Chivas USA Fall at Kansas City

Published on May 5, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Sunday, May 5, 2013) - The lack of precision on the field, the small amount of shots on goals and the constant defensive errors, lead Chivas USA to live one of the saddest episodes in the 2013 MLS season, this Sunday at Sporting Park.

From the first minute of the match, the team from Kansas City was a demanding squad. The Red-and-White concluded the match with a painful 4-0 score, generated due to defensive errors and goalkeeper Dan Kennedy's ejection in the 54th minute after an apparent foul on Paulo Nagamura inside the box.

Even when Chivas USA attempted to generate the most attacking opportunities in KC's territory, the home team's defensive line stood firm and was able to contain Chivas USA afar from the goal, leading Sporting to have stronger possession on the ball and better chances at goal.

It wasn't until the 41st minute of the match that Sporting KC was able to reflect its superiority on the scoreboard; Argentine Claudio Bieler showed off his skills inside the box and after an error by the Red-and-White back line, the KC forward shot past Dan Kennedy and gave his team the lead by halftime.

In the second half, Coach Jose Luis Sanchez Solá made two modifications, sending Miller Bolaños and Carlos Alvarez to reinforce the midfield and support the attack. Chivas USA attempted to correct their errors and find the equalizer, but the lack of movement upfront was once again shocked by Sporting's attack.

In the 54th minute, after a long pass to Paulo Nagamura, the Sporting midfielder infiltrated the box and once inside, goalkeeper Dan Kennedy went after the sphere. Nagamura then fell, in what was an apparent foul called by Referee Baldomero Toledo, sanctioning a penalty kick in favor of KC and a red card to the Chivas USA 'keeper. In the 57th minute, Claudio Bieler scored via penalty kick and put KC up 2-0, shooting past a debuting Patrick McLain.

Eight minutes later, visibly affected by going down in the scoreboard, Chivas USA could not come back and by the 65th minute, they fell even deeper after a goal by Graham Zusi, who prowled throughout the entire match and was finally able to notch his own goal after receiving a cross by Josh Gardner from the left, putting KC up 3-0.

Three minutes later, an error by the Red-and-White back line lead the score board to continue adding up in favor of the home team. Merchack Jerome sent a cross from the right, where an unmarked C.J Sapong was able to push the ball past the Red-and-White 'keeper for the final 4-0.

After the loss, and with previous results, Chivas USA fell to sixth place in the Western Conference and are currently out of playoff contention, counting with 11 points and a (3-4-2) record.

Chivas USA will now begin preparing for the 2013 MLS' Week 11 match against the Portland Timbers at JELD-WEN Field in Portland, set for Sunday, May 12 at 2 pm PT.

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