Justin Braun’s 13th minute header held up as Chivas USA captured a 1-0 win over D.C. United on Sunday night at The Home Depot Center in Carson. The striker scored his team-leading 8th goal of the MLS season, looping a header from the top of the box over D.C. goalkeeper Troy Perkins, to give the Red-and-White the win.
Chivas USA continues to push for a spot in the playoffs, improving its record to 6-11-4 (W-L-T) on the season, good for 22 points, just one point behind the Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference with a game in hand. D.C. United falls to 4-15-3 on the season, with 15 points.
Zach Thornton earned his fifth shutout of the season, and the 74th of his career, which ties him with San Jose’s Joe Cannon for second on the all-time MLS list. Thornton made three saves in keeping the clean sheet, but also smothered several breakaways and picked off many crosses.
Defender Ante Jazic played the long ball to the box on Braun’s goal, giving the Canadian international his first assist of the season. The back four play strong defense throughout, and right back Mariano Trujillo even cleared a Jaime Moreno header off the line in the 69th minute.
Chivas USA now turns to the U.S. Open Cup, visiting Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday night at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash. The match is a semifinal for the knock-out tournament, and the Red-and-White will have to go through the defending Open Cup champs to make the final.
The Red-and-White practice on Monday at 10:30 a.m. on Field 4 at The Home Depot Center before traveling on Tuesday to Seattle. After Wednesday’s Open Cup match in Tukwila, Wash., the team will travel on Friday to Denver for Saturday’s road match at the Colorado Rapids in league play.
Wednesday’s match against Seattle will be broadcast online at www.SoundersFC.com at 7:30 p.m. PT and Saturday’s game at the Rapids will air on FS West, KWHY, and W Radio 690 AM at 6:00 p.m. PT.
