CARSON -- Just as Chivas USA is getting Juan Pablo Angel back into form following a bout with concussion, it has lost its other veteran presence up front to the same injury.
Alejandro Moreno suffered a concussion in last weekend's loss to the Philadelphia Union and will miss the Goats' Major League Soccer match Saturday night at Colorado, but it's possible he could be back the following week, for the May 4 clash with Chicago at Home Depot Center.
“He's in the beginning stages of [MLS's post-concussion] protocol, which probably takes him out for this weekend,” Chivas coach Robin Fraser said following training Wednesday at HDC. “All indications is he has progressed that much in that short period of time that he could be available next weekend.”
Moreno, a Venezuelan forward who usually wears the captain's armband for the Goats, has started the last four games after missing the first three with a nose that was broken twice in as many weeks, requiring surgery both times. He's a battler up front and was involved in plenty of physical duels during last weekend's 1-0 defeat.
Which one caused the injury? Fraser wasn't sure.
“Take your pick on the elbow in front of our bench from [Carlos] Valdes as [Gabriel] Farfan underrcut him. There's that one,” Fraser said. “There's another play late, late in the game where the ball goes up in the air and Alejandro is standing here, and Sheanon Williams takes a five-yard run at him and just checks him. You didn't see that, hmm, possible penalty?”
Moreno was working indoors at HDC during Wednesday's session.
Angel missed five games after suffering a concussion during the preseason, an injury with which he played two matches, including the league opener. The Colombian striker returned against Philadelphia, playing the final 28 minutes plus stoppage, and he started (and scored on a penalty kick) in Monday's MLS Reserve League loss to Seattle.
WORTH NOTING: Winger Michael Lahoud, who has been out because of a hamstring strain suffered two days before the March 10 league opener, is “ready to go” and could be considered for the 18-man game roster this weekend, Fraser said. Lahoud is working primarily on regaining fitness and form and almost certainly would start on the bench if he's in the 18. ... Midfielder Peter Vagenas, who sustained fractured ribs in the Reserve League win three and a half weeks ago over the Galaxy, has returned to training and is “close” to being ready, Fraser said. ... Colorado striker Conor Casey is expected to return this weekend from a torn Achilles' tendon suffered last July. He was slated to be back last weekend against the Galaxy, but strep throat forced him out. ... Colorado's Omar Cummings is up for MLS Goal of the Week for superb strike in the 2-1 loss to the Galaxy.