By FRANCO PANIZO
Chivas USA’s new era under Jose ‘Chelis’ Sanchez is off to as disappointing a start as could have been imagined.
Playing in their first game under Sanchez, Chivas USA suffered a 3-0 loss to the Columbus Crew in front of a small crowd at the Home Depot Center on Saturday night. The Crew and Chivas USA went into halftime of their season opener scoreless, but goals from Federico Higuain, Josh Williams and Dominic Oduro in the second half gave Columbus three points on the road.
Higuain’s goal in the 51st minute proved to be the difference and it was a beauty. Receiving a pass from Jairo Arrieta, Higuan unleashed a shot from distance that stung off the near post and went in past a helpless Dan Kennedy.
Chivas USA did not go down without a fight. Juan Agudelo, who entered the game at halftime for the hosts, had two quality chances but was unable to convert either of them. Agudelo first missed high following some individual brilliance in the penalty area and then skied a headed attempt from a close but tight angle.
That would come back to haunt the Goats, as Columbus scored a quality insurance goal through Williams. Eddie Gaven whipped in a corner kick two minutes from the final whistle, and Williams got on the end of it and volleyed it just inside the far post despite his body facing away from goal.
As Chivas USA desperately scrambled for a goal of their own, the Crew added a third in stoppage time. Following a corner kick in which Chivas USA had thrown all their players forward, the Crew hit back on the counter through Dominic Oduro, who raced three-fourths of the field before rounding Kennedy and finishing with ease.
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What do you think of the Crew’s 3-1 win over Chivas USA? Think the Goats are in for a long season? Surprised by the little amount of fans that turned up for Chivas USA’s home opener?
Share your thoughts below.