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Chivas USA Shutout SJ Earthquakes 1-0 in Season Finale

October 26, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


CARSON, Calif. (Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014) - Chivas USA clinched the season series over in-state rival San Jose Earthquakes Sunday afternoon at the StubHub Center on forward Felix Borja's game-winner for the 1-0 victory. With the result the Rojiblancos wrap up the 2014 campaign ahead of San Jose and the Colorado Rapids in seventh place of the Western Conference standings.

The Red-and-White created their first look at going ahead in the sixth minute when striker Erick Torres got off consecutive shots from inside the box. Torres' initial attempt was blocked by San Jose's back line and the striker followed up by firing his second off the left post. Three minutes later, Borja got into range and fired a right-footed strike from outside the box on frame, but goalkeeper Jon Busch was able to secure the threat.

Chivas continued testing the Quakes' defense when in the 18th minute, midfielder Eric Avila sent a cross from the right side intended for Borja as he made his run toward the back post in traffic. However, the Ecuador native's header was sent wide.

The Rojiblancos broke through in the 32nd minute with the tandem of Torres and Borja creating chances up top. Torres took on his marker in a one-on-one challenge from the left side near the end line to work his way into the box. The Goats' scoring leader then hit the post for the second time in the match, but Borja was positioned well to drill his follow-up shot toward the back of the net to give Chivas the 1-0 advantage.

Chivas' attack consistently got into their final third and nearly doubled the lead in the 62nd minute when Leandro Barrera played a short chip from inside the box to Torres for a header, but Busch was able to control the attempt from eight yards out.

The Goats brought on fresh legs to reinforce the midfielder in the form of Nathan Sturgis and Kris Tyrpak beginning in the 70th minute. Sturgis soon looked to link up with his forwards by sending a ball over the top to put Borja into the box, but Busch came off his line in time to meet the pass.

San Jose brought on a pair of subs of their own in search of the equalizer, but Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy and the defense were stout to go on and maintain the zero in the back and give their side the three-point result.

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