Columbus Crew Vs. Chivas USA: Surging Goats Grab 2-1 Halftime Lead

Chivas USA had been steadily improving all season and hit a high two weeks ago with a win at the New York Red Bulls. Last week's loss to their rivals, the Los Angeles Galaxy, looked like it might knock them back some, but they don't look like they've been knocked back at all in the first half against the Columbus Crew. The Goats started quickly and when the Crew answered, answered right back to take a 2-1 lead on the road at halftime.

It took less than four minutes for Chivas to jump on top and they did so with a very pretty goal. They knocked the ball around the Crew half quickly and efficiently before a cross to the back post found Justin Braun. Braun put it back across the goal where Nick LaBrocca finished into an empty goal to put the Goats on top.

The Crew had an equalizer in them though and it came through Andres Mendoza. Emmanuel Ekpo created the chance with a blazing right right through the center of the park before passing to Mondoza on the right. Mendoza made no mistake, ripping a shot on the first touch for a good goal.

Just like the Crew had an equalizer in them, Chivas had an answer in them. Heath Pearce's corner was a peach and Andrew Boyens skied above the Crew defense to finish for the go-ahead goal.

Chivas hasn't been dominant though. Ante Jazic had to make a great clearance off of the goal line and the Crew have had their chances, but Robin Fraser is doing one heck of a turnaround job with the Goats.