Upset of the Week: Chivas USA douse Chicago Fire, 3-2

Mar 9, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Chivas USA forward Erick Torres (9) talks to fans after the game against the Chicago Fire at StubHub Center. The Chivas USA defeated the Chicago Fire 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

If you saw this one coming, take a bow. A goal explosion in the second half saw Wilmer Cabrera’s Chivas USA come out on top in the upset of the week: a 3-2 victory over Frank Yallop’s Chicago Fire at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Chalk up two straight years where the Fire stumble in Los Angeles: first to the Galaxy and then to Chivas.

Of course, it also helped that Mike Magee was not on the pitch for Chicago, but that’s a different story. Here 6 Things We Learned, followed by Player Ratings, for Chivas USA vs. Chicago Fire.

1. Erick Torres opens up the scoring for Chivas USA

Erick “Cubo” Torres is going to be a force for Chivas USA in terms of scoring. He opened things up with a penalty conversion in the 54th minute after being fouled by Gonzalo Segares in the box.

2. Watch out for Thomas McNamara

A face that you will need to keep an eye out for is rookie Thomas McNamara. He is a player that can finish the job when asked, as seen in the 59th minute, when he took care of a cross from Leandro Barrera.

3. Benji Joya delivers for Chicago

One of Yallop’s two substitutes, Benji Joya, proved to the masses at StubHub why he is expected to make some noise for Chicago. A shot from Alex in the 64th minute was originally denied, but Joya was there to cut the lead to 2-1.

4. More sub magic from Quincy Amarikwa

Another substitute that earned his stripes on the day was Quincy Amarikwa, who delivered a solid curling show past Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy to level the match at 2-2 in the 70th minute. For the most part, that looked that this would be the final outcome. Until this happened.

5. Mauro Rosales and Bobby Burling bring out the hose

In the 88th minute, Mauro Rosales proved why he is a master of set pieces. Off the corner, Bobby Burling finished off the set piece to give Chivas USA the 3-2 win.

6. Stats back up the scoreline

If you take a look at the match stats, you will see that the stats back up the scoreline. It was a dominating performance from start to finish for the Goats, and this will help them heading into their next match against another red-hot team in the Vancouver Whitecaps.