Red-and-White come up short against Galaxy
Chivas USA unable to finish chances in season-ending loss
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- Chivas USA eliminated from playoffs by Galaxy
- Highlights: LA 1, CHV 0
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The Red-and-White played the Galaxy tight all evening, but failed to capitalize on their chances in the offensive end of the pitch.
"It's disappointing," said Chivas USA head coach Preki. "We had plenty of opportunities to be on top but we were pretty poor around the box. They were there to be beaten, but we didn't make a play and they did, it's as simple as that."
Chivas USA struggled to find the back of the net all season. The team posted the lowest goals-scored mark in the Western Conference for 2009 with 34, and failed to score more than two goals in any game this year.
"It's been our story all year that we need to finish our chances," said striker Justin Braun. "I thought it was a little unfortunate not to get a goal in the second half, but the ball hasn't been bouncing our way and it didn't again tonight."
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The Galaxy's tally came by way of a 73rd-minute penalty kick converted by Landon Donovan. LA's Mike Magee had been pulled down by Chivas USA's Yamith Cuesta to draw the foul.
"That PK was deflating," said Braun. "But we kept pushing and we didn't let down, so you have to be happy with that. I thought a goal was going to come for us in the second half."
The Red-and-White pushed hard in game's closing minutes as they looked for an equalizer. The introductions of Eduardo Lillingston and Maykel Galindo off the bench meant that Chivas USA finished the match with four strikers on the field.
"The guys that came in worked hard, there's no question about that," said Preki. "We were just lacking a little bit of quality in front of the goal. We made poor decisions all night in the final third."
Sunday's loss marks the fourth consecutive year that Chivas USA have lost in the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The team had previously fallen to Houston in 2006, Kansas City in 2007 and Real Salt Lake last year.
"We've outplayed teams, but when it's come down to it, we haven't put balls away," said Carey Talley of the team's struggles in advancing in the postseason. "This team fought as hard as we could tonight, but when it came down to making the important plays, we just didn't."
While the Red-and-White are disappointed to see their season come to an end, they are proud of their teamwork and the determination they showed in Sunday's match.
"This group is always working for each other," said Braun. Everyone really gelled together. We played for each other, not just for one person. That's what made this group so special this year."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
