Playoff-Bound Chivas USA Falls In Chicago

Published on October 22, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


Chivas USA fell to the Chicago Fire by a 1-0 score on a cold, rainy Thursday night in Bridgeview, Ill. The Red-and-White, who have already clinched a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, now return home for the final match of the regular season, facing the Houston Dynamo on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 12:00 noon PT at The Home Depot Center.

The Red-and-White went with a new-look lineup, starting Gerson Mayén and Marcelo Saragosa in central midfield, and giving Jonathan Bornstein the captain's armband for the first time in his Chivas USA career.

The match was scoreless until the 67th minute, when one of Chicago's 14 corner kicks was deflected past Zach Thornton in the Chivas USA net for an own goal by forward Eduardo Lillingston. Despite attacking substitutions and a few late chances, the Red-and-White were unable to find the equalizer.

Chivas USA now owns a record of 13-10-6 (W-L-T), and remains tied atop the Western Conference with the Houston Dynamo and the LA Galaxy with 45 points. All three teams have just one remaining match, with the Red-and-White hosting Houston on Sunday, and the LA Galaxy hosting San Jose on Saturday. Chivas USA can only finish first in the division if it does better than both Houston and LA this weekend.

The Red-and-White have already clinched a spot in the postseason, and will face either Houston, the LA Galaxy, or Seattle Sounders FC in a home-and-home first round series, with dates and times to be determined. Playoff tickets are now on sale with prices at the same rates as the regular season. Great seats start as low as $15; fans can purchase tickets by visiting cdchivasusa.com , or by calling 1-877-CHIVAS-1.

Chivas USA Head Coach Preki, on tonight's match: "It was a difficult game, difficult conditions and Chicago maybe had a slight edge because of all the set pieces they had. They were dangerous on the set pieces but apart from that I thought it was an even game and obviously an own goal decides the whole game."

Chivas USA returns to Los Angeles on Friday and will train Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. PT ahead of Sunday's match against the Houston Dynamo at 12:00 noon PT at The Home Depot Center. The Red-and-White will have Monday off and train Tuesday, and will follow with the 5th Annual Media Game at 1:00 p.m. PT.

Next home game: Chivas USA vs. Houston Dynamo, Saturday, Oct. 25 at 12:00 noon PT at The Home Depot Center. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com .

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 22, 2009


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