When Chivas USA step onto the pitch at PPL Park on Friday to square off against the Philadelphia Union, they will do so by looking to record two firsts. Currently riding a three-game unbeaten streak, the Rojiblancos will look to close out their three-game, 10-day road trip with a win to deliver Head Coach Jose Luis Real his first League victory, and in the process, record the Goats’ first-ever victory against the Union.

The young series began in Philadelphia’s inaugural season in 2010 and in two previous meetings in the City of Brotherly Love, the Red-and-White has tallied a 0-1-1 record, giving the Eastern Conference side an all-time series advantage at 3-0-2. The clubs last met in April of 2012 at the then-named Home Depot Center, where the Union came away with a W by the minimal difference on Freddy Adu’s goal in the 40th minute.

The Rojiblancos enter their sixth match under Real and have strung together three consecutive draws for the former Chivas Guadalajara manager, which has injected a dose of much-needed confidence into the squad. And the confidence level in Chivas has continued to grow with the arrival of key reinforcements at the midway point of the season.

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Recently-signed defender Carlos Bocanegra reported to the Red-and-White in Philadelphia and could be eligible for selection in Friday’s 4:30 p.m. (PT) match. The incorporation of the two-time FIFA World Cup veteran will only further bolster a Chivas defense that has allowed just three goals in the last four games.

In addition, the club announced on Wednesday the arrival of Érick “Cubo” Torres from brother club Chivas de Guadalajara. The 20-year-old forward could also be available for selection Friday, as Torres can surely become a scoring threat up top for the Rebaño Angelino in the second half of the season.

Philadelphia welcome the Goats with a 7-6-6 record and currently sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-2-1 in their last five contests. For the Goats’ defense – which has been very stingy of late – they are well versed on what the Union look to do on the pitch.

One current Goat is all too familiar with the Unions’ tactics, as midfielder Gabriel Farfan will make his first appearance at PPL since coming over to the Rojiblancos in May via trade after playing a little over two seasons in Philadelphia with his twin brother Michael.

“There really is no secret about what they like to do,” said Farfan. “They have a big guy up top for them in Conor Casey and a number of skillful midfielders. And their defenders also know how to go forward.”

Three reinforcements for Real in recent signings

With every game that goes by, there’s an obvious improvement with Chivas USA’s on-field performance, and that it due to the leadership brought by Head Coach Jose Luis ‘Güero’ Real to the club. In the last three games, the Red-and-White have been able to add three points after three consecutive draws, maintaining themselves unbeaten since Major League Soccer’s Week 17 and turning the page on a negative streak.

This Friday, the Goats will look to add three points in their last game in their 10-day tour where they have already faced FC Dallas, Montreal Impact and they now just have one more game against Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.

“Unfortunately, the results have not been on our side this season. That doesn’t mean that now, with the points we’ve earned, we can say that we’ve taken a huge step, the most important one. But without a doubt, the way the team has played, it assures us that we’re going the right direction, that we’re improving day-by-day,” ‘Güero’ Real said about the team performance.

With full determination to regain a positive path in MLS’ regular season, Chivas USA took a step in the right direction by acquiring the services of experienced players like defender Carlos Bocanegra and forward Erick Torres, players who could be available to the Red-and-White coach for this Friday’s match.

“Without a doubt, they’re arriving as reinforcements. That means a lot because they’re players with known quality. What they’ve done; Bocanegra with an international career, regular with the U.S. National Team, very important. Erick comes as a player that has done a lot of very important things even though he’s very young,” the Chivas USA Head Coach said about the new acquisitions.

Aside from the players with huge experience that are joining Chivas USA, the Red-and-White continue to show their loyalty to developing players from their Academy by signing young forward Caleb Calvert, who in the 2012/2013 season scored 22 goals in 28 games. The 16 year-old player could also be considered as a reinforcement in this match, which will mean his club and League debut if Jose Luis Real requires him so.

“He’s a player with a lot of future, with different characteristics, special, and I’m sure he’ll get his moment,” Real said about Calvert. “We at Chivas, whether it’s Guadalajara or Chivas USA, what we want from our youth is to develop them winning; it’s not just about the development or just winning. It’s about developing by winning.”

Chivas USA finish last training in Philadelphia

Chivas USA hosted their last training session ahead of Friday’s match against the Philadelphia Union set to kick-off at 4:30 p.m. (PT).

Starting with a light jog and stretching exercises, the entire group then played a short game of ‘Torito’ in the center circle, with three players in the middle seeking to steal the ball.

Under the close supervision and instruction of Head Coach José Luis Real, the Goats focused their tactical work on the attack by practicing corner kicks, set pieces and set plays in the third attacking half as well as shooting on goal.