Squandering a surprisingly strong start to the season, Chivas USA displayed its familiar defensive frailties Saturday in a second straight loss that sent its record to 3-3-1 in succumbing 1-0 to Real Salt Lake and plunging down the standings after starting the day sitting in second place in the Western Conference.

Midfielder Edgar Mejia had an eventful day he won’t soon forget, missing a penalty kick and then getting himself sent off as the game wound down, pointlessly and blantantly throwing an elbow in midfield that encapsulated Chivas USA’s frustrating day.

Chivas USA produced a comedy of errors in conceding the game’s lone goal, giving the ball away inside RSL’s half before back pedaling and ball watching their way to a one-goal deficit.

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Next for Chivas USA: San Jose Earthquakes Saturday at Home Depot Center