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Galindo, own goal more than enough for Chivas

Jun 17, 2007 - 5:55 AM CARSON, California (Ticker) -- As the lone undefeated home and best defensive team in Major League Soccer, Chivas USA doesn't need any help to get a win. The Colorado Rapids gave it to them anyway.

Chivas USA benefited from an own goal and Maykel Galindo scored in the 63rd minute in a 2-0 victory over the Rapids on Saturday.

Chivas, which improved to 4-0-1 at home this season, have outscored opponents, 11-1, at The Home Depot Center this season and have allowed just eight goals all season, the best mark in the MLS.

In winning its third straight game, Chivas extended their scoreless streak to 220 minutes and notched their fifth clean sheet of the season.

"When I only have to face two or three shots in a game, it makes my whole job a lot easier," Chivas goalkeeper Brad Guzan said. "I give the credit to my defense. They're playing awesome right now. It's not just the back four. I think it's everyone in front of me making the whole team successful."

"The defense has been playing hard," Chivas coach Preki added. "We're fortunate to have Brad, but it's our whole back line, and that's what makes the difference."

Chivas got on the board in the 48th minute when a kick from Sacha Kljestan touched a number of players just outside the penalty box, eventually bouncing off Rapids midfielder Terry Cooke's chest and bouncing past Colorado goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul and into the net for the first goal.

"I felt we controlled the game until the own goal," Rapids coach Fernando Clavio said. "I felt we controlled most of the game, but that's how it goes. Then an unfortunate situation changes the result that makes the difference in the game."

Galindo followed the own goal 15 minutes later, scoring his sixth goal of the season. He took a solid lead pass from Jesse Marsch and blew by Rapids defender Brandon Prideaux into the penalty box area on the right side of the field.

The 26-year-old forward sent a left-footed kick that cruised by a helpless Coundoul, who had slipped after being faked out by Galindo on the 1-on-1 opportunity.

The goal was retribution for Galindo, who recovered from missing a great opportunity just a minute earlier as he was unable to find the handle on the ball after getting by Rapids defender Ugo Ihemelu. Visibly frustrated, the Cuban forward committed a foul on Ihemelu after his missed opportunity.

With the three points, Chivas moves past the Rapids into third place in the Western Conference standings, five points behind division leader FC Dallas. Colorado has dropped three straight.