It was a night of firsts for Real Salt Lake as they defeated Chivas USA 1-0 at The Home Depot Center on Saturday night. The win was RSL's first on the road this season and, more significantly, it was the first time they had ever defeated Chivas USA on their home field, a streak dating back nearly four seasons.
Robbie Findley scored in the first half and the RSL defense made it stand to give RSL the three points in the standings and move them past Chivas USA and FC Dallas into a tie for third place in the Western Conference.
RSL entered the match with a dismal 0-6-1 all-time record on Chivas USA's home field. In those matches, RSL had been outscored by Chivas USA, 18-3.
That all ended, however, as RSL was able to maintain its recent run of good form, having posted two wins and a tie in their last three matches.
Kenny Deuchar nearly put RSL ahead in the 25th minute with a superb diving header. Chris Wingert sent a crossing ball in to the Chivas USA penalty area from the left flank. Deuchar was able to make a diving attempt on the ball with a defender on his side and sent the ball towards the upper left side of the goal before it was swatted away by goalkeeper Dan Kennedy.
RSL caught Chivas USA off guard in the 34th minute and made them pay. Kyle Beckerman hit a quick pass from midfield to a streaking Robbie Findley. Findley collected the ball from 30 yards out and raced past Sacha Kljestan before sidestepping Kennedy and coolly slotting the ball into the back of the net to give RSL the one-goal advantage. The goal was Findley's third of the season.
The goal had a greater significance for Real as it was the first time in their history that they have led Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center.
Former RSL defender Carey Talley had a golden opportunity to erase Findley's goal just four minutes later. Talley, who was traded by RSL to Chivas USA just more than a month ago, had an open shot from eight yards out but skied his attempt well over the crossbar.
Chivas USA was on the attack to start the second half and put increased pressure on the RSL backline and goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
In the 53rd minute, Justin Braun took a ball inside the RSL penalty area and tried to loft a shot over Rimando. As Rimando charged, Braun's chip floated over Rimando but was just too high and also went over the crossbar.
Three minutes later it was Ante Razov who made Rimando work. Razov lined up a 30-yard free kick and sent a left-footed shot toward the lower left post of the goal, forcing Rimando to make a diving save on the goal line.
Rimando came up with another huge save in the 63rd minute. Braun found himself on a breakaway and as he neared the RSL penalty area he hit a hard shot. Rimando, however, was positioned perfectly and stopped the shot to preserve the lead.
Chivas USA kept pushing numbers forward and in the 74th minute Kljestan had a header attempt go just wide left of the goal.
Chivas USA dictated the match the rest of the way but were unable to crack the solid RSL defense.
RSL now will look to keep its hot streak going with a midweek home match against San Jose on Wednesday. Chivas USA will welcome the Chicago Fire to Home Depot Center on MLS Primetime Thursday.
Danny Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
