Chivas USA was supposed to be much improved this season, but they sure didn't look it in their first two matches. On Saturday though, in their third match, they finally looked as improved as some thought they might. The Goats were organized at the back, took advantage of their forays forward and walked away from Rio Tinto Stadium with a shocking 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
Real Salt Lake Vs. Chivas USA, 2012 MLS: Goats Stun RSL Thanks To Townsend, Kennedy
More than anything, Chivas leaned on the one thing they were strong in last season -- goalkeeping. Dan Kennedy was tremendous, just like he was last year, denying RSL time and time again. That's not to say that it was a deluge on the Chivas goal, but Salt Lake did have their opportunities and Kennedy was equal to it each time. That was never more true than in extra time when Fabian Espindola got through all alone on goal, but Kennedy was there to tip his shot past the post.
Chivas got their winner in the 72nd minute when they did well to switch the field and found Ante Jazic near the end line on the left with plenty of field to cross. His cross floated a bit and Nick Rimando came out to gather it, but Casey Townsend didn't just let him have it. He fairly challenged for it and forced Rimando to drop the ball. As soon as he did, Townsend pounced, knocking the ball into the empty net to give Chivas a great road win over one of the league's top teams.
See More:
