CARSON, Calif. - In a preseason scrimmage held at The Home Depot Center this morning, Chivas USA earned a 2-1 victory over San Diego State University. Chivas USA used early goals in each half to get past the Aztecs, who notched a goal on a counter attack midway through the first half.
Chukwudi Chijindu put the Red-and-White 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.
Chivas USA now heads north to face the Fresno Fuego of the Premier Development League on Sunday. The Fuego have been one of the PDL's top teams in recent seasons, capturing a Southwest Conference title and a spot in the national semifinals in 2007. Chivas USA and Fresno squared off twice last season, with Chivas USA winning 5-0 in preseason and Fresno scoring a 3-1 upset over the Red-and-White in late November.
Chivas USA 2:1 San Diego State University
Preseason Scrimmage - March 15, 2008 - 10:00 a.m. PT
Field 6 at The Home Depot Center - Carson, Calif.
Scoring Summary:
CHV - Chijindu (Razov), 7th minute
SDS - Ortega (Beitashour), 27th minute
CHV - Solórzano (Razov), 47th minute
Chivas USA Lineup (4-4-2): Lance Parker; Eric Ebert (Arnaldo Salazar 46), Jim Curtin, Bobby Burling, Gerson Mayen; Chukwudi Chijindu (Erasmo Solórzano 46), Daniel Paladini, John Cunliffe, Anthony Hamilton; Ante Razov, Justin Braun (Jorge Flores 46).
Chivas USA Head Coach: Preki Radosavljevic
All statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial.
