MLSSoccer.com Match Report -- www.cdchivasusa.com
By ADAM SERRANO
MLSSoccer.com
FULLERTON, Calif. – A goal by Jose Correa in stoppage time proved the difference for Chivas USA as the Rojiblancos defeated USL PRO side Charlotte Eagles 2-1 to advance to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals for the second time in franchise history at Titan Stadium.
The Eagles came out blazing in the first 20 minutes, pressuring the hosts seemingly whenever they touched the ball. This pressure helped them create a pair of chances in the 10th and 11th minutes. The first came when Jorge Herrera sent a looping cross that required goalkeeper Tim Melia to parry the ball over the bar. Just a minute later on the ensuing corner, the ball fell to Mark Bloom, who fired a shot low, forcing a diving save from Melia.
Chivas began to turn their possession into chances in the 30th minute when a Laurent Courtois side-volley that appeared destined for the net deflected off Correa’s head and over the bar. Courtois created another chance in the 40th minute when he launched a shot from close distance that forced a good save from Charlotte goalkeeper Clint Irwin.
At the outset of the second half, the Goats ramped up the pressure and found the opening goal in the 64th minute. Melia began the move by distributing to Courtois, who chested the ball down to Juan Agudelo. The 19-year-old forward then fired a through-ball to Correa, who calmly fired the shot past Irwin.
With the seconds winding down, Charlotte found a goal in the 89th minute when Herrera saw his shot deflected off the foot of Chivas defender James Riley. The deflection in turn fell to the foot of Mauricio Salles, who calmly placed the shot past Melia.
The match appeared destined for extra time, but Courtois’ free kick three-and-a-half minutes into stoppage time was nodded in by Correa, sending Chivas into the semifinals and ending the Eagles’ deepest run in the Open Cup in the club’s 20-season history.
Chivas USA will face three-time Open Cup champion Seattle Sounders in the Open Cup semifinals at Starfire Complex in Tukwila, Wash. on July 10.