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Chivas USA ends scoreless streak, crushing FC Dallas’ playoff hopes in draw

MLSBS092312104

By BRYAN ROBISON

Coming into Sunday's matchup with Chivas USA, FC Dallas was in desperate needof a win to keep up with the Vancouver Whitecaps. That win did not come, as Dallas dropped a pivotal two points, in a match that Chivas USA dominated at home. FC Dallas now sits four points back of Vancouver with two matches left to play.

When Chivas USA plays, it is usually keeper Dan Kennedy who is making the most spectacular plays throughout the night. However, it was the keeper on the other side, Kevin Hartman, making the spectacular saves tonight. Despite making seven saves, it wasn't enough to keep the Goats out of the net, as Chivas USA's Jorge VillafaƱa scored his first goal on the year to even up the match at the eventual final score of 1-1.

A Dallas defense that started the match without stalwart George John looked lost throughout the match, struggling with a Chivas offense that had not scored since a 2-1 loss against Seattle on September 8th. That 600 minute scoreless streak was the second-longest streak in MLS history.

Dallas was unable to capitalize on an early lead, thanks to a Blas Perez tap-in during the eigth minute. From there, David Ferreira and Perez were never able to impact the game, as Chivas held possession throughout the second half, along with Ferreira struggling with an injury late in the match. The offense was also out of sync due to missing Brek Shea, who did not even make the trip to Los Angeles due to an injury suffered last week at San Jose.

With their playoff hopes fading, Dallas will now travel to CenturyLink Field to take on the surging Seattle Sounders on Sunday, October 21st. Chivas USA, meanwhile, will play their home finale at Home Depot Center against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday the 20th. Dallas and Chivas will conclude their seasons against each other in the season finale for both in Dallas on October 28th.

Here are the match highlights:

 

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What are your thoughts on the match? Does this all but end FC Dallas's playoff hopes? Does the draw signal some optimism for Chivas USA going into the offseason?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Cmon man. Kevin Hartman is known for his shot stopping ability. His ability to make the spectacular save. That’s his best quality…

    Reply
  2. As an FCD fan, I’m pretty disgusted. FCD took their lead into the 2nd half, bunkered down, and just tried to weather the shooting-practice storm. Even as bad as Chivas is, they were likely score in those circumstances. It’s the same thing they did against San Jose, with the same result.
    Take the Chicago-NYRB game by contrast. Chicago got up a goal and kept playing and possessing. Even up 2-0, they were high-pressing and forcing turnovers in the New York half. There was no way New York was coming back and they got progressively more frustrated and demoralized.
    If Schellas Hyndman had his team play over the last two weeks the way Frank Klopas had his team play yeaterday, Dallas would all but have locked up a playoff spot.

    Reply
  3. “Crushed” is definitely how FC Dallas’s play on the field today left their fans feeling. They played with uncharacteristic apathy.

    Reply

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