In a night of shock results for the MLS sides, Chivas USA managed to avoid similar disappointment and advance to the next round of the US Open Cup, with a 1-0 win over Ventura County Fusion on Tuesday night. With seven MLS teams being eliminated from the competition by lower league opposition, The Goats ensured that the MLS would have at least one more representative in the next round, after a 1st half Cesar Romero secured victory over the PDL side.
With New England Revolution, LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake all eliminated, Chivas USA seemingly held this 3rd round tie in much higher regard. Whilst it may be popular to field a significantly weaker team in this tournament, and perhaps not take it too seriously, Robin Fraser selected a fairly strong team on the night. With the majority of outfield players either regular starters or substitutes in league games, it was only really Goalkeeper Tim Melia who was an unfamiliar face.
CHIVAS USA: Melia; McKenzie, Valencia, Villafaña, Gordon; Vagenas, Gavin, Romero, Smith; Agudelo, Angel (c)
Subs: McLain, Califf, Riley, Courtois, Moreno, Townsend, Correa
Although players such as Califf, Moreno and Courtois started on the bench, they did eventually feature later on in the game. With not very far to travel, Chivas USA were well supported on the night and the fans only had to wait until the 13th minute for a Romero goal. That was to be the only goal of the game, however, as Chivas USA provided us with another away day style victory. Ventura County Fusion threatened after going behind, and put the Goats under some pressure, but it was to no avail and Chivas held on for the win.
The US Open Cup has its critics, and can be treated with general indifference by some teams, so it was pleasing to see Chivas USA apparently taking this game seriously. Although it was a narrow victory, it was a satisfactory performance from the Rojiblancos and refreshing to see a strong line-up being used. After shock exits from the Cup earlier in the evening, many fans took to Twitter to claim it was neither embarrassing nor worth worrying about. Well despite no guarantee of reaching the playoffs this year, we will gladly see our team push for an extended cup run and a possible trophy at the end of the season.
Chivas USA will now face the Carolina RailHawks in the 4th round of the Cup, after the NASL side defeated the LA Galaxy 2-1.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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