Chivas USA's Under-19 team drew 3-3 today against Cruzeiro of Brazil 3-3 in the Copa Saprissa, a select tournament involving 12 of the top U-20 teams from Europe and the Americas. The result leaves the Red-and-White with seven points from two wins, one tie and one loss, for second place in Group A. The top two teams in each six-team group will qualify for the semifinals, set for Friday, June 2, while the final and third-place match will take place on Sunday, June 4. All matches are being played at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San José, Costa Rica.
In their international debut, the Red-and-White U-19's fell 1-0 to Real Madrid, having lost Erik Hummel to expulsion in the 55th minute. The team used the following lineup: Ernest Mariscal, Pedro Ochoa, Eder Robles; Edson Rivera, Joshua DiDion, Michael Farfán (C), Luis Silva (Jorge Vásquez 50´); Arturo Brambila (Juan Frésquez 56´), Eric Ávila, William Molina (Brandynn Elwart 55´).
The first three points for Chivas USA came on Sunday, with a 3-2 victory over Honduras' Olimpia. Goals by William Molina, Gabriel Farfán and Michael Farfán gave Chivas USA the win. This time Chivas USA used the following lineup: Felipe Miranda, Ernest Mariscal, Pedro Ochoa, Eder Robles; Edson Rivera, Joshua DiDion, Michael Farfán (C), Eric Ávila; Arturo Brambila, Gabriel Farfán, William Molina.
The second win, a 1-0 over the current Costa Rican U-20 champion, Santos, came last Monday. An early goal by Eric Ávila in the 15th minute lifted the Red-and-White to the victory. Chivas USA had the following line-up for the match: Felipe Miranda; Ernest Mariscal, Pedro Ochoa, Eder Robles; Edson Rivera, Joshua DiDion, Michael Farfán (C), Luis Silva (Jorge Vázquez 50´); Arturo Brambila (Juan Frésquez 56´), Eric Ávila, William Molina (Brandynn Elwart 55´).
Finally, today's 3-3 tie against Cruzeiro was the latest result. Two goals by Gabriel Farfán and another by William Molina gave the partial victory to Chivas USA. However, in the 92nd minute, a penalty by Cruzeiro tied the game. The line-up for Chivas USA was the following: Felipe Miranda, Ernest Mariscal, Pedro Ochoa, Eder Robles, Erik Hummel (30´ Luis Silva), Michael Farfán, Joshua DiDion, Edson Rivera (35´ Arturo Brambila); William Molina (Brandynn Elwart 65´) Gabriel Farfán, Eric Ávila.
Tomorrow Wednesday, Chivas USA will face the U-19 team of the host team, Saprissa, in a duel that will be televised nationally in Costa Rica. For more information on the Copa Saprissa, visit www.copasaprissa.com.
