Chivas USA won its first U.S. Open Cup match since 2005 as the Red-and-White scored early and held the lead against USL-2’s Austin Aztex on Tuesday night at Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is an annual knock-out tournament involving teams at every level of American soccer.
Jesús Padilla scored the only goal of the match in minute 12, receiving a low cross from Osael Romero and taking a touch before firing home from about 15 yards. It was the first Open Cup game for both Padilla and Romero.
Chivas USA goalkeeper Zach Thornton had an excellent game, making several exceptional saves to keep a clean sheet for the Red-and-White. He finished with four saves on the night, and also safely collected crosses and long passes throughout the match.
The Red-and-White dominated possession throughout, and had the bulk of the chances in the first half. In the second session, the Aztex countered effectively and came close to finding their way through, but the Chivas USA defense held firm.
The win was only Chivas USA’s second ever in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, with the previous victory coming on July 13, 2005 in a 3-2 extra time win over USL-2 side Charlotte Eagles in North Carolina. The Red-and-White lost to the Galaxy in its next 2005 Open Cup match, and then were knocked out of the competition in the team’s first match from 2006-2009.
Chivas USA Head Coach Martín Vásquez, on tonight’s match: “I thought we did well against a good team. I like the way we approached the game. We were serious, we were disciplined, and we created some good chances. That’s all positive at this time where we need to reinforce and have something to build on.”
Next home game: Chivas USA hosts the Philadelphia Union this Saturday night, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center with a special Fireworks Fiesta after the match. Special Family Packs are available starting at less than $15 per person. For more information on the game and the fireworks, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.
Watch what Head Coach Martin Vasquez had to say after the game:
