CHIVAS USA MOVES AHEAD CHIVAS USA 1, COLORADO 0.

Byline: DANIEL FRIAS Staff Writer

CARSON -- It has every reason to celebrate, but Chivas USA might want to hold off popping open the champagne just yet. Or in its case, the expensive bottles of tequila.

Chivas USA got a much-needed 1-0 win against Colorado at Home Depot Center in front of 14,991 fans. The victory put Chivas in second place with 42 points behind Dallas, which is atop the Western Conference with 49.

``It's nice to get the three points and move into second place,'' Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley said. ``The game played out the way we expected it, and we were fortunate to put a good play together.''

Francisco Mendoza, who hadn't scored in more than three months, scored the only goal of the game -- his third of the season and the third of his MLS career. The second-year player last found the back of the net June 3 in a 4-1 victory against Colorado.

Mendoza took the feed from Jonathan Bornstein just outside the box and dribbled his way inside, letting one defender go by. He then faked his shot before firing past Colorado goalie Joe Cannon to give Chivas USA a 1-0lead in the 34th minute.

The loss keeps Colorado in fourth with 39 points. Houston moves down to third with 41. Real Salt Lake is in fifth place with 36 and the L.A. Galaxy remains in last at 33 points.

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Chivas USA's Francisco Mendoza (left) celebrates after scorin g the winning goal.

Edna T. Simpson/Staff Photographer