Chivas USA Extends Lead

Atiba Harris scored his second goal of the year to open the scoring for Chivas USA in a tough victory over the hoops last night at the Home Depot Center.

The first half was a frustrating one for the 14,611 fans that made their way to Carson last night. Harris picked up a yellow in the first minute and the red-and-white midfield was far from sharp. Midfielder Sacha Kljestan was out of sync for the vast majority of the game and teammate Paulo Nagamura only got a few touches on the ball. Although it was hard fought game in the midfield, FC Dallas had the slight advantage in the first half and generated a few dangerous opportunities for themselves.

Chivas USA 'keeper Zach Thorton made a great save on a header by Dallas forward Kenny Cooper at the 11th minute. Dallas defender Marcelo Saragosa then put it just inches wide when he managed a header on the ensuing corner kick. Dax McCarty would follow up on that effort about 12 minutes later with a point blank shot that Thorton miraculously found a way to save.

Chukwudi Chijindu would have the best opportunity on the half for the red-and-whites at the 25th minute when he broke through the Dallas defense. Dallas 'keeper Dario Sala was forced to leave his line to make a play, but in doing so, handled the ball outside the box with his hands and was subsequently issued a red card for his efforts.

With a man down, Dallas had to make adjustments, but Chivas USA continued to struggle to retain possession or generate offense. Instead, Dallas midfielders David Ferreira and Andre Rocha combined well to pressure the Chivas USA defense from the right flank. Their efforts led to Thorton needing to make a few more saves before the break in order to keep the score level.