Avila scores winner in 2nd half to lift Chivas USA to 2-1 win over Whitecaps

CARSON, Calif. – Eric Avila scored early in the second half and Chivas USA held on for a 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday night.

Avila’s 55th-minute tally gave Chivas (3-1-1) a 2-0 lead. Kenny Miller responded quickly for the Whitecaps (2-2-0), but the visitors were unable to tie the match at Home Depot Center.

Chivas maintained their league lead in goals scored with 10 through five games. Last season it took Chivas 15 games to reach that amount.

Chivas jumped out to a quick lead. In the 12th minute Carlos Alvarez attempted a cross from the corner of the penalty area. The ball deflected off Vancouver defender Jun Marques Davidson and skipped past Joe Cannon into the net.

Avila put the hosts up 2-0 in the 55th minute. Jorge Villafana found Avila unmarked on the right side of the penalty area. Avila struck the ball in midair, sending it into the back of the goal.

Kenny Miller cut Vancouver’s deficit in the 64th minute. Chivas’ Dan Kennedy saved Erik Hurtado’s shot, but the rebound sailed to Miller, who headed the ball into an empty net.