Final Result: San Jose Earthquakes at Chivas USA
Ante Razov finally broke open a game that appeared heading for a scoreless draw when he scored from a direct free kick from 28 yards out two minutes from the end of regulation time with a lovely left foot blast that gave Joe Cannon no chance.
What a relief.
And considering the Earthquakes' attacking options off the bench included former Chivas USA reserve striker John Cunliffe and Chivas' forwards included former Sunday rec league player Justin Braun, this was a game that appeared headed for a scoreless draw.
Oh, Ante Razov grazed the bar with a header. Sacha Kljesten should have done better with only the goalkeeper to beat when Razov put him through with a penetrating ball. And even Cunliffe sent a 18-yard shot whizzing just wide.
But until Razov scored, solid chances were few and far between.
Now Chivas USA go into Thursday's SuperClassico against the Galaxy tied with them for the Western Conference lead.
Ladies and gentlemen, a meaningful game awaits on national TV.
Back with a (little) more later.
About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. 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 and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
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