Missed opportunities for TFC lead to 1-1 draw against Chivas USA

BY ADAM SERRANO

All around Toronto, people are discussing the departure of Dwayne De Rosario. Unfortunately for Toronto FC, that may no longer be the sole focus of the discussion. 

A shocking miss by Maicon Santos marred the 1-1 draw between Toronto FC and Chivas USA, in what was a high energy match between the two clubs. Alan Gordon equalized for the Reds after an Alejandro Moreno goal gave Chivas USA the lead in the 2nd minute of play.  

Both sides featured a number of changes from last week with former New York Red Bulls Tony Tchani and Danleigh Borman making their first starts for TFC while Jorge Flores and Dan Kennedy earned their first starts of the year for Chivas USA. 

The Rojiblancos took the lead early when Flores was able to will the ball through several TFC defenders after an errant clearance. Moreno then pounced on the opportunity to score his first goal in a Chivas USA uniform and the first goal by a Chivas USA attacking player during the 2011 season. Appearing incredibly spritely, Chivas USA generated a number of chances in the first half, but could not find their second goal.

This inability to finish allowed Toronto to work their way back into the match, nearly equalizing off a Gordon header that the forward smashed into the post. TFC was able to strike pay dirt in the 32nd minute when Gordon found space due to poor marking by Justin Braun, which allowed him to fire a header and beat Kennedy. The goal was Gordon's first in a TFC uniform after being traded from Chivas USA during preseason. 

With Chivas USA badly listing at the start of the second half, Santos looked certain to equalize in the 59th minute. Having beaten Kennedy and defender Andrew Boyens, Santos had an open net from point blank range -- as well as a teammate nearby -- to shoot at, but fired his shot wide.

The Santos miss appeared to rejuvinate Chivas, which looked the far more threatening side for the rest of the match and was perhaps unlucky not to earn all three points against Toronto.

Chivas USA will now return home to take on the revitalized Columbus Crew while TFC will hit the road to face off against the San Jose Earthquakes.