Chivas USA physical display paid off

The first SuperClasico between Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA finished 1-1 at the Home Depot Center following late goals and a questioned red card. Chivas felt down to 10 men, following Joaquín Velázquez's red card at the end of the first half, after a tackle on Galaxy midfielder Colin Clark. Despite playing with a man edge for 50 minutes, Galaxy failed to create scoring chances --  Jose Villarreal’s crossbar aside -- against a organized Chivas USA defense. LA had the control of the game posting 61.8 to 38.2 in ball possession but they were unable to turn retention into chances, ending the game with just three shots on goal. Bruce Arena started with his classic 4-4-2 line up, pulling Clark and Mike Magee on the flanks while Jose Villareal was paired up top alongside Robbie Keane. José Luis “Chelís” Sánchez Solá lined up a 3-4-3 formation featuring Josue Soto and Eric Avila as wing-backs while the offensive trio of forwards Julio Morales, Juan Aguedo, and Josè Correa had the duty to challenge Galaxy’s flat four defense. Chivas showed an aggressive play as Chivas’ 22 committed fouls against Galaxy’s eight testified. But Chivas coach defended his way. After  Velázquez's ejection, Chelís quickly brought Morales off and replaced him with defender Carlos Borja, who went to the left side of the rebuilt Goats' three-man backline, alongside Bobby Burling and Mario de Luna. Arena too made a halftime change, as he kept Clark off the board replacing him with defender Leonardo, moving A.J. DeLaGarza at the right back spot while Sean Franklin was pushed up into the midfield. Late change Michael Stephens added nothing to the attack. A much better impact had Jack McBean, which came later on the field to give LA the lead in the 83rd minute. But Carlos Álvarez’s score in the 89th gave Chivas an earned point. With this draw, Chivas  pick up a good point as they had lost seven of the latest eight meetings with the Galaxy.