Columnist Nick Green has written 100 Percent Soccer
since 2005. A
native of England, he began writing about soccer in
the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat
in the stands for one in
the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home
Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas
USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer.
Married to a long-suffering soccer widow, he has a cat
named Pele.Blanco 1 Chivas USA 0 (Half Time)
A world class Blanco goal from a 30-yard free kick in the 24th minute was the highlight of an entertaining first half.
In a piece of sheer artistry, Blanco somehow managed to find a sliver of space between the Chivas USA wall and the right post, leaving goalkeeper Brad Guzan no chance. The player who least enjoyed that skill: Chivas USA's Jesse Marsch, who fouled Blanco in the first place and then apparently got a yellow card for sharing some choice words with the referee.
Blanco had claimed at Friday's press conference that this was just another MLS game for him.
Don't believe it. He was in the middle of everything Chicago did and was clearly revelling in the large crowd that appeared to contain just as many Club America as Chivas USA fans.
The crowd buzzed every time Blanco received the ball waiting for an audacious back heel (check), theatrical dive (check) and yes, that, stunning goal that was still rising as it hit the back of the net.
Chivas USA, who have not lost at home this season, were not without their own opportunities in front of goal and had four shots to Chicago's one.
Maykel Galindo had a goal disallowed for offside that appeared perfectly fine, while Razov saw a shot take a wild deflection and hit the top of the bar.
There's an incredible atmosphere at this game and a second half any soccer fan would drool over in anticipation awaits.