CARSON, Calif -- Chivas USA and Sporting Kansas City faced off at The Home Depot Center, on a clear and sunny Sunday evening, with Kansas City prevailing 0-1 and C.J. Sapong scoring the winning goal for Kansas City. Chivas USA had lost their previous three home matches, making this the first time they've lost more than three in a row at home since way back in 2005. Chivas USA are still yet to score a goal at home this season.
Sporting Kansas City broke open in the second half, one minute after kickoff. Graham Zusi fired a shot from outside the box that clanged against the top crossbar. Zusi was able to get underneath his rebound which shot ten feet in the air. He headed it to the left, where C.J. Sapong was waiting to head it goal ward. It was Sapong's third goal of the year, and Zusi's fifth assist.
Chivas had a chance to draw level minutes later when Frenchman Laurent Courtois found a barely onside Nick LaBrocca in the box. LaBrocca's shot clanged off the far post and out harmlessly wide. It was Chivas' best chance of the night.
The rest of the second half continued on in much the same fashion. Chivas USA did enough to keep the middle of the pitch clogged, but didn't have people who could finish once they were in position to do so. Sporting Kansas City seemed content with this arrangement, understandable considering the status quo favored them.
Thirty minutes into the match neither team had a shot on goal, as things took some time to warm up. Chivas USA looked the better side, as to that point Kanas City hadn't taken any shots of any kind. Kansas City did take advantage of some passing miscues by Chivas, but was unable to turn them into attempts. Chivas USA and their 4-5-1 were able to get numbers behind Sporting's 4-3-3, clogging up the midfield.
Ryan Smith went down hard in the first half, trying to split Meyers and Kumara. They banged knees, and it was a solid minute before Smith could get himself back in the match. He would return after a short break.