Despite having to fend off a persistent Chivas Guadalajara attack for most of the game and playing a man down for 50 minutes, United pulled out a 2-1 victory in the first leg of the Copa Nissan Sudamericana home-and-home series.

From the get-go the Goats took advantage of quick, incisive passing to carve through the United midfield. Four times in the opening 16 minutes Chivas attackers had a clear line to the goal, yet they were unable to capitalize.

Though Chivas exhibited more aggression at first, United started to make more dangerous runs with the ball. Fred gave the Goats’ defense fits with his jackrabbit-like cuts and dribbling, while Jaime Moreno used deceptive first touches to beat his markers.

Reigning MLS Most Valuable Player Christian Gomez stepped up to make the best run of all. The Argentinean streaked through the midfield, changed speeds effectively, and maneuvered into the penalty box before making a smart pass to Fred. Though the Brazilian’s cross barely missed Moreno and Luciano Emilio, its clearance landed the ball at the feet of Ben Olsen. From 30 yards out, the midfielder snapped a bounding shot past the reach of goalkeeper Luis Ernesto Michelle.

Photos by Kyle Gustafson