Chivas USA (0-0-0) at Dallas (0-0-0), 3 p.m.

Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - Chivas USA and FC Dallas, two of MLS' Western Conference clubs that have their sights set on establishing themselves as league powers, are set to square off on Sunday at Pizza Hut Park in their respective season openers.

Not only will the game be a matchup of potential league powers, but it will be a matchup of two of the brightest young American players in the league.

Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan will square off against Hoops striker Kenny Cooper. Both players are just 23-years-old and both players are expected to be vital pieces of their respective teams this season.

"We think he is capable of being one of the top three strikers in the league this year," FC Dallas coach Steve Morrow said of Cooper. "We are expecting a big year from him."

"I want to make positive contributions to this team, whether that is scoring goals or getting assists," Cooper said. "I know I'm going to be looked to as the person to do that and I really want to be one of the leaders of this team."

Guzan, who is the reigning MLS goalkeeper of the year, almost transferred to the English Premier League this winter before work visa problems blocked the move, meaning instead of playing in the biggest league in the world, he returns to the Goats - but he doesn't seem to mind.

"(Chivas USA) was disappointed for me (to have the move blocked) but at the same time I think they were excited to have me back and I felt the same way," Guzan said. "I was disappointed but at the same time I knew I was coming back to a club and an organization that is first class."

Chivas USA boasts a strong lineup of field players in Sacha Kljestan, Ante Razov, Jonathan Bornstein and Maykel Galindo, among others, while Dallas has Pablo Ricchetti, Juan Toja, Andre Rocha and Adrian Serioux, among others, so don't expect Cooper or Guzan to win the game by themselves, however.

Missing from the Dallas lineup will be defender Drew Moor and forward Arturo Alvarez because of suspension, and forward Ricardinho because of injury while Chivas USA will be without Alex Zotinca, who will probably miss the season after suffering an ACL injury in preseason.