In its final match of the Copa Chivas 2008, the Chivas USA U-18's earned a 2-2 draw with Tigres U.A.N.L. on Wednesday at Field 1 of Chivas de Guadalajara's Verde Valle training complex. A 20-yard strike from Leopoldo Morales and a goal by Mario Ledezma off a through ball from Gerson Mayen were enough to earn the result for the Red-and-White.
After three close losses in its first games of the tournament, Chivas USA earned a 1-0 victory over Caracas FC of Venezuela on Tuesday, and finished strongly with the draw against Tigres. With group play concluded, the team has scheduled a pair of friendly matches, facing the Japanese U-18 National Team on Friday at 11:00 a.m., followed by the U.S. U-20 National Team at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. The team will return to Southern California on Sunday.
In other Copa Chivas news, Chivas USA forward Jorge Flores came on as a late substitute in the U.S. U-20 National Team's 2-0 victory over Santos in its final game of the tournament, played Wednesday morning on Field 1 at Chivas San Rafael. Flores, who served as captain during two games in the Copa Chivas, played in all five matches for the United States. The U.S. U-20 National Team started the tournament with three draws and a loss before Wednesday's win.
One of the most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the Western Hemisphere, the 15th Annual Copa Chivas features U-18 teams from 13 different countries, including Real Madrid, Estudiantes de la Plata and Chivas de Guadalajara, as well as youth national teams of Japan and the United States.
Round-robin group play takes place from Jan. 26-30. The top two finishers each of the four, six-team groups advance to the Quarterfinals on Thursday, Jan. 31. Semifinals will be held Feb. 1, with the Final to be played at Guadalajara's Estadio Jalisco on Feb. 2.
For Chivas USA's roster for the tournament, please visit www.cdchivasusa.com.
For more information on the Copa Chivas 2008, including groups, results, competition guidelines and schedule, please visit: www.copachivas.com.
