Chivas USA 1, Toronto FC 0 | MLS Match Recap

CARSON, Calif. – The drought is over.

Despite playing a man down for most of the match Wednesday night, Chivas USA snapped their 14-game winless streak thanks to a goal from forward Erick “Cubo” Torres on his MLS debut, in the 79th minute of a 1-0 victory against Toronto FC.

Torres, who was acquired from affiliate C.D. Guadalajara earlier this month, found open space and sent a left-footed shot that deflected off Steven Caldwell and into the net. Tristan Bowen created the breakthrough goal when his run on the counter attack caught Toronto off guard.

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It was the Goats’ first MLS victory since March 30 and the first for head coach José Luis Real.

Toronto FC, who haven’t won a match since June 15, almost broke through late but Dan Kennedy made a handful of saves, including one on Darel Russell from close range. Marco Delgado cleared the ensuing shot attempt off the line and Kennedy, who also made a sprawling save on Jonathan Osorio in the 77th minute to keep the match scoreless, recorded his second shutout of the season.

Torres nearly scored earlier in the 60th minute, but Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik got a hand on his shot after Torres found himself open in front of goal.

It was a heroic performance for Chivas USA (4-11-5) given that they played without midfielder Eric Avila, who received a straight red card in the 24th minute for his tackle on Russell. Avila rolled around on the grass, too, but referee Sorin Stoica asked him to stand and immediately ejected him. Avila slid into Russell studs up and managed to hold up toward the end of his tackle but it was too little, too late for the creative midfielder.

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The Reds had a golden opportunity to break the scoreless tie shortly thereafter, but Jeremy Brockie was unable to cash in a centering pass by Osorio as Carlos Bocanegra, also making his Chivas USA debut, closed the gap.

Toronto (2-10-7) return home to face the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, while Chivas USA have some time off before their trip to the Pacific Northwest for a matchup against the Seattle Sounders on July 28.

MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match