With time almost having run out on a chance to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs in their inaugural season, Chivas USA is still trying to put together a full game.
Twice on Saturday at Pizza Hut Park, Chivas USA held leads, but saw FC Dallas come back both times before the teams settled for a 2-2 draw. It was the second successive draw for Chivas after signing a quartet of Mexican players, and with just seven games remaining, Chivas are 15 points out of fourth place in the Western Conference.
"It was important that we played the second half better then the first," said Chivas coach Hans Westerhof. "We play a lot of games where we play well in the first half and we have problems in the second half, but tonight our play in the second half -- our physical play -- was better."
Esteban Arias, a late addition to the starting lineup, gave Chivas a first-half lead, but Carlos Ruiz scored the equalizer just before halftime.
"What we need is patience. When they make plays in the first half we were impatient and made mistakes and that is why we needed [goalkeeper] Brad Guzan to play more long balls," said Westerhof.
Then Ezra Hendrickson bundled a flicked-on corner over the line, but Ramon Nunez again brought FC Dallas back.
"In New York [Sunday's 3-3 draw with the MetroStars], we had the lead and here we had the lead," said Guzan. "We need to learn how to keep the lead and get a big result on the road. Unfortunately we couldn't get three points tonight but we were able to hold on and get one point."
After losing all three previous meetings with FC Dallas, including a couple of heavy defeats, it was a much better result this time around for Chivas.
"You look at the standings now with the top teams at the top of the table and you look at us in last place and I feel now there is not a big difference," said Guzan.
"It's going to be difficult and I am not sure if it is possible to make the playoffs but we are going to play for pride right now and try to get better every day in practice."
Ron Goode is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
