![_Zipcar Parking 10 Cars in West Hollywood Soon [UPDATED]](http://laist.com/assets_c/2012/02/zipcar-parked-thumb-250x250-693007.jpg)
![_Photo: Naked Man Climbs Tower in Downtown, Threatens to Jump [UPDATED]](http://laist.com/assets_c/2012/02/tower-thumb-250x250-692780.png)
Galaxy Rescue Point, Chivas USA's Hopes Fading
Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez (center) soars high above Fire defenders to score yesterday's tying goal. (lagalaxy.com)
Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez was the team’s savior yesterday as he headed home the tying goal at the 91st minute to salvage a point while on the road at Chicago. Meanwhile, Chivas USA was not quite as lucky in their road trip, dropping a 3 - 0 decision to the Rapids at Commerce City, Colorado.
Gonzalez became the unlikely hero after the blue-and-gold failed to score on a penalty kick as well as take advantage of Chicago being a man down for nearly 70 minutes. The man advantage had come by way of a red card ejection to Fire defender Gonzalo Segares at the 21st minute which incidentally led to the penalty kick. Galaxy captain Landon Donovan stepped to the ball, but Chicago ‘keeper Sean Johnson made easy work of his attempt.
The blue-and-gold moved on, but despite the man advantage, they were a distant resemblance of the team that stormed through the first half of the 2010 MLS campaign. Chicago would instead look the more dangerous side and eventually took the lead at the 88th minute on a great free kick goal by Collins John from about 20 yards out.
Albeit a bit late, the goal by John awakened the Galaxy and their offense began to respond. Minutes later, Donovan and company were putting heavy pressure on the Fire goal, eventually leading to the cross by the Galaxy captain which Gonzalez converted. The Galaxy continued to press after tying the score and it seemed they were a mere pass away from burying the winner, but time was not on their side and the final whistle blew to end the match and leaving the teams tied at 1.
The result tightens the race for the Supporters Shield, with both Columbus and Salt Lake nipping at the Galaxy’s heels, and also puts the blue-and-gold’s Western Conference lead in serious danger.
A few hours after that match, Chivas USA took the pitch at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Colorado to face the Rapids. It was an important match for the red-and-white, who are in desperate need of points in order to qualify for the MLS playoffs. Colorado was a perfect opportunity for the team to capitalize on, as they happen to be one of the teams Chivas USA is fighting for one of those playoff berths.
If one had only watched the first 5 minutes of each half and not known the final score, one would be inclined to believe that Chivas USA dominated the match and likely won. Unfortunately, an additional 80 minutes of play need to expire before the end and it was in those minutes that Chivas USA struggled.
Their early domination quickly fizzled in both halves. Sloppy passing, giveaways and general lack of cohesion characterized Chivas USA midfield play for the majority of the match. But Colorado was unable to take advantage, at least through the first 45.
After the break, Chivas USA’s worst nightmare -- Rapids’ forward Conor Casey -- reminded the red-and-white of his presence once again, beating Chivas USA defender Yamith Cuesta to a rebound from an Omar Cummings shot to give Colorado the lead at the 56th minute.
Cummings shot foreshadowed how heavily he would figure on the match.
Just a tad bit over 15 minutes after the shot that led to Casey’s goal, Cummings would score one of his own after a great piece of individual work that turned Chivas USA defender Ante Jazic inside out. As if that weren’t enough, Cummings would be back with another great blast a mere 13 minutes later, scoring his second on the night at the 81st minute. Cummings’ brace extended the Rapids’ lead to 3 - 0 which held through until the final whistle.
The loss was a boost to the Rapids’ chances of sneaking into the playoffs, but put a serious hurt on the chances for Chivas USA.