Carlos Ruiz matched the Major League Soccer record with a goal in a seventh consecutive game, as FC Dallas got back on the winning track with a 2-1 victory against Chivas USA on Sunday afternoon at Pizza Hut Park.
Under a broiling hot Texas, Ruiz established the Dallas club record and equaled an MLS mark by scoring in the 28th minute, then late substitute Roberto Mina struck in the 82nd minute to give the Hoops a two-goal cushion. Ante Razov made things interesting with his 83rd-minute strike, but despite the late efforts Chivas couldn't level the score.
Chivas USA was the more dangerous team for the first 15 minutes of the match, as Juan Francisco Palencia especially created several early chances.
The first promising chance at goal for the FC Dallas came in the 13th minute as Kenny Cooper sent a header across the face of the box that Drew Moor tried to get on the end of, but his attempt went wide left.
In the 28th minute, the Hoops took the lead as Greg Vanney played a smart ball up the middle to find Ruiz. "El Pescadito" played a sly heel-flick as he turned on the pass to beat Jason Hernandez, giving him enough space to send a shot from outside the area that beat Preston Burpo inside the upper left corner.
The seven-game streak with a goal matched the MLS record, set previously by Raul Diaz Arce (1997, D.C. United) and Wolde Harris (2000, New England Revolution).
Both teams increased their intensity following the goal as Chivas in particular pushed forward aggressively.
The extra numbers going forward nearly paid off in the 35th minute as Razov took a pass from Palencia on the right of the penalty area and nearly got a shot off, but Vanney slid in and broke up the play.
Chivas was able to carry their momentum into the second half as Sacha Kljestan found Razov at the top of the area in the 48th minute. But although he beat FCD 'keeper Dario Sala, he saw his shot rattle the left post and out of play.
The Hoops' defense was under pressure for much of the second half, forcing the midfield to pull even deeper in an effort to clear the lines.
In the 72nd minute Dallas nearly gave up a goal as Jesse Marsch stripped Vanney in the box and was able to get a cross sent in to Razov just before Sala came rushing off his line. Razov had a wide open chance, but his shot sailed wide right.
Mina, who came on in the 59th minute, then scored the Hoops' second goal in the 82nd minute. Ronnie O'Brien sent a perfectly weighted ball inside Hernandez from the right touchline and Mina went racing in on goal, poking the ball between Burpo's legs as he came out to challenge the Ecuadorian international.
Chivas answered right back in the 83rd minute as Matt Taylor laid back a ball from midfield, finding Razov open at the top of the box. He ripped a hard, low shot that tagged the inside of the far post and gave Chivas a glimmer of hope, but it wouldn't be enough as the Hoops were able to hang on for the win.
Scott Joiner is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
