CHIVAS USA TONIGHT

vs. Toronto, 7:30

FSN Prime Ticket, Azteca

Site -- Home Depot Center.

Radio -- 690.

Records -- Chivas USA 6-9-6, Toronto 7-9-5.

Record vs Toronto (2007) -- 2-0-0

Update -- Chivas USA has not scored a goal in the last 4 hours 57 minutes in competition, spanning four games. It is winless in its last six MLS matches. Coach Preki’s squad has not given up, as he has been at pains to point out, but a lack of quality among the reserves who have been filling in for injured starters all season has exposed Chivas USA’s inherent weakness. “I don’t really like making excuses, but when every week we change four or five guys in the lineup, it’s difficult,” Preki said of the season-long spate of injuries. Toronto FC comes in with at least two players who have something to prove: midfielder Amado Guevara, who was released by Chivas USA last year, and forward Carlos Ruiz, who was traded by the Galaxy last week. Chivas midfielder Sacha Kljestan has returned from the U.S. national team for tonight’s game but leaves again Sunday to play for the U.S. in a World Cup qualifying game against Cuba next week. Forward Alecko Eskandarian and defender Lawson Vaughn both played in Chivas’ midweek CONCACAF Champions League 2-0 loss to Tauro FC in Panama City, Panama, easing its injury strain somewhat. Defender Shavar Thomas will sit out tonight’s match while serving a one-game suspension for accumulated yellow cards.

-- Grahame L. Jones