The Chivas USA U-18's captured a 1-0 victory over Caracas FC on Tuesday in the Copa Chivas 2008 in Guadalajara, giving the Red-and-White its first victory of the tournament. A goal by Mario Ledezma, assisted by Arnaldo Salazar, gave the team the lead 15 minutes into the second half, and goalkeeper Juan Quiroz kept a clean sheet for Chivas USA.
Chivas USA concludes play in six-team Group D tomorrow at 10 a.m. CT (8 a.m. PT) when it faces Tigres U.A.N.L. on Field 1 of Chivas de Guadalajara's Verde Valle training complex. This will be the final group match for the Red-and-White after five games in five days against teams from three different countries.
In other Copa Chivas news, Chivas USA forward Jorge Flores was again wearing the captain's armband for the U.S. U-20 National Team as it drew 1-1 with Estudiantes de la Plata. It was the second game in the tournament in which Flores has served as the team's captain, and he has played the full 70 minutes (two 35-minute halves) in three of the four matches, and played 35 minutes in the other game. Flores and the U-20's face Santos tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. CT (8 a.m. PT) on Field 1 at Chivas San Rafael in the team's final group stage game.
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 next 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.
