Half Time: Chicago Fire at Chivas USA

First off, this is a pulsating game, the players being spurred on by a large and boisterous crowd, which makes all the difference.

Chivas USA is leading 2-0 with Ante Razov playing a massive role in creating both, but Paulo Nagamura was sent off after receiving a second yellow card just before the end of the half, likely changing the whole complexion of the game.

Chivas USA had the better of the first half, landing four shots on target to the Fire's one, but Chicago have also looked promising going forward, with John Thorrington linking up well with Cuauhtemoc Blanco.

Razov and Sacha Kljestan combined for a give and go for the opening goal in the seventh minute, Kljestan outrunning a Fire defender to fire the ball home from about seven yards.

The second arrived six minutes later, Francisco Mendoza sending a ball down the left win to Razov who sent a quick cross over that was met by Justin Braun at close range. It was the second goal of his short MLS career.

Chad Barrett had a chance to pull one back four minutes after that, receiving a ball in what looked like an offside position that allowed him to get behind the entire Chivas USA defense and forced goalkeeper Brad Guzan to come outside his box in an unsuccessful effort to stop him. But Barrett was unable to apply the finishing touch with the goal open and the Chivas USA defense scrambling back.

Incidentally, Legion 1908 arrived in two buses with a police escort and requested tighter security around them, fearing they could be targeted by Club America fans.