Chivas USA is back in contention. Making the most of their few opportunities, they defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-1 via goals from Jesse Marsch and Jorge Flores. After earning only five points in their first seven games, they now find themselves with a two-game winning streak and a place near the top of the crowded Western Conference standings.
The Rapids, who came into the game atop the West, got their goal on a long-range strike from Tom McManus, but still have to record back-to-back victories this season.
The game began slowly, with each team holding possession mainly in midfield and across the back as any forays forward were stymied by bad passes and stout defenses. It wasn't until the 25th minute that either team looked dangerous.
The first signs of life were shown by the Rapids. After a corner kick went through the box, Herculez Gomez sent a cross back to Facundo Erpen, whose hard snap header was well saved by Brad Guzan. Erpen's shot on the rebound was well struck but went harmlessly into the side netting.
The first half was very physical on the part of both teams, with hard challenges earning yellow cards for both Chivas captain Jesse Marsch and the Rapids' Colin Clark.
A free kick just outside of the penalty area in the 31st minute gave the Rapids their second good chance. Nick LaBrocca tapped the ball to Christian Gomez, whose hard shot glanced off Jim Curtin's head and spun right into Guzan's arms.
Chivas began to look more alive toward the end of the half, with their attacking pressure earning them several dangerous set-piece opportunities. Sacha Kljestan's free kick in the 37th minute went off the wall, but spun to forward Justin Braun. Rapids 'keeper Bouna Coundoul, however, was able to take the ball off of Braun's foot to end the chance.
Chivas took advantage of their chances in the 45th minute. Braun received the ball on the right side of the box, and after some dribbling feints, played a pass back to a wide open Marsch. Marsch took a dribble, teed up the ball on his right foot, and hit a well placed shot to the far side of the net easily past the outstretched hands of Coundoul.
With the lead, Chivas came out to start the second half in a decidedly defensive posture, daring the Rapids to mount a coherent attack and relying on counterattacks for their offense.
The Rapids attempted to get their offense going, relying mostly on attacks and long balls down their flanks. Christian Gomez, shadowed by Paulo Nagamura all night, seemed to be an afterthought on the evening in the Rapids attack. In the 57th minute, a rare ball through the middle fell to LaBrocca, but his shot from 25 yards went right to Guzan.
Chivas had a nice sequence in the 59th minute that showcased some of their attacking options. From the right wing, Atiba Harris sent a cross into the box to Flores. Flores was able to drop the ball back to Kljestan, who dribbled to his left and flicked the ball quickly back to an onrushing Francisco Mendoza. Mendoza's effort, however, ended up nowhere near the goal.
The Rapids kept attacking and when they finally were able to involve Christian Gomez in the offense, he quickly created a chance. Receiving the ball 40 yards from goal, Gomez quickly spun and found Clark wide open on the left. Clark dribbled to just outside the box, where he wound up and let fly with a shot that was well struck but ended up going well over the bar.
Christian Gomez created another chance in the 65th minute. Hustling to track down an over-hit corner, Gomez dribbled back to the box and then spun to shake his man before unleashing a low, hard shot. Guzan appeared screened on the play, but reacted quickly enough to make a kick save and keep the Rapids off of the scoreboard.
Chivas continued to make the most of their opportunities when they appeared. Justin Burns found himself with the ball and loads of time in the 67th minute. His shot from 25 yards was hard and accurate, but Coundoul was able to acrobatically leap and punch the ball over the bar.
The Rapids continued to press the attack and continued to give up counterattack opportunities. But it was a free kick that allowed Chivas to extend their lead in the 79th minute. Carey Talley sent a long ball from near midfield into the box and Flores was the only one to break to the ball. Coundoul was able to only watch as Flores' header went into the net. It was the second goal on the season for the young midfielder, the winner of last year's Sueno MLS competition.
The Rapids did get a goal back less than a minute later. McManus got the ball with his back to the net 40 yards from goal. The Scottish striker turned, took one dribble, and unleashed an amazing shot that flew past a diving Guzan and buried itself in the top corner of the net.
The lone goal was not enough for the Rapids, and despite a strong effort near the end, they were unable to find any holes in the Chivas USA defense. The win gives Chivas USA 11 points on the season, only one behind the Rapids, in an ever tighter Western Conference table.
Geoffrey Urland is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
