Sounders FC draw string ends with 1-0 loss at Chivas USA; Red cards continue

Seattle Sounders FC fans will no doubt be disappointed in the club's 1-0 loss last night in Los Angeles to Chivas USA.

A loss, it turns out, is not what we had in mind when it comes to breaking the 5-match draw string. While the tie-trend ended, the trend of getting a red card lives on.

Nate Jaqua will miss Seattle's home match against San Jose on June 13th after his late-match second yellow ejected him with a red card.

It is surely time for a realistic look at the struggling Sounders, and that includes keeping hopes for a playoff spot firm but admitting Seattle are now 'just one of the pack' in the parity-filled MLS. The club that bolted brightly in rave green out of the gates at 3-0 is now gone in place of one without even form, a sense of confidence and the ability to get victories.

The next five weeks will likely decide the Sounders' 2009 season. With 5 out of 6 at home between now and July 25 there can be no big mistakes, no excuses, and there is precious little room for draws or losses.

Seattle Sounders FC match report:

CARSON, Calif. – Seattle’s streak of six games without a loss, which included five consecutive ties to date, ended Saturday night at the Home Depot Center, as Chivas USA defeated Sounders FC, 1-0.

Despite controlling possession for much of the game and leading in almost every offensive category, Seattle (4-3-5) was unable to find the back of the net this time. It is its first loss and first time being shutout since losing at Chivas USA, 2-0, on April 18.

Chivas USA (8-2-3) got the sole goal of the game from Eduardo Lillingston late in the first half, and extended its hold of first place in the Western Conference with 27 points.

Lillingston scored the only goal in the 38^th minute. Maykel Galindo on the left side in the box found Paulo Nagamura, who shot low near post. Kasey Keller made the initial save, but the ball deflected to Lillingston and he knocked it straight ahead for the score.

Seattle had a number of chances throughout the match. Seattle’s best first half opportunity came in the 12^th minute when Fredy Montero saw Nate Jaqua on the right side, but Jaqua’s right footed shot went wide right.

In the second half, Sounders FC appeared to have a resurgence of energy when Sebastien Le Toux replaced Montero in the 65^th minute. Immediately, Le Toux found Jaqua on the left side, but Jaqua’s near side upper-post shot was just outside. Perhaps Seattle’s best opportunity was in the 68^th minute when Freddie Ljungberg’s free kick from the right set up a Jhon Kennedy Hurtado header in front of the net that went over the post.

Seattle finished the game down a man for the fifth time this season, as Jaqua was sent off in the 88^th minute with his second yellow card of the evening. He faces a one-game suspension. Hurtado will also miss next weekend’s match due to yellow card accumulation, as he received his fifth yellow card of the season in the 82^nd minute.

Seattle played without midfielder Peter Vagenas, who was scratched from the starting lineup after experiencing right ankle pain in warm-ups. Stephen King started in Vagenas’ place.

Sounders FC (17 points) is now tied for third place in the Western Conference, and returns home for a contest with the San Jose Earthquakes next Saturday on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT. It will be the second match between the two sides this season. Seattle’s last victory this season came at home against San Jose, 2-0, on April 25.

Referee: Kevin Stott

Referee's Assistants: Fabio Tovar; Jeff Hosking

4th Official: Yader Reyes
Time of Game: 90:00
Weather: Partly Cloudy -and- 65 degrees
Attendance: 13,117