You see, the Goats' reserves are playing USL PRO side Arizona United SC tonight in Peoria, Arizona at 7 pm PT. And if you can't make the road trip for the game, you can watch the game anywhere you can catch YouTube!
The game is part of the MLS-USL partnership, and Arizona United is CUSA's second (and last) of the year against a USL PRO opponent, the first being Sacramento Republic FC last month. Though the result doesn't count for anything official on Chivas' end, it does count in the USL PRO standings, so United will likely be taking this game seriously, especially considering Sacramento beat Chivas' reserves.
One interesting question will be the lineup Chivas USA will play for this game. Though I imagine players who are carrying injuries or are injury concerns will be rested, there is a chance Chivas could play a stronger-than-usual reserve lineup for this game, to keep the starters in a regular rhythm with the first team having the week off in league play. Of course, the MLS schedule resumes quickly with a game on Wednesday next week, so it could also just be the reserves. Still, it's possible a few "big names" could surface in this match.
Arizona United sit in the middle of the USL PRO standings at present, in 8th place. The fact that they aren't much closer to the bottom is rather remarkable, as they underwent an ownership change just days before the season began, and had to throw their roster together on the fly. That said, they have a number of players on the team with former MLS ties, including a former Goat, midfielder Daniel Antunez, who had a few appearances for Chivas USA in 2013 before tearing his ACL, as well as 2011 Chivas USA draft pick Jon Okafor, who never signed a pro deal with the team.
If you are interested in watching the game live tonight, just head over to Arizona United's YouTube page. You can also watch the game on replay if you aren't able to watch it tonight.
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