Eric Brunner scored on a beautiful glancing header off a Mike Chabala corner kick in the 44th minute to send the Portland Timbers into halftime with a 1-0 lead over Chivas USA on Wednesday. It was Brunner's third goal of the season and the Timbers' 15th from a set piece.
Portland Timbers Vs. Chivas USA: Eric Brunner Gives Timbers 1-0 Lead
The Timbers had the better of play for much of the first half, out shooting Chivas USA 10-4 and holding about 53 percent of the possession. They had almost taken the lead several minutes earlier on David Horst's attempt in the 32nd minute. On that play, Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy appeared to be caught going the wrong direction, but was able to recover to make a diving save.
Chivas USA has been playing a much more defensive style, with both Juan Pablo Angel and Justin Braun not in the starting lineup. Braun is nursing an injury, but is on the 18, while Chivas USA coach Robin Fraser seems to have decided to save Angel for this weekend's encounter with Real Salt Lake.
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