Proving the win last week against San Jose was no fluke, Chivas USA convincingly beat the New England Revolution 3-0 on Saturday. The win makes it the second straight, and continues a five game unbeaten streak for the Goats. Nick LaBrocca, Marcos Mondaini, and Alejandro Moreno all got on the scoresheet, and it was the first goal scored for Chivas by LaBrocca, and the first MLS goal for Mondaini. Given the fact that they still do not have a powerful forward that strikes fear in opposing defenses, the distribution of goals the last two games has been impressive.
Chivas won by continuing to do what they have been doing: playing with energy, keeping possession, and pushing into the opponent’s half. Although the defense wasn’t as tested as much as in earlier games, they still got the job done and Dan Kennedy continues to play very well. Heath Pearce came up huge in the closing minutes of the game when he cleared a lob by Zack Schilawski off the line to preserve the shutout. But full credit goes to the offensive players, who pushed the pace and kept the Revs’ defense on their heels all game. Graybeard Simon Elliott has really settled the midfield and is distributing well, while Mondaini and LaBrocca were rewarded for their hard work the past three games with goals. Mondaini’s goal, in particular, was quite remarkable, as he tilted his body to slam a volley home off a cross from Moreno in first half injury time. The Argentine may even be in the running for MLS goal of the week with his effort. Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Jorge Flores also continues to play well, and would have scored if not for an acrobatic save by Revolution ‘keeper Bobby Shuttleworth in the 72nd minute.
The defensive woes for New England were put on full display in the 57th minute when Moreno enterprisingly caught the Revs napping and pounced on a bad touch from Didier Domi in the 6 yard box for the game’s third goal. Moreno had a monster game, with two assists and the goal, but he really shouldn’t have even had that opportunity. Shalrie Joseph, who did not have a good game on either end, carelessly played the back pass that caught Domi off-guard and led to the chance for Moreno. In addition, new signing Benny Feilhaber was basically anonymous during this game, which boded well for Chivas’ management and demonstrated that he may not be missed as much as fans initially feared. Players are liable to have off games, but Chivas made sure Feilhaber did not dominate the headlines following this game.
The only other main point from this game comes from the penalty that wasn’t, in the second half. The referee initially awarded a penalty to Chivas for a foul on Moreno in the box, but after consulting with the rest of the officiating staff, he reversed the call and called a handball on Moreno, and New England got the goal kick. If it had been a close game, that call may have been much more controversial, but the replays clearly showed the second opinion was correct and Chivas did not deserve the penalty. After the controversies in other games in the league in recent weeks, the calm and measured response by Referee Mark Kadlecik is commendable.
Chivas took care of business against New England, and here’s hoping their momentum continues against a battered yet hungry Real Salt Lake next week. It will be a tough match, but with their recent performances, Chivas have every reason to feel good going into Utah.
(image courtesy of cdchivasusa.com)
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