Chivas USA defeats Sounders to increase lead
First-half own goal puts Seattle on its heels
CARSON, Calif. – Chivas USA benefited from an own goal by Seattle and beat the Sounders 2-0 on Saturday night.
Seattle defender James Riley put the ball into his net in the 32nd minute, and Chivas’ Chukwudi Chijindu scored his first career goal in the 84th minute to seal the win in a match that drew 15,463 to the Home Depot Center.
Each side was missing a player because of suspension. Chivas midfielder Paulo Nagamura and Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller picked up red cards in their respective matches last week and each served automatic one-match penalties.
Chivas (4-0-1) extended its lead over Seattle (3-2-0) to four points atop the Western Conference, and became the first team in MLS to have double digits in the standings.
Seattle nearly went ahead early. In the 10th minute, Fredy Montero broke free on Chivas’ penalty area and placed a soft, high-arcing shot on goal. The ball sailed over Chivas goalkeeper Zach Thornton’s head but went harmlessly wide of the goal.
Chivas finally broke the scoreless deadlock in the 32nd minute. Jonathan Borntstein sliced through Seattle’s defense and centered a pass to the front of the goal.
Riley slid and knocked his clearance attempt into his net.
Chijindu scored with 6 minutes remaining when he slid and redirected a pass from Bojan Stepanovic into the back of the goal.