Erick Torres scored the only goal of the game as Chivas USA picked up a crucial 1-0 win over fellow Western Conference strugglers the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium.
Chivas started the match strongly, and came agonisingly close to opening the scoring inside the first minute when Torres collected an inch-perfect pass from Eric Avila before firing just wide of the target.
San Jose improved as the first half progressed in Santa Clara, but it was Chivas who created the best chance before the break as Ryan Finley finished a fluent passing move by seeing a low strike tipped wide by Jon Busch.
Dan Kennedy was forced into action just five minutes prior to the interval when Steven Lenhart's towering header threatened to creep into the top corner.
It took just eight minutes for Chivas to break the deadlock in the second half thanks to Torres, who took full advantage of two unsuccessful clearances in the box to slot the ball past Busch.
San Jose dominated possession after falling behind, but the hosts found it difficult to create openings as Chivas held firm at the back.
Kennedy made one final vital contribution for the visitors to keep out Ty Harden's powerful header in the closing stages of an important win for Chivas.
Callum Mulvihill
