• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Seattle makes statement with road win at Chivas

Oct 23, 2011 - 5:13 AM Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Seattle Sounders FC wrapped up its regular season in fine form, earning a 3-1 road victory over Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center on Saturday.

With Seattle already guaranteed second place in the Western Conference and Chivas out of playoff contention, the clash was merely a formality with neither team having anything significant at stake.

But that didn't stop the Sounders from making a strong statement ahead of their push for MLS Cup, as three second-half goals in the span of 20 minutes lifted them past the home side.

An own goal from Andrew Boyens opened the scoring for Seattle in the 53rd minute before Alvaro Fernandez and Sammy Ochoa helped secure all three points. Victor Estupinan pulled one back for Chivas late, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal.

Boyens crashed into his own box early in the second half in an attempt to close down Fredy Montero, but he ended up slamming the ball into his own net as Chivas surrendered the opening goal.

Fernandez doubled the lead in the 68th minute, controlling a pass from Brad Evans before placing a shot past an on-rushing Dan Kennedy and into the far upper corner.

Ochoa put the icing on the cake five minutes later, as he headed home a brilliant cross from Montero to give Seattle a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Estupinan saved some face for Chivas on its home ground. He opened his MLS account with header from close range to beat Kasey Keller in the goalkeeper's final regular season match.

Chivas (8-14-12) slips to eighth place in the Western Conference with 36 points on the year, while Seattle (18-7-9) will head to the playoffs with home field advantage secured for the opening round.