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Late Chivas strike denies Union chance to go top

Oct 3, 2011 - 2:25 AM Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Juan Pablo Angel denied the Philadelphia Union the opportunity to move into first place in the Eastern Conference on Sunday, scoring a late equalizer as Chivas USA played to a 1-1 draw with the Union at The Home Depot Center.

The Union entered the match in third place, trailing Sporting Kansas City by two points. A win in Carson would have seen Philadelphia take first place in the East.

Justin Mapp appeared to have helped the Union achieve that feat, scoring in the 59th minute. But it was canceled out by Angel, who scored in dramatic fashion with a header in the 90th minute.

After a scoreless first half, Mapp handed Philadelphia the lead with a brilliant solo effort. Mapp dribbled at the Chivas defense and advanced to the top of the box before capitalizing on the lack of pressure, lashing a shot past goalkeeper Dan Kennedy.

Philadelphia looked as if it would hold onto the lead, but it surrendered a heart-breaking goal to Angel at the death to throw away two vital points.

Michael Lahoud played a cross to the back post, finding an unmarked Angel. The Colombian striker nodded his effort off the post and over the goal line to salvage a point for Chivas.

Philadelphia (10-7-14) now moves into a tie with the Columbus Crew for second place in the East, deadlocked at 44 points apiece. Chivas (8-12-12) remains in seventh place in the West with 36 points on the year.

The Union return to action on Oct. 8 when they head to CenturyLink Field to face Seattle Sounders FC, while Chivas will enjoy a short layoff before its local derby against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Oct. 16.