CARSON, Calif. – The final game of 2014 ended in triumph for Chivas USA.
The Goats finished the regular season with a 1-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday at StubHub Center, securing seventh place in the Western Conference.
Forward Félix Borja scored his third goal of the season to help the Rojiblancos win their third game of the month.
Borja’s game-winner in the 32nd minute began with a brilliant, individual effort from Erick “Cubo” Torres, who maneuvered around Víctor Bernárdez and got a shot past goalkeeper Jon Busch, only to see it ricochet off the far post. Borja, though, was there to knock in the ball for the lead.
It was the 14th time this season that Chivas USA scored first, but only the fourth time they walked into the locker room at halftime with an advantage.
San Jose had some opportunities to pull even early in the second half. Chris Wondolowski sent a header wide left in the 48th minute and Yannick Djaló blasted a shot over the crossbar from close range. The Earthquakes also had a goal disallowed in the 68th minute due to a foul by Atiba Harris in front of the net.
Chivas USA were a bit unfortunate to be only a goal ahead at the break. In the sixth minute, Leandro Barrera had a promising build up that ended with Torres seeing his right-footed strike hit the post. Later, Barrera played a free kick to an isolated Eric Avila, but his curling shot sailed over the top right corner.
Dan Kennedy recorded his sixth shutout of the season.
With the victory, Chivas USA (9-19-6) finished the season with 33 points, seven more than in 2013 and two spots ahead of the last-place Earthquakes (6-16-12). San Jose dropped to 1-10-6 in games away from home this year.
MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match
Rank |
Player |
What We Saw |
1 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/dan-kennedy">Erick Torres</a> |
The star Chivas striker was the source of the offense. He hit a post, which led to the lone goal of the match. |
2 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/dan-Kennedy" target="_blank">Dan Kennedy</a> |
Chivas' keeper didn't have to face much, but came up big when he had to, recording his sixth clean sheet |
3 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/Nigel-Reo-Coker" target="_blank">Nigel Reo-Coker</a> |
Solid in the midfield; controlled the contest for the Goats. |
