Chivas too much for Fuego
The game's first goal came off the foot of Chivas forward John Cunliffe in the 21st minute when his shot beat Fuego keeper Carlos Garciarulfo. Later, Chivas USA went up, 2-0, in the 34th minute after forward Matt Taylor scored on Garciarulfo.
Chivas USA added a third goal in the 45th minute when midfielder Lawson Vaughn scored on a corner kick from Cunliffe. One minute later, Cunliffe scored his second goal of the match to put Chivas USA on top, 4-0. In the sixty-eighth minute, Chivas USA scored its final goal of the match when defender Lyle Martin scored off Garciarulfo.
Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan had to leave in the seventh minute after he was kicked in the face. Guzan was later taken to the hospital for stitches and never returned. Preston Burpo replaced Guzan and played the remainder of the match.
Attendance for the contest was 7,547, marking the largest crowd for a Fuego game at Chukchansi Park.
"We were a little tense at first, but as a whole didn't do a good enough job of keeping up with their players," said Fuego coach Jaime Ramirez. "When you play a team with that much talent, you can't give them too many opportunities and that's what we did; now we have a chance to redeem ourselves come March 10th against the Galaxy."
The Fuego will host the Los Angeles Galaxy at 7:30 p.m. on March 10 at Chukchansi Park. Tickets for the match are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 320-TIXS or online at www.tickets.com.