April 1, 2011 MLS--Chivas USA Have Sense Of Urgency vs Toronto (from MLSsoccer.com)

Chivas USA have sense of urgency vs. Toronto
Strikers yet to contribute, but Braun confident they'll score
Adam Serrano
MLSsoccer.com
April 1, 2011

“We need some conviction. We have to need to score. “

That’s the self assessment of Chivas USA players, which came after the Rojiblancos fell to 0-2 against the Colorado Rapids. So far, the Goats have not had a forward contribute to scoring, with the team’s only goals on the season coming from defender Jimmy Conrad and midfielder Ben Zemanski.

One forward is poised to fix all of this when Chivas USA take on Toronto FC on Saturday afternoon at BMO Field: 2010’s leading scorer, Justin Braun. The forward admits that the team has struggled this season, but feels that a brash approach may just be what the Rojiblancos need against Toronto.

“We just need to attack a little more, we’ve possessed a lot of the ball, but we haven’t been creating many chances,” Braun told MLSsoccer.com. “We need to be a bit more aggressive in the final third so that we can always at least get a shot or a cross off.”

Having begun the season as a left wing in Robin Fraser’s 4-1-4-1 system, Braun has begun to find success after initially struggling to make an impact on the outside. In the US Open Cup match against Portland, Braun was arguably the Rojiblancos finest player helping to set up attacks and create havoc for the Timbers backline along the flank.

For Braun, the move hasn’t always been an easy one, but with veteran guidance, he feels as though it is coming along well.

“It’s a learning process, but I’m trying to do the best I can and these veteran guys have done well to help me adapt to the position,” said Braun. “I’ve been talking a lot to Alejandro [Moreno], he’s been pulling me aside and giving me little things to add to my game.”

Moreno is likely to resume is starting role with Chivas USA after being away with Venezuela for the past week and a half. The veteran forward will be returning with the club in high spirits after having a successful stint with the national team, scoring a goal in the team’s first match.

Moreno has had success against TFC in the past as well, which is experience that the Rojiblancos will need on Saturday (1 pm ET, TSN – Canada, Direct Kick & MatchDay Live – USA). Although it is only two matches in the season, Braun admits that victory is vital against TFC as the Rojiblancos look to earn their first victory.

“It’s huge. We’ve lost those last two games and we need our first win,” said Braun. “If we can get that win, we’ll definitely get a little lift, which will help our confidence and keep us believing in our system. “

Chivas USA will be fortunate to be play a Toronto team in upheaval, having traded star midfielder and captain Dwayne De Rosario to the New York Red Bulls on Friday. For Braun, any loss or change for the opponent is of little matter.

“I’m not too concerned about what they’re doing,” said Braun. “My focus is always on what we can do to get a victory.”

Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at adam.m.serrano@gmail.com and on Twitter: @adamserrano

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