FRISCO, Texas — Here's what you need to know from Day 2 of the 2015 Generation adidas Cup:
Goalkeepers stole the show on Monday
Penalty kicks favor the shooter, almost by definition, but goalkeepers stole the show on spot kicks on Monday. Shooters converted just 11 of 20 opportunities (including two post-game shootouts), with goalkeepers making a terrific total of eight saves, many of them of the spectacular variety.
The most entertaining part of the day came in the shootout that followed the New York Red Bulls' 1-1 tie with Sport Recife in the Premier Division. With other games finished and a crowd of opposing teams and college scouts watching every step, Red Bulls goalkeeper Xavier Kennedy and Sport Recife's Matheus put on a clinic. Congratulating each other before, during and after the shootout, each made two saves at full stretch in New York's 3-1 shootout win. (watch replay of Red Bulls-Sport Recife match)
In the day's other featured game, on the same field, Palmeiras goalkeeper Vinicius and the San Jose Earthquakes' Cameron Douglas also made crucial penalty-kick stops in regulation, while Tigres netminder Sergio Moya stopped two attempts in a shootout win over Orlando City.
Red Bulls hero Xavier Kennedy has some personality
Part of a show-stopping day for goalkeepers, Kennedy did it with a bit of flair. With first place in Group A on the line, Kennedy and Sport Recife goalkeeper Matheus gave each other a hug before facing off in the shootout, and from there, the sparks flew.
Kennedy used a Tim Krul-esque pre-shot ritual to get himself in the zone. Once between the pipes, Kennedy had an on-field ritual that included side-stepping across the six-yard box and hanging on the crossbar. Once he was settled on his line, he made two diving saves to earn the Red Bulls first place in their group and some headlines for himself. -- David Gass
Chivas USA have a point to prove
In their final Major League Soccer event, Chivas USA may not have qualified for the Champions Division, but they have their sights set on becoming a champion in the Premier Division. One day after edging D.C. United, Chivas USA used a fluid attack to rally from a second-half deficit to beat Columbus Crew SC 2-1 and improve to 2-0.
After Oscar Penate tied the score from outside the penalty area, Chivas got the winner with brilliant combination play that culminated with Leo Cuteno setting up Misael Becerra to cut back and score. Chivas USA will face Japanese club Sagan Tosu, also 2-0, in Wednesday's first featured game (11am ET, 8am PT) on MLSsoccer.com.
- STANDINGS: Champions Division | Premier Division
Who's (almost) in, who's out?
While no team has clinched a spot in Thursday's semifinals, several teams appear in good shape. In the Champions Division, River Plate (2-0) and FC Dallas (2-0) can advance with a win or a tie against Sporting Kansas City and Pumas, respectively. In Group C, Palmeiras and Eintracht Frankfurt are both 2-0 and will meet at 5:30pm ET on Wednesday to decide the group title. In addition to the three group winners, the best second-place team will also reach the semifinals.
In the Premier Division, the New York Red Bulls have an advantage in Group A after their shootout win over Sport Recife, but they face a difficult final-round task against the Seattle Sounders, who will be out for revenge after losing to New York in a shootout in last year's tournament. In Group B, the LA Galaxy (2-0) and Orlando City (1-1) will go head-to-head to determine the group winner.
Group C will be decided by the aforementioned matchup between 2-0 clubs Chivas USA and Sagan Tosu. Independiente Medellín have the inside track in Group D at 2-0, but the 1-1 New England Revolution could throw the group into turmoil if they can pull an upset on Wednesday.
