CARSON, Calif. – Chivas USA faced the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday morning at Grande Sports World in Casa Grande, Ariz., falling 1-0 due to a 75th minute goal from David Estrada. It was the first goal conceded by the Red-and-White this preseason, and the match continued a run of good play from Chivas against MLS opposition.
Chivas USA started a group primarily made up of veterans, and for the 60 minutes that those players were in the match, the Red-and-White dominated possession and had the better of chances. Blair Gavin had a good chance for Chivas USA with a long shot, and Victor Estupiñan, playing as a winger for the first time this preseason, headed another opportunity just wide. Zach Thornton and the Red-and-White’s defensive corps played well to keep Seattle off the board.
Seattle changed all 11 players at halftime, while Chivas USA switched its entire lineup at the 60 minute mark. After the Red-and-White changed groups, the Sounders took advantage, and the only goal came in minute 75 when Estrada finished after good passing by Jonathan Prieto and Miguel Montaño on a counterattack.
Chivas USA will have a day off on Sunday before returning to training on Monday, and on Tuesday the team plays Real Salt Lake. A final preseason scrimmage in Arizona comes next Friday, when the Red-and-White play against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The team continues preparations for the 2011 Home Opener on March 19 against Omar Bravo and Sporting Kansas City. Season Seats for 2011 are now on sale, with prices remaining at the same low rates as 2010.
