‘Chivas USA vs. Portland Timbers’…a fixture Chivas fans might just start looking for on the MLS schedule in future. With two games played between the sides already this year, both going in Chivas’ favor, The Goats lined up at the JELD-WEN Field on Saturday night looking to make it three wins out three against their Western Conference rivals. And it certainly wasn’t third time lucky for the home side, as Robin Fraser’s men ran out 1-0 winners and completed the clean sweep over Gavin Wilkinson’s struggling side. It wasn’t convincing from Chivas USA, by any means, but Danny Califf’s 68th minute header and some fine Dan Kennedy goalkeeping was enough to see the Rojiblancos secure the victory and keep themselves in with a shout for the playoffs.
It was only 10 days earlier that the Goats took on the Portland Timbers for the 2nd time this year, and it was an identical 1-0 score-line that was enough for Chivas to take all three points at home. Sandwiched between their double-header though, was the small matter of a Super Clasico against LA Galaxy. Despite falling to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to our local rivals, Chivas USA still had a chance to make the playoffs with some valuable games in hand and another match against Portland. Having played and beaten them twice already this season, Saturday’s match up was probably ideal for the players considering it was already being classed as a make-or-break month. With just seven points separating them from the playoffs, and 3 games in hand over 5th placed LA, taking on a struggling yet familiar Timbers side was just what Robin Fraser needed.
I don’t think many will be surprised when you hear that the first 45 minutes of this game produced a 0-0 score-line. On numerous occasions this season, my Chivas USA match recaps have been fairly lean when it comes to first half analysis. The Goats, especially on the road, tend to be a second half team and this was the case again on Saturday night. The first half of this one however, was actually quite entertaining. Despite Portland having the majority of chances (with which they should have taken the lead), the game was being played at a high tempo from both sides and in the intimidating atmosphere of the JELD-WEN Field, things still could have went either way. With no clear-cut Chivas chances, it was Portland’s Scottish striker, Kris Boyd, that was guilty of wasting the half’s best opportunities. The striker continually failed to find his way past MLS All-Star Dan Kennedy who was having one of his trademark nights in goal. Chivas still had the usual away day doggedness about them though, and they scraped through the 1st half keeping it scoreless.
Returning for the second half, fans would have been hoping for a much improved performance from the Rojiblancos. Chivas USA were giving away possession far too easily in the first half, and it seemed like they were unwilling to capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities the way in which Portland were. It was all about scrappy and disjointed. However, what Chivas USA has been doing well recently is grinding out results when they haven’t been playing particularly well. Lucky for us, it was going to be another one of those nights.
Things improved slightly in the second half and Chivas looked a bit more determined to take something from the game. So did Robin Fraser as the head coach brought on the recently recovered Juan Agudelo for the ineffective Cesar Romero. Despite having the attacking trio of Miller Bolaños, Juan Pablo Angel and Juan Agudelo on the field the only goal of the game came through the unlikely source of Captain Danny Califf.
In the 68th minute, a Ben Zemanski free-kick drew Timbers ‘keeper Troy Perkins off his line and defender Califf headed the ball past the hapless stopper for the winning goal and his first for Chivas USA. Coming against the run of play, the goal only spurred on the Timbers more and Chivas USA had to withstand some increased pressure from the home side. Cheered on by the intimidating home support, the terrific atmosphere within the stadium meant Portland threw everything they had at the Goats, but again it was some staunch defending and the figure of Dan Kennedy that meant all three points were going back to California.
Losing their third game against Chivas USA this year and their fifth MLS defeat in a row, the Portland Timbers will no doubt feel they should have got more from this game. They were the better side throughout, dominated possession and had twice as many attempts on goal (and on target) over the visitors. Nevertheless, Chivas USA once again did just enough to take points from a game that they arguably should have lost. And when you have players like Danny Califf and Dan Kennedy in that kind of form…it is not exactly surprising.
Despite lacking in what has been missing all year (goals and a decent offense) the Goats stood firm in a challenging venue and grinded out another victory that keeps them in the hunt for the playoffs. Robin Fraser will be concerned at the lack of quality on show from his players but he will still be as delighted as the fans with the result. Three points has given Chivas a bit more breathing room in sixth spot now and with three games in hand on LA Galaxy, the victory over Portland sets up the next few weeks nicely. Chivas USA have a week off to recover and then line up in the third and final Super Clasico of the season. With just 7 points and three games in hand on the Galaxy, the hunt for the fifth playoff spot could turn out to be an LA battle.
(image courtesy of Steve Dipaola/Portland Timbers)
