An early goal from Justin Braun was enough for Chivas USA to beat the San Jose Earthquakes at the Buck Shaw stadium and seal their spot in the 2008-09 MLS Playoffs.
Braun’s seventh minute strike was assisted by Alecko Eskandarian, who has found the back of the net in the last three games Chivas have played, and ensures that Preki Radosavljevic’s side confirm their place in the playoffs for the third year running.
The loss severely damages the Earthquakes’ chances of becoming the first expansion team to qualify for the playoffs.
Despite missing Sascha Klejstan and Maykel Galindo and having several other players out due to injury, Chivas got the result they wanted, and are now one point behind Houston in the Western Conference standings.
Chivas have now won six of their last seven MLS games, the sole exception being a loss to New England.
San Jose had more shots on goal, and had four corners in comparison to nil for Chivas, but could not come up with a goal.