Chivas USA clinched a spot in the 2009 Major League Soccer playoffs with a 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Wizards on Saturday night at The Home Depot Center.

It took over 70 minutes before the Goats (13-9-5) could break through with a Justin Braun goal, but less than two minutes later Sacha Kljestan doubled the home side's advantage. With the win, Chivas USA moves into a tie with Los Angeles and Houston atop the Western Conference table, with a game in hand on both teams.

Kansas City (8-12-8) is not mathematically eliminated from playoffs contention with the loss, but it is all but assured of staying home for the second season.

The game's first goal was scored when a Kljestan free kick was saved by a diving Kevin Hartman, but Yamith Cuesta found the rebound and crossed to the top of the six-yard box to Braun, who hammered it home for his second goal of the season.

In the 74th minute Kljestan scored his fifth of the season after an Eduardo Lillingston cross to him at the top of the 18-yard box found him. He then took a touch through three defenders and slotted the shot past Hartman for the 2-0 lead.

The Goats will be gunning for the Western crown when they host last-placed San Jose next Saturday, while Kansas City hosts Seattle earlier the same night in their next MLS fixture.

Game Notes

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