The offensive juggernaut coaches and team officials envisioned Chivas USA to be made its first appearance in San Jose.
Fullbacks contributed mightily to the offense as attacking players found space. Set pieces worked as players made timely runs. Most importantly, however, the players finished their chances.
Chivas USA scored its first three goals of its existence in a 3-3 draw at San Jose. Thiago Martins, Hector Cuadros and Douglas Sequeira helped kickstart an offense that slumped into the regular season and was shut down in the season opener, a 2-0 loss to D.C. United.
"It's nice to get one. It's even better to get three," Chivas USA head coach Thomas Rongen said. "I think service was better. (Two goals) came from good service from the flanks. Both players (Martins and Cuadros) showed great composure in bringing the ball down and finishing."
Left back Orlando Perez set up the first goal when he sent in a cross to Martins who did well to control the ball and push it past San Jose 'keeper Pat Onstad. In the second half, Cuadros headed in a cross from Ezra Hendrickson to give Chivas USA a short-lived 2-1 lead.
Chivas USA found the same space and held the ball the same way against United in the opener.
"In the first game we created some similar chances as well. We just didn't convert," Rongen said. "At this level, there's times when you will and there are times when you won't. I wasn't too concerned about it."
After controlling possession, creating scoring chances but not finishing, Chivas USA went back to basics.
"We just worked on our finishing," Cuadros said. "I think the first game we created chances but just couldn't finish them. We were unlucky but in San Jose we were able to finish and got three, which is great."
In the 90th minute, Chivas USA's Sequeira bagged the equalizer on what should be a consistent form of offense this season. Sequeira flicked a free kick from Antonio Martinez off his head and into the net.
Chivas' only goal in the three matches prior to Saturday's game -- a Hendrickson strike against Club America on March 23 in a preseason game -- came off a set piece.
"We feel we should get some success on (set pieces) this year because we've got some height," Rongen said. "We should be a team with those guys (Isaac Romo, Matt Taylor, Arturo Torres and Martins) that should have some success on set pieces."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
