The flukiest goal seen at Home Depot Center this season kept Chivas USA in the game after Luciano Emilio had scored the first two for D.C.

United goalkeeper Troy Perkins, attempting to clear a long ball out of the back by Chivas USA’s Paulo Nagamura, advanced about 30 yards off his goal line in the 31st minute. Chivas USA stiker Ante Razov, who had turned the other cheek, if you will, to protect his assets was hit hard in the upper thigh by the ball that ricocheted agonizingly into the D.C. net. Perkins, not surprisingly, looked mortified.

It was a fortuitous break for Chivas USA who had looked out of it after D.C. went two up inside the first half hour.

Emilio had scored his second after Chivas USA failed to hold a Jaime Moreno shot that bobbled back to the league’s leading scorer. It was the second time this evening Guzan had failed to hold onto a shot, an uncharacteristic display of sloppiness.

Still, Chivas USA striker Maykel Galindo should have done better on two occasions at the other end within three minutes, but failed to capitalize on his chances.

As half time neared Chivas USA could have even drawn level, when United defender Bobby Boswell almost directed a Sacha Kljestan cross into the net, luckily hitting the post instead.