Goats Go to Semifinals: Chivas USA 2, Charlotte Eagles 1

A brace by Jose Correa was the difference Tuesday in Titan Stadium, as Chivas USA defeated the Charlotte Eagles in the quarterfinal round of the 2012 U.S. Open Cup 2-1. After a scoreless first half, Correa got his first goal in the 65th minute, as he got the ball on a breakaway, had to beat Charlotte goalkeeper Clint Irwin, and then rounded and slotted it between two defenders. It seemed Chivas would hang on for yet another 1-0 victory, but Charlotte had other ideas, as Mauricio Salles got the equalizer in the 89th minute in a scramble in the box. It marred a terrific night by Tim Melia and Chivas' defense, and it seemed like the match would go to extra time.

But a free kick in the 94th minute sealed the win, as Laurent Courtois sent the long kick in the box, and Correa rose up and got the winner with the header. It was a dramatic conclusion to the match - Chivas' second late win in the U.S. Open Cup in a row. After the match, Correa explained that while he got on the end of the ball to get the winning goal, it was Juan Pablo Angel who literally pushed him up to get to the ball. It won't count as an official assist, but JPA probably deserves one to help get the Goats to the semifinals.

Tomorrow, I'll provide more detailed observations, and discuss some of the talking points of the match. For now, Chivatown can be happy with the latest accomplishment - and looking ahead to the semifinal match between Chivas and the Seattle Sounders in two weeks. Chivas have matched their farthest progress in the tournament, but they still have work to do, and the dreams of a trophy are closer than ever.

In the meantime, provide your comments about the match below!