CARSON, Calif. -- To call Chivas USA’s upset of the New York Red Bulls last weekend a turning point would be an overstatement, but those hungry for any sort of positive sign certainly didn’t overlook the 3-2 victory.
The Rojiblancos lost a lead for the sixth time in eight matches, yet responded with two goals from Erick “Cubo” Torres for their second win since March.
“A massive step forward,” goalkeeper Dan Kennedy said. “That’s actually what we talked about last week -- scoring that goal and continuing to play with confidence to create opportunities. We were able to do that. The reward was there. We played with two forwards and we had three goals to show for it.”
Chivas USA, who scored two goals for the first time since April, improved to 4-4-3 when scoring first, as opposed to 1-10-2 when they allow the game’s first goal. It wasn’t exactly picturesque, but the Rojiblancos haven’t shown they can play from behind.
“For me, this was the best game Chivas have played this season,” head coach José Luis Real said.
The Goats have conceded nearly twice as many goals as they have scored, but it’s not exactly a direct reflection of poor defensive play considering they have surrendered more than two goals in only seven matches.
After getting an opening goal from Julio Morales, the Rojiblancos saw New York answer on the very next possession, as many opponents have done recently.
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“That always happens,” Morales said, “but this time we were more concentrated. We worked to maintain possession. We had the ball a lot in this game. We scored and they tied us quickly, but thankfully we were able to respond.”
With only nine games remaining in the regular season, the win helped last-place Chivas USA generate some confidence heading into Sunday’s match at Vancouver (7 pm ET, watch on MLS Live).
“The reaction of the team, how we got up and responded to get a result, it was something we lacked,” Torres said. “We needed to get more pressure on the defense. We needed to get that first goal, but also continue to go for more. We didn’t settle for one this time. That was important.”
