MLS: CHIVAS COMES UP EMPTY GAME WITH NEW YORK ENDS IN A 0-0 TIE.

Byline: Matt Zimmerman Staff Writer

On a night when fans received golden mouse ears free from Disneyland, Chivas USA and the New York Red Bulls were anything but golden.

Saturday's game at Home Depot Center featured two fifth-place teams looking for the three points a victory would bring. And after a 0-0 deadlock that gave each team a point, both teams remain just as desperate for their first positive result in weeks.

"It feels like two points lost," said Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley, who held the same position with New York from 2003 until last fall. "I certainly think we needed to just do better with some chances."

After winning its opener, Chivas USA (1-2-1, four points) lost consecutive games, including a heartbreaker to the Galaxy on April 15.

With a bye preceding and following Saturday's game, the team will have a long time to lament missed opportunities and a disappointing result.

"That's the way it goes," said Chivas goalie Brad Guzan, who saved the game's best chance, a close shot by Mike Magee after his first attempt hit the crossbar in the 58th minute. "That's the way the league schedules the games, and you've just got to move on with it. I don't think it really played a factor."

New York (0-1-4, four points) goalie Tony Meola was credited with seven saves, but only one presented a challenge. In the 53rd minute, forward Ante Razov attacked from the right side, and found himself alone in the box against Red Bulls defenders.

With no help, he beat one defender, but his point-blank shot was saved by Meola, who had moved to cut off the near-post angle.

All of Meola's other saves came on either crosses or Chivas free kicks, with none of the chances ever truly threatening to break the tie.

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Chivas USA's Juan Francisco Palencia, right, battles for control of ball against New York's Danny O'Rourke during the first half.

Edna T. Simpson