Chivas USA Fall 1-0 to FC Dallas

August 4, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


CARSON, Calif. (Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014) - Chivas USA fell 1-0 to FC Dallas on Sunday night in their first game back at the StubHub Center since July 5. A lone goal by Dallas forward Tesho Akindele in the beginning of the second half allowed the visiting side to steal the final three points of the three-game series despite the possession advantage by the Red-and-White.

Midfielder Marvin Chavez played a key component in the Red-and-White's attack by setting up a few opportunities in the first half. In the 11th minute, coming from the right flank, the Honduran international sent a cross into the box in search of Erick "Cubo" Torres, but the striker didn't get there with enough time to finish the play.

Halfway into the first period, Chavez had an opportunity of his own in the 23rd minute when defender Eriq Zavaleta sent a low ball to the top left side of the box. The immediate one-touch shot, however, was deflected by Dallas' defense, maintaining the scoreboard locked at zero.

As the first half was reaching its end, Chivas sent more numbers forward in search of the opening goal when in an attempt to surprise Dallas keeper Raul Fernandez, Torres tried to surpass him with a high ball, but the goalie managed to stop the threat. Just two minutes later, Fernandez came out big once again with another save when Zavaleta took a chance from outside the box.

Right before halftime, Japanese international Akira Kaji placed an out of balance ball back in the game, and the rebound landed in Agustin Pelletieri's feet, who shot on goal, but Fernandez stopped it to send the sides home with a scoreless draw at halftime.

Coming into the second half, Dallas set up the pace by opening the scoreboard in the 47th minute after a fast combination of passes that broke down Chivas USA's defensive line. Coming into the box, Blas Perez sent a pass to Fabian Castillo, who immediately crossed it back to the middle of the box where Akindele just tapped it to the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.

Second half substitution for Chivas USA, Mauro Rosales, brought in spark to the Goats' attack when in the 68th minute he set up an indirect kick that Zavaleta headed at goal, but Fernandez stopped. Just eight minutes later, in a series of rebounds, Rosales' shot was deflected and finished in Donny Toia's feet. The defender sent it back into the mix, but Dallas' defense was able to maintain the lead by stopping the Red-and-White from finishing the play.

Chivas' best chance to find the equalizer came in the 78th minute when Kaji sent a cross from the right flank to the box. With several Red-and-White players inside the mix, Torres executed the headed, but the ball went out over the crossbar.

Chivas USA will travel to Portland, Ore. next weekend to take on the Portland Timbers for the three-game series finale. Starting at 7:30 p.m. (PT) the Western Conference clash will be broadcast live on Time Warner Cable Deportes and ESPN Deportes Radio KWKU 1220 AM. For more information visit cdchivasusa.com and follow the club on Twitter and Facebook.



Major League Soccer Stories from August 4, 2014


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