Chivas USA clinches playoff berth, downs Wizards

Chivas USA clinches playoff berth

CARSON, Calif. — Justin Braun and Sacha Kljestan scored in a 3-minute span late in the second half and Chivas USA clinched a playoff berth with a 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Wizards on Saturday night.

Chivas USA (13-9-5), which has 44 points and reached the postseason for the fourth straight year, also moved into a three-way for first place in the Western Conference with Houston and Los Angeles. Chivas has a match in hand on both the Dynamo and Galaxy, and has three matches remaining.

Goalkeeper Zach Thornton made two saves for his MLS-leading 12th shutout. Thornton moved within one shutout of the single-season club record set by Brad Guzan in 2007.

Braun, out most of the season due to a concussion, scored his first goal since May 2 in the 71st minute. Kljestan began the sequence with a 32-yard free kick that goalkeeper Kevin Hartman deflected across his body with his right hand.

Yamith Cuesta recovered the ball on the right side of the penalty area and passed to Braun, who scored from 4 yards.

Kljestan added his fifth goal in the 74th minute. Eduardo Lillingston secured Mariano Trujillo’s long ball along the right flank and crossed to Kljestan, who dribbled past three defenders before converting from 7 yards.

The Wizards (8-12-8) had their best chance to score in the 57th minute, but Claudio Lopez’s 30-yard shot hit the crossbar.

Kansas City’s Jimmy Conrad and Chivas USA’s Jonathan Bornstein, both defenders, represented the United States in a 3-2 win over Honduras in a World Cup qualifier.

Story from: STATS LLC, www.stats.com.