Guevara goal leads TFC past previously unbeaten Chivas USA

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04/22/2009 - Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Toronto FC hadn't won since its 2009 Major League Soccer opener on March 21.

Chivas USA hadn't lost in five league fixtures yet this season.

Current form should say that when the two teams squared off at BMO Field on Wednesday night the Goats should come away with a road victory over the Reds, right?

Wrong.

TFC earned its first-ever win over Chivas USA, 1-0, in front of almost 20,000 screaming home fans to jump into third in the Eastern table.

Amado Guevara scored the game's only goal in the 36th minute as TFC (2-2-1) hung on for its first home victory of the season in three tries.

Chivas USA (4-1-1) suffered its first taste of defeat on the young season, but still holds a four-point lead on Seattle - which hosts San Jose on Saturday - in the Western table.

TFC actually played the game without head coach John Carver on the bench because he was disgusted with the officials after receiving a fine from the league about comments he made last week. Assistant Chris Cummins ran the bench.

"John has his reasons [for not being on the bench] and I don't want to get into it," Cummins said.

The Reds, playing without attacker Dwayne De Rosario because of a hamstring injury, controlled the momentum in the game from the get-go, limiting Chivas USA to just one shot on goal the entire match.

Guevara gave the home side the first-half lead with his third goal of the season after collecting a loose ball in the Goats penalty area and volleying it past goalkeeper Zach Thornton. The chance was made possible by striker Danny Dichio, who pounced on the loose ball and headed it into the area for Guevara, who eluded three defenders before firing the shot home.

"Dichio made the ball just right for me," Guevara said through an interpreter. "I made my way to the net and he put the ball just right for me to put into the back of the net."

That was how the score stayed as TFC locked down the midfield, not allowing any real legitimate scoring opportunities the entire game.

"It felt more like 30 minutes," Cummins said of the last 10 minutes of the game. "[Goalkeeper Stefan Frei] didn't have to do a lot. I just told the lads to just try and enjoy the game. Don't take chances but pass the ball."

Both teams will be back in action this weekend, with Chivas USA hosting Dallas on Saturday night, while Toronto hosts Kansas City on Sunday.

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Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

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