CARSON, Calif.-Chivas USA played their eighth preseason scrimmage of 2011 on Saturday night, falling to UCLA 2-1 at the The Home Depot Center's Track and Field Stadium in Carson California. It was the last scrimmage game in Carson before taking on FC Dallas next Saturday in the last preseason game for the Red-and-White.
Chivas USA took the lead at the 23rd minute on a goal scored by Alan Gordon but then UCLA tied the game before halftime and won the game with a penalty kick at the 76th minute. Forward Justin Braun entered the match in the 64th minute, and looked active in his first preseason action for Chivas USA after recovering from a laceration on his Achilles region.
The Red-and-White wore their official 2011 home jerseys for the first time, with Corona Extra as the presenting sponsor.
The Red-and-White controlled possession for much of the first half, and took the lead in the 23rd minute. Gordon received an incisive pass from Francisco Mendoza, and turned his defender to finish inside the 6-yard box. It was Gordon's third goal of the 2011 preseason.
Defender Jimmy Conrad nearly scored in the 35th minute on a Chivas USA corner kick, only to see the ball cleared off the line by a UCLA defender. A few minutes later UCLA's Chandler Hoffman scored for the Bruins on a corner kick at the other end, tying the match at 1-1.
Chivas USA had a good number of chances in the second half, but it was UCLA who ultimately scored the winner. Defender Michael Uma'a was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, and UCLA's Andy Rose scored from the penalty spot in the 76th minute.
Chivas USA continues preparation 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. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.
Goals:
CHV - Alan Gordon (Francisco Mendoza) 23
UCLA- Chandler Hoffman 38
UCLA- Andy Rose (penalty) 76
