After a blistering and unexpected start to their 2013 season, Chivas USA were suffering from a minor setback during April when they failed to score or pick up any points. However in their last game of this difficult month, they ended it the way their season started – with an entertaining and very encouraging performance…and a positive result. The San Jose Earthquakes had travelled south to Carson and although they came from behind to earn a point on Saturday night, there was little disappointment from the Chivas USA fans both in the result and the performance.
Although they were still in a decent position in the conference, questions were now being raised about the start the Goats had made to the 2013 season. Was it a fluke? And were two defeats in April the beginning of their downfall? Now these were of course inappropriate questions considering the stage of the season, but there was a genuine worry that the Chivas were entering a slump. They hadn’t scored or picked up a point in April after earning 10 points and rave reviews in March. But on Saturday night they again answered their critics.
After losing two games, they improved by picking up a valuable point. After going goalless in two games, they improved by scoring two goals. And after two disappointing performances, they improved by entertaining the supporters. And they did all this against last year’s Supporters Shield winners the San Jose Earthquakes. So believe it or not, this was a fantastic result for Chivas USA.
After the game they were murmurings of criticism as they had given up a lead, but from the majority of fans, the players and the coach, there was nothing but praise from everyone involved.
Chivas USA simply got the job done. They did what they had to do to and ensured April was not a complete write off.
In the first half the visitors opened the scoring in the 40th minute through Chris Wondolowski and, given our history at the HDC, it seemed like that was bad omen for Chelís team despite the raft of changes to the roster. Despite this however, Chivas USA emerged from the 2nd half with a point to prove. And they proved how much of an improved side they are with 2 goals in the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half.
Mario De Luna grabbed the equalizer when he deflected in a cross from Villafaña past goalkeeper Busch. That tied things up and the momentum was instantly with the home side. Just minutes later, another run and inviting cross from Villafaña found its way into the box and this time Tristan Bowen got on the end of it and put Chivas USA 2-1 up.
It was a marvelous response to going 1-0 down near the end of the first half and was another example of the difference Chelís has made to this team. You could not have imagined a 2 goal opening to the second in half from Chivas of 2012. The momentum did not last though, and San Jose regained their composure and put the Goats under increased pressure for the remainder of the half. This eventually paid off when substitute Cato evened things up in the 76th minute to make it 2-2.
Although they surrendered their lead, Chivas ended this game on a positive note. In their previous two games they were guilty of not trying to grind out a result and lacked a bit of discipline. Despite not protecting their 2-1 lead, they still managed to see this game out and picked up a much needed point. San Jose was on the front foot for most of the second half and although the Earthquakes are not performing as well as they did last season, this was still a very good result for Chivas USA.
It was a game of firsts. Tristan Bowen and Mario de Luna got their first MLS goals for Chivas USA and Steve Purdy was awarded his first start as well. More importantly, it was the first tie in April that we had saw the Chivas USA who had us on the edge of our seats only a few weeks ago.
The atmosphere and reaction from the staff after the game mirrored the feelings of the fans. It was a close shave, but a fitting way to end a disappointing month. Chelís was very vocal in describing his happiness after the game.
“Without wanting anyone to build me a monument, these players have made me better. They’ve made me analyze things that I didn’t see, and I’m telling you today, I’m a better coach and human being than I was on January 6. I’m very happy with myself and with this group. I have other options, but I’m very happy here…”
Not only is Chelís a better coach (and a human being), but Chivas USA are a better team and so far this season we have seen enough to suggest that this will take us to the playoffs. The tie against San Jose was another example of that. They did what they had to do and improved.
Even the attendance improved!
(image courtesy of USA Today Sports Images)
