Chivas USA’s winning streak came to an end on Saturday when they suffered another home loss, this time Philadelphia Union, falling 1-0 in an ugly encounter at the HDC. At first look, this score line might suggest it was the same old story for The Goats at the Home Depot Center; however, it was anything but. Chivas USA should have earned themselves at least a tie in this game and blew a massive opportunity to break their losing streak at home. It was an improved attacking display from the home side and, in the end, against a Philadelphia side that had lost two players and their coach to red cards. Despite their numerical disadvantage though, The Union held on through a 40th minute Freddy Adu goal and earned their second straight win of the season.
This is the fourth consecutive home 1-0 loss for Chivas USA and now leaves them without a win at home since September last year. However, it was only the eventual score line and the way in which they lost that solitary goal that was similar to previous home fixtures. The rest of the game saw a rare barrage of attacks from The Goats, against a visiting side that created few opportunities themselves, and sat back for most of the game. The fact Dan Kennedy, the regular savior of Chivas USA, had one of his quietest nights in goal highlights overall how little pressure they were under. It was one Robin Fraser described post-game as ‘The one that got away…’
The game started with Chivas USA fans and players alike confident of an improved home display after two recent wins and six points on the road. Robin Fraser also opted to introduce new signing Paolo Cardozo to the midfield showing, once again, that he wasn’t afraid to change things up in the hope of a more adventurous performance.
The first 40 minutes of the game though didn’t provide much to report about. Chivas dominated possession in the first half, moved the ball around well but ultimately failed to trouble Philadelphia’s keeper. The Union was also unsuccessful in creating anything legitimate in front of goal until another moment Chivas fans will want to forget. In previous games, Chivas USA have lost goals that were hard to take. Well on Saturday night Freddy Adu gave them another one to remember. Michael Farfan found his way past Heath Pearce on the right hand side and fired in a low hopeful cross into the goalmouth. Unfortunately, the ball arrived at Riley who got caught on his heels, failed to clear the ball and fell over. Up steps Freddy Adu to cheekily back-heel the ball into the back of the net.
It was another goal that the Chivas USA defense should have dealt with; however, at least it was in the first half and not in the closing stages like other games at home this year. The Rojiblancos were still the dominant side, had reinforcements on the bench, and had another 45mins to conjure up a performance reminiscent of their win in Portland. The second half was definitely an improvement on previous showings at home, which was of course a positive, but still not good enough for a home fixture.
Like the first half, the second started relatively quiet and the two sides continued to struggle in front of goal with not much going their way. On a rare attack in the 61st minute, and one of Kennedy’s few saves of the night, Michael Farfan forced the Chivas goalkeeper into a diving save. With the score still at 1-0 and Chivas USA desperate for a home goal Juan Pablo Angel returned to first team action in the 63rd minute.
The striker, on only his 2nd appearance this season, made an instant impact and had two glorious chances that he should have done better with. However, after missing five games through concussion he can be forgiven for being a bit rusty. The game was then played primarily in the direction of the Union goal as Chivas pushed forward trying to equalize. Then, in the last 20 minutes, the game began to get ugly.
The first player to be ejected from the field was Keon Daniel, when he went into a challenge with Ryan Smith a bit too vigorously and with studs showing. The Union then lost another player and coach Peter Nowak ten minutes later. Gabriel Farfan saw red after another studs-up challenge, this time on James Riley, which sparked a bust up between the players near the touchline. The Union coach Nowak felt it was necessary to enter the field to participate and was then red carded by the referee for doing so. Despite the ugly tackles and scenes on the field Chivas USA had just gained themselves an advantage. With two extra players, against a side missing their coach, The Goats had an opportunity to try and rescue a result from this game.
As the game wore on Chivas USA threw players forward in search of that elusive home goal. However, despite their efforts, they failed to create anything clear cut and the Union held on for the victory.
After other results in the Western Conference, Chivas USA now sit seventh in the league, dropping two places, making this defeat even harder to take. The positives from this game are easy to identify. With two thirds of possession, 21 attempts on goal and 40 open play crosses Chivas USA have clearly upped their attacking game. However, on the other hand, The Union goalkeeper still had very few saves to make and another game finished with no goals or points.
“I’m never one to blame anyone outside of ourselves for a result, but we did quite a bit tonight and could have been rewarded a bit more for what we did.”
Robin Fraser, clearly disappointed after the game, felt his side perhaps should have got a bit more from this game. They didn’t necessarily deserve it though, as Philadelphia did enough to earn their victory and did so in a fashion that Chivas USA have adopted away from home. This was a wasted opportunity for Chivas to transfer their road success to home games and prove they are a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. Luckily for Fraser the next game is back on the road against Colorado Rapids.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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