How will Liverpool line up if Isak joins star-studded attack?

Transfer grades for the summer's biggest deals

This is proper England 

Ratcliffe learning the wrong lessons from U.S. sport owners

The Liverpool-linked teen who idolises Van Dijk

Editors' Picks

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Pachuca vs Salzburg: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Monterrey vs Inter: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Seat Unique names founding partner of Hill Dickinson Stadium 

Man City outcast Walker reassured over pace questions & future

Newlyweds Dyer & Bowen do not fear famous Strictly ‘curse’

Man City warned off transfer gamble on free agent Pogba 

<ul><li>Milito values Cowell’s speed and vertical play</li><li>The striker has one goal in the Apertura 2025</li><li>Milito says Cowell offers depth and creates space for midfielders</li></ul><div data-name="Apple TV" class="affiliate-button-container theme-1"><div class="affiliate-button"><img height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2de198b67da95a2e/65709d2436cf7d0407034ef9/Apple_TV.png" class="logo" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;">Get the MLS Season Pass today!</div><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" target="_blank" class="affiliate-button-link" rel="sponsored">Stream games now</a></div><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'Cowell is our center forward' - Gabriel Milito explains why USMNT's Cade Cowell has earned the starting striker role for Chivas

Leagues Cup

CD Guadalajara

Charlotte FC

Monterrey

New York Red Bulls

If Chivas have anything, it's forwards with Alan Pulido, Javier Hernández, and Armando González usually lining up at the position. But Argentine head coach Gabriel Milito has surprisingly chosen U.S. international Cade Cowell as the team’s No. 9 in recent matches, even though the former San Jose Earthquakes player is more accustomed to playing on the left wing.Ahead of Chivas’ Leagues Cup debut against the New York Red Bulls, Milito explained why he’s opted for Cowell over other players who are natural center forwards."We have different types of strikers, and we've seen Cowell play a lot on the outside. Obviously, he’s dangerous one-on-one, especially when he’s out wide on the left, because when he cuts inside, he can shoot or assist. When we play him centrally, with a team like ours that combines and links up well, I like technically gifted players- and I believe we have many with those characteristics across different lines," he said. Milito pointed out Cowell's pace as a unique advantage to other forwards on the roster. "We have a lot of attacking options, and Cowell gives us depth with his speed. He stretches the opposing defense with his movement, and that creates a lot of space for our midfielders," he said. "I believe it’s important to have a player who attacks space and understands our midfielders well. That’s why Cowell is our center forward - because he gives us a lot of verticality, especially when teams play with a high line. We want to exploit his speed going into space. He can also play on the left, of course, and we’ll use him there too, but right now we have other options on that wing."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Midfielder Erick Gutiérrez acknowledged the importance of the tournament, especially since Chivas haven't had positive results in previous editions:"In the past, we haven’t managed to advance to the next round. It’s a very important tournament that can give us a lot," Gutierrez said. "These tournaments are showcases. We’re in debt because we’re such an important club. We have to take on the responsibility of reaching the next stage. We’re in a good place emotionally, and starting with a win is crucial."Although several Liga MX coaches have expressed frustration over participating in the tournament, Gabriel Milito highlighted the potential benefits for Chivas if they have a good run:"The Leagues Cup is a very important tournament. It keeps evolving and growing. Both MLS and Liga MX are gaining global visibility. We’re crossing borders, and the level keeps rising," Milito said. "This Leagues Cup allows both leagues to compete against each other. We’re very aware that there’s a spot in the Champions Cup at stake, so that makes it extremely important for us."

WHAT ERICK GUTIÉRREZ AND GABRIEL MILITO SAID

Javier Hernández is not on the Chivas roster for the tournament as he recovers from a recent injury suffered during the warm-up of Matchday 1 against León. He’s currently not with the squad.

DID YOU KNOW?

In addition to NYRB, Chivas will face Charlotte FC and Cincinnati as they look to advance to the next round of the tournament.

WHAT NEXT FOR CHIVAS?

'Cowell is our center forward' - Gabriel Milito explains why USMNT's Cade Cowell has earned the starting striker role for Chivas | Goal.com

El Rebaño makes its Leagues Cup debut this Thursday against New York Red Bulls

&apos;Cowell is our center forward&apos; - Gabriel Milito explains why USMNT&apos;s Cade Cowell has earned the starting striker role for Chivas

Next matches