Fire shuts out Chivas USA 1-0

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (AP) - Justin Mapp scored on a left-footed strike in the 35th minute and Jon Busch recorded his second shutout in SuperLiga play as the Chicago Fire beat Chivas USA 1-0.

The Fire has six points in group play and can advance to the semifinal round on July 15 with a draw or better in the first-round finale against Tigres UANL on Saturday.

Mapp pounced on a loose ball just inside the penalty box and lifted a shot past former Fire goalkeeper Zach Thornton for the game-winner, eliminating a Chivas USA team has the second-best record in Major League Soccer.

"It's just a good chance to get the minutes," Mapp said. "I personally haven't been starting a lot, so to get out there and help us get the win feels good."

Chukwudi Chijindu nearly scored the equalizer in the 52nd minute for Chivas USA, but Fire defender Austin Washington's slide tackle in the goal mouth deflected the breakaway chance.

"Their younger guys played better than our younger guys," Chivas USA coach Preki said. "And that was the difference in the game."

The top MLS teams from last year's regular season who weren't in the CONCACAF Champions League were invited to the SuperLiga along with the top four Mexican clubs who weren't in the region's top club tournament.