Chivas USA Recap: A Valiant Effort

Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake battled to a 2 - 2 tie last night in an exciting game that closed out the first round playoff series.

Both sides spent the better part of the first half trying to gain control of midfield, leading to some chippy play and four yellow cards, but also some good chances at goal. Real midfielder Kyle Beckerman was a key factor for the visitors, repeatedly disrupting the Chivas offense and regaining possession for Real. Real's dangerous playmaker, Javier Morales, struggled through the half and was effectively contained by Chivas midfielders Paulo Nagamura and Jesse Marsch.

Needing a win, Chivas pressed for a goal more so than the visitors, who seemed more content to play it safe and tried to keep the game tight in the midfield. Chivas midfielder Sacha Kljestan would eventually open the scoring at the 30th minute on a penalty kick. Chivas forward Ante Razov had been pulled down in the penalty area by Morales after Razov picked up a rebound from Real 'keeper Nick Rimando. The goal pulled Chivas even in the series, but the celebration was short lived.

While playing it a bit safer than Chivas, Real took advantage of any offensive opportunity that presented itself. Only seconds after a near miss by Beckerman, Chivas defender Jonathan Bornstein saved the day for the home side when he broke up another Real scoring opportunity. However, his clearance would go to Real defender Robbie Russell who put the ball into Morales. Morales sent in a cross that Real's Dema Kovalenko would head in for the tying goal.

Chivas responded in the second half by adding more offense.

Defender Jim Curtain was replaced by forward Alecko Eskandarian at the half and the game began to open up almost immediately. Chivas 'keeper Zach Thornton was called upon to make key saves a couple of times and he successfully kept the score even at one.

As the game entered the 50th minute, Chivas began to take greater control of the game. Chivas head coach, Preki, added more offense in the form of forward Justin Braun and by the 55th minute, Real was pinned down in their own half. Real defended with the full 11 and fought hard to withstand the Chivas attack. Eskandarian and Razov both had various opportunities at goal, but failed to capitalize. Real continued to hold on as best as it could, on occassion venturing out on a counter attack.

Morales had a much better second half and he nearly extended the visitors lead at the 71st minute when he picked up a loose ball at the center circle and got behind the Chivas defense. Thornton challenged and Morales ended up missing the goal entirely on a play that appeared to be a certain goal.

In the midst of the mounting pressure from the Chivas attack, Real head coach Jason Kreis would send in forward Robbie Findley at the 72nd minute for veteran Clint Mathis. Findley's speed immediately helped start a shift of momentum. With the minutes ticking by and Chivas taking more and more risks, Findley found himself streaking in on the Chivas goal. Findley connected with Morales, who was trailing the play, and he did the rest. Morales charged the goal and put a shot through Chivas defender Shavar Thomas and past Thornton to give Real a 2 - 1 lead at the 77th minute.

The pace of the game began to slow down and favor Real. Chivas, however, would not give up. At the 83rd minute, Chivas' Francisco "Panchito" Mendoza made his way through a couple of Real defenders before handing it off to Braun at the edge of the penalty area. Braun had a clear look at goal and netted the equalizer.

The final minutes saw Thornton making an excellent save on a streaking Findley and renewed pressure on the Real defense. Despite controlling most of the game, Real's defense was able to withstand Chivas' attacks, preserving the tie and 3 - 2 aggregate advantage for the home-and-home series. Real thus moves on into next Sunday's Western Conference Final and eliminates Chivas from the MLS playoffs.

Despite being eliminated, Chivas fans have plenty to be proud of about their team. The character and determination the team has demonstrated is one of a winner. They will be back, and as a stronger contender.

Photo by kristi.nicole via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr