Final: Chivas USA 0 Colorado Rapids 1

This game has mercifully come to an end after six minutes (!) of stoppage time. A dispiriting performance by Chivas USA who never looked like equalizing in this game; one goal proved just to big of a mountain to climb.

I’m told, for instance, that forward Victor Estupinan touched the ball three times over 90 minutes, not that he had any service whatsoever from the toothless midfield.

There were 13,027 in attendance to watch this one; just 15 more home games to go.

Next for Chivas USA: at Portland Tuesday to play the Timbers in the U.S. Open Cup.

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Striker Tristan Bowen comes on for defender Ante Jazic as Chivas USA desperately searches for something resembling an offensive spark.

Updated

“Panchito” Mendoza has come in for Marcos Mondaini in the 64th minute, Chivas USA’s first substitution of the night.

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Michael Lahoud cleared a Jeff Larentowicz shot from seven yards out off the goal line. Larentowicz received the ball via a Kosuke Kimura back pass at the near post from a Jamie Smith corner in the 54th minute.

Justin Braun was credited with Chivas USA’s first shot on goal two minutes later, his deflected shot just tipped onto the crossbar by Matt Pickens.

Halftime

Are the Rapids on their way to a fourth consecutive shutout victory over Chivas USA? The Chivas USA scoreless streak against the Rapids has reached 346 minutes. And will the Rapids win their fourth game in the last five against Chivas USA in Carson?

Given the tepid offensive effort by the Goats in the first half I’m not sure anyone would bet against any of the above changing to the advantage of the home team.

Chivas USA didn’t have a shot on target in the first 45 minutes.

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Factoid: Chivas USA were 0-17-3 when allowing the first goal last season, the only MLS team not to win when conceding the first goal.

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With a half hour gone midfielder Blair Gavin has headed to the locker room with his nagging hamstring issue apparently resurfacing. Mariano Trujillo has come in for him.

Quincy Ararikwa latched onto a Jamie Smith pass that emanated from near the halfway line and caught the entire Chivas USA defense flat-footed as it pushed up and scored in the 32nd minute.

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Captain David Beckham led the Galaxy to a 4-1 loss in Salt Lake tonight. Juan Pablo Angel got his first Galaxy goal in the 79th minute, scant consolation for a lopsided loss to a MLS Cup contender that just sent a message to Bruce Arena & co.

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Twenty minutes in and the most significant offensive effort so far was a long-range Heath Pearce shot that went wide. At least a defender has the goal on his radar.

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Mexico beat Paraguay 3-1, the U.S. drew 1-1 with Argentina, the Galaxy are losing 4-0 at Real Salt Lake and the stands here are sadly very empty for Chivas USA’s second consecutive home game of the season against the defending MLS champions.

Chivas USA Coach Robin Fraser is forced to make two changes because of the weekend’s international games.

Michael Lahoud, Blair Gavin and Victor Estupinan come in for the absent Zarek Valentin and Alejandro Moreno, while “Panchito” Mendoza was dropped to the bench.

Chivas USA XI (4-1-4-1 or 4-3-3, take yer pick): Zach Thornton, Heath Pearce, Ben Zemanki, Jimmy Conrad, Ante Jazic, Michael Lahoud, Nick LaBrocca, Blair Gavin, Justin Braun, Victor Estupinan, Marcos Mondaini.

For the opposition striker Conor Casey is on the bench nursing a calf strain.

The Rapids XI (4-4-2): Matt Pickens, Kosuke Kimura, Marvell Wynne, Drew Moor, Anthony Wallace, Brian Mullan. Pablo Mastroeni, Jeff Larentowicz, Jamie Smith, Quincy Amarikwa, Caleb Folan

The game is live on KDOC.

Refresh this post for updates throughout the game.