CARSON, Calif. (AP) -- The Vancouver Whitecaps earned their first

road victory in franchise history, snapping a streak of 17

winless matches, defeating Chivas USA 1-0 in front of a rain

soaked crowd Saturday.

The Whitecaps broke through in the 68th minute when Davide

Chiumiento fired a corner that found the waiting head of

DeMerit, who bypassed his defender and easily beat goalkeeper

Dan Kennedy from close range.

Chivas dominated the possession for wide stretches of the match,

but was unable to exploit a stingy Vancouver defense. Chivas'

finest opportunity came in the 32nd minute when rookie forward

Casey Townsend launched a curling shot from nearly 25 yards that

was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Joe Cannon.

Cannon did not last the entire match, however, as the Whitecaps

starting goalkeeper was replaced by backup Brad Knighton after

straining his left quad in a first-half collision.