Chivas USA Extends MLS Lead On Nagamura's Deflection, Tops Real Salt Lake

May 10, 2009 11:07 a.m. EST

Carson, CA (AHN) - League-leading Club Deportivo Chivas USA became the first MLS club to break the 20-point barrier with a 1-0 shutout victory over Real Salt Lake Saturday night at Home Depot Center.

An unlucky deflection of Paulo Nagamura's shot in the 54th minute proved to be the difference, as Chivas USA, with 22 points, moved eight points clear atop the Major League Soccer table.

Chivas USA (7-1-1) also improves to 5-0-0 at home this season.

After a scoreless first half that started sluggishly, RSL, which shifted to a 4-5-1 defensive formation for the first time this season, challenged the Goat's defense early in the second half.

Yura Movsisyan, the lone striker in front in Real's modified defensive scheme, steered his way in the box before launching a low shot at Chivas USA keeper Zach Thornton, who turned aside the attempt.

Will Johnson followed suit in a similar position as Movsisyan had earlier, only on the opposite side, but his shot went wide of the upright.

Eduardo Lillingston, who picked up Chivas USA's second yellow card of the match, then sent a cross into the box from the right side of the field, which was dealt poorly by RSL's Kyle Beckerman.

Sacha Kljestan, recipient of a yellow card in the 25th minute, got the ball before flicking a header to the top of the box to the onrushing Nagamura.

Nagamura pounded home a blistering shot that was deflected off Beckerman before going into the net past RSL goalkeeper Chris Seitz. It was third goal of the season for the Brazilian.

Saturday's win was the sixth shutout of the season by Chivas USA with Thornton in the net. Thornton recorded three saves Saturday.

Chivas will be carrying the momentum when it visits D.C. United next Saturday.

RSL, which dropped to 0-4-0 on road without scoring an away goal this season, hosts Kansas City later that same day.