In a complete reversal of the 0-0 defensive duel in their first meeting in April, Chivas USA and Columbus Crew battled back and forth in a 3-3 goalfest. The road point is useful for Chivas and considering they finished the match with ten men they are certainly glad they picked something up. But a win was in their hands three separate times and they will rue the defensive lapses that cost them two vital points.
The Goats got off to a fantastic start when Nick LaBrocca tapped the ball into the net after a solid series of passes from the midfield in the fourth minute. Their energy caught Columbus off guard, and it seemed the Crew took about fifteen minutes to really get into the game. Previously-maligned Designated Player Andres Mendoza scored the equalizer in the 17th minute for Columbus, and the game remained wide open for the rest of the match. Chivas went up again shortly before the end of the first half when Heath Pearce’s corner kick was headed in by Defender Andrew Boyens, which was only his second career goal. Chivas probably felt pretty comfortable as they seemed to control possession throughout the match, but Columbus were the first team to really make them pay for pushing up by really utilizing the counterattack. The Crew evened up the score a second time in the 52nd minute on a breakaway from Mendoza, his second chance in a matter of minutes. Obviously, this game may indicate Mendoza is getting used to MLS and may represent a new chapter in his very short career with Columbus. If he can use this game to jumpstart his scoring record, he may really help a Columbus team that needs a consistent offensive threat moving forward.
After the game was deadlocked at 2-2, Jorge Flores hit a hopeful shot in the box that went through Columbus ‘keeper Will Hesmer’s hands and into the back of the net to take Chivas ahead once again in the 57th minute. It was Flores’ first goal this season, and is a reward for his good play so far this season. Let’s hope he can keep scoring goals. Although it seemed like Chivas’ third goal might break Columbus’ spirits, no such luck. Emmanuel Ekpo fired a shot by the near post that Chivas ‘keeper Dan Kennedy had no shot at stopping in the 64th minute to even the score yet again. It was an awakening for not only Mendoza but also Ekpo, whose play has been inconsistent and often seems uninterested. However, Ekpo stepped up to get the equalizer, and also set up Mendoza’s first goal on a great run from the midfield.
Although the goals stopped with 25 minutes to go, Chivas could not help but make the game even more interesting. Flores received a second yellow card in the 69th minute and was sent off, leaving Chivas shorthanded for the last 20 minutes. It was pretty disappointing to see Flores get the red card, as he had just gotten on the scoresheet, but I think this will not take away from his overall play this season. For the rest of the match, Columbus took over on possession although it remained pretty open, and Chivas were able to prevent Columbus from stealing a winner.
Overall, I think any fan would prefer to see a game that features six goals rather than no goals, but Chivas need to think about their lack of defensive poise in this match. Again, a point is better than no points, but considering they took the lead three separate times and lost it three separate times, Coach Robin Fraser may need to try to modulate between the defensive and offensive approaches. When Chivas were a strong defensive unit early in the season they could not muster practically any offensive chances. In recent weeks, such as this game and in their victory over New York, Chivas scored a lot of goals but also gave up a lot of goals. Although I don’t think they need to necessarily shut down and sit back (a la the Galaxy) once they score a single goal, they may need to be a bit more conscious on the defensive end.
Chivas host the expansion clubs in two games this week. Let’s hope they can get some traction at home and pick up some victories.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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