Chivas USA defeat San Diego State 2-1

Chivas USA defeated the San Diego State Aztecs in a heated match 2-1.

From the team “Chukwudi Chijindu put the team ahead just seven minutes into the game when he received a ball from Ante Razov and hammered home a shot to the near post from 12 yards. Chivas USA continued pushing up for goals throughout the first half, and were caught on a quick counter attack by San Diego State in the 27th minute, when Steven Beitashour’s shot was deflected to Daniel Ortega, who finished for the Aztecs to tie the game.

The match went into the half tied at one, but Chivas USA quickly took the lead once the second session started. Razov’s free kick from 25 yards was saved by the Aztec goalkeeper, but the rebound fell to Erasmo Solórzano, who finished easily. The Red-and-White had a number of chances in the rest of the half, with forward Anthony Hamilton hitting the post and Solórzano seeing his header bounce over the net, but the game ended with the 2-1 scoreline.”

The team used the 4-4-2 during the game, but Flores pushed up late in the game for a 4-3-3. Here is the line up.

————————- Ante Razov——Anthony Hamilton——————————–

Justin Braun (Jorge Flores 46)-John Cunliffe – Daniel Paladini – Chukwudi Chijindu (Erasmo Solórzano 46)

——-Gerson Mayen – Bobby Burling – Jim Curtin – Eric Ebert (Arnaldo Salazar 46)———-

————————————–Lance Parker————————————

Chivas USA played a majority of the reserve squad. However, the team is becoming very deep, and the quality on the pitch has stepped up this year. There were several stand out players.

John Cunliffe. John played very well in as a central midfielder. He distributes the ball well and created several opportunities. He is always ready to pull the trigger, and will take shots from outside the box.

Chukwudi Chijindu. The Southern California local is strong and quick. He is able to explode at any moment.

Jorge Flores. Sueno is finding a nice home as a left midfielder. In many ways he plays very similarly to Pancho Mendoza in his attacks. Plus the kid shows a lot of heart.

The team is headed off to Fresno to compete against the Fuego. Fresno is one of the strongest teams in the PDL, and they come equipped with a Brazilian trio. The scrimmage should see most of the first team.

More to follow, including more notes from the scrimmage and ChivaFest.

The game was good. I missed the first half due to a time change. The half ended without a goal. Marsch took a mean tackle from Emilio and didn’t take it well. He didn’t attempt to kick him like he did Becks at the classico, but a gatorade bottle was sacrificed in the shuffle.

Atiba Harris looked good. Jim Curtain as well. Jim is a big dude, I’d guess at least 6′-5″. He had a great attitude and was glad to be in Southern California weather. Seems like he will do fine here with Chivas USA.

The second half, both teams played a reserve squad with the exception of Jaime Moreno. Salazar scored about ten minutes into the half. Overall the Chivas USA squad controlled the half. Keith Savage, the teams only draft pick, had a great start to the half as a left mid, but was injured and subbed with Flores.

Much of the team was still recovering from surgery or injured. The list includes Galindo, Vaughn, Bornstein, and Esky. Mendoza and Nagamura did not play as well, not sure about their status. Hopefully we will get our injuries out of the way early. This didn’t stop these guys from spending time with the fans.

Galindo spent time with every fan who asked, signed and posed for pictures. Same for Jim Curtain and Claudio Suarez. Special K, Marsch and Guzan were busy with the press for a while after practice.

Overall, great game. Lots of hope for the reserve squad. A handful of fans made it to the HDC which shows some promise.

More importantly, La Opinion reported on Dennis Alas and Freddy Thompson’s first day with the club. Alas scored two goals in today’s scrimmage. Unfortunately, Thompson wasn’t able to practice due to an “administrative decision”. I hope that decision wasn’t based on his physical check that he was to undergo today.

My hope for tomorrow’s friendly is to see Alas and Thompson on the pitch to fill in for the casualties of Copa America. Surely, tomorrow is an ideal time and place to see what they can do. Pictures and thoughts on the game to come tomorrow.

P.S. Funny thing about the L.A. Storm flier, Borenstein’s on the cover. He’s out for Copa America, just a few miles South. =]