Chivas USA 0, FC Dallas 1 | MLS Match Recap

CARSON, Calif. – Fabian Castillo made an impact in his return to the FC Dallas starting lineup, setting up the game-winner Sunday night in a 1-0 victory against Chivas USA at StubHub Center.

Castillo, who had missed the previous four games due to suspension for making contact with a match official on June 11, created the only goal of the night, getting the assist on Tesho Akindele’s tiebreaker four minutes into the second half. Akindele’s third goal in four games helped FC Dallas extend their unbeaten streak to seven games.

With the victory, FC Dallas (9-7-6) avenged a 1-1 draw at home in the sides’ previous meeting from May, moving them into a tie for third place in the Western Conference with 33 points from 19 games. Chivas USA (6-10-5) lost their third straight game after winning four in a row. They have dropped six of their 10 home games this year.

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Castillo’s return could have been even more eventful, but his shot two minutes into second-half stoppage time hit the post after he had evaded Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy.

Eric Avila sent in a shot from about 20 yards in the waning moments, but it was right at FCD goalkeeper Raúl Fernández, and the final whistle sounded shortly thereafter, giving Dallas only their second road win of the year.

Chivas USA held a 13-12 advantage in shots, but only four of those were on target. They also had an edge in possession percentage, but nothing was doing for the Goats, who were shutout for the sixth time this season.

In the 72nd minute, the Rojiblancos pleaded for a handball after a pass from Erick “Cubo” Torres deflected off Victor Ulloa inside the penalty area, but head referee Chris Pensó waved his arms.

• OPTA CHALKBOARD: Castillo proves to be the game-changer

Chivas USA had another chance for the equalizer in the 76th minute when Donald Toia centered a pass from the left wing, but Fernández had help in front to clear danger.

Torres was alone inside the penalty area in the 78th minute, but his header sailed over the crossbar. He failed to find the back of the net for the second straight match following a career-high six-game scoring streak.

The Goats showed some flashes late in the first half. Torres tried to chip a ball past Fernández from long range, but his attempt was just off the mark. Not long after that, Leandro Barrera tried his luck from distance, but Fernández had no problem hauling in that on-target shot.

FC Dallas return home to face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, while Chivas USA hit the road to take on the Portland Timbers on the same day.

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