Half Time: FC Dallas at Chivas USA
Chivas USA 0 FC Dallas 0
Chukwudi Chijindu has played only three games for Chivas USA, but it appears the youngster is determined to make an impression one way or another.
After scoring on his MLS debut last weekend, Chuckie drew a red card in a one on one against Dallas goalkeeper Dario Sala in the 25th minute, forcing him into handling outside the box.
Chivas USA haven't capitalized on the man advantage yet, but gradually asserted their authority as the half wore on, getting a goal disallowed for a foul by Justin Braun in stoppage time.
It was Dallas who actually started the brighter, Kenny Cooper, especially, proving a handful.
A 12th minute Cooper header required Zach Thornton to get a hand to it to tip it over the bar to prevent a goal, while a horrible Thornton mistake three minutes later almost led to Cooper scoring.
A bad clearance (pass?) from Thornton reached Cooper just outside the box, who almost lobbed Thornton to make him pay for his error.
Thornton also denied Dax McCarty from short range in the 24th minute; a couple of minutes later the Dallas midfielder was gone to make way for Dallas backup Ray Burse in place of Sala.
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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