McInerney's goal, coupled with a powerful Union defense, was enough to keep reserve goalkeeper Brad Knighton's shutout in tact.
Chivas and its band of speedy, quick-footed forwards and midfielders were met by a Union defense that used brawn to fend off chance after chance. Knighton, eager to get out of manager Peter Nowak's doghouse since a blunder in the 22nd minute against FC Dallas on Aug. 11, proved his worth last night, stopping a barrage of long-range shots and ensuring his hands were the dominant force inside the 18-yard-box.
"Peter told me after that [Dallas] game to keep my head up, but I am a very competitive person and it was tough for me to get over that," said Knighton. "But it's one of those things that you have to get over, and for me to come out here and play well tonight really helped my confidence going forward. I hope the coaches noticed, too."
McInerney's recent success is yet another testament to Nowak's youth-over-experience mantra.
The Union (8-12-6 in all competitions) introduced 15-year-old Zach Pfeffer to the lineup last night. Pfeffer, a substitute for defender Michael Orozco Fiscal in the 82nd minute, proved to be another crafty addition to the Union's midfielder corps.
Up from the team's youth reserve system, a member of the U-17 U.S. national team and a midfielder for local youth power FC Delco, Pfeffer, was unavailable for comment due to his trainee status.
"He has played well for us in a [recent tournament] and so we decided to give him a try with the first team," said Union assistant John Hackworth. "Probably won't see him in any league games this season, but he is a kid we are keeping on our radar for the future, definitely."
