Chivas USA dropped a 2-0 decision to the LA Galaxy at The Home Depot Center on Thursday night, unable to find a goal despite having good possession the game and a number of chances, especially in the final 20 minutes. Blair Gavin, the Red-and-White’s first pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, made his MLS debut and played 90 minutes in central defense.
The Galaxy took the lead early, scoring on a Buddle header against the run of play in the seventh minute. After the goal, both teams attempted to take control of the match, and both teams fought hard in the midfield but struggled to find chances.
The match opened up in the second half, and Chivas USA found several opportunities but could not find a way past Donovan Ricketts in the Galaxy net, who picked up his second shutout in two matches. Jesús Padilla, Maicon Santos, and Sacha Kljestan all had chances turned away by the goalkeeper.
After a string of Chivas USA shots, the Galaxy iced the game in the 87th minute on a counter attack, with Landon Donovan getting behind the defense and feeding Buddle in the center of the field for the second goal of the game.
Blair Gavin made his MLS debut for the Red-and-White, playing 90 minutes in central midfield and turning in one of the top performances of the match. Making strong tackles and accurate passes, the rookie from the University of Akron dueled with Galaxy veterans Chris Birchall and Dema Kovalenko for the entire match.
Chivas USA Head Coach Martín Vásquez, on tonight’s match: “I’m disappointed with the result, but I think we’re on the right track…. We were very unlucky, very unfortunate not to get a goal. It would’ve changed everything, because we would’ve gotten that momentum and who knows, we could’ve had the opportunity to finish it off.”
Next home game: Chivas USA will host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, April 10 at 1:00 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.
PHOTOS: JUAN MIRANDA/CHIVAS USA
Chivas USA Head Coach talks about the 2-0 lost against the LA Galaxy:
Post game audio
Forward Justin Braun
Midfielder Sacha Kljestan
Midfielder Blair Gavin
