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Chivas USA opened their 2014 preseason game program with a closed scrimmage against the LA Galaxy Wednesday morning at the stadium complex. The match ended 2-2, with goals in the first half by the Galaxy from Rob Friend and Juninho, and second half goals by Chivas from Matthew Fondy and Chivas USA U-23 player Jacob Barron.
Chivas had some trialists among the players, as you would expect, but they didn't name some of them, and when I asked the team for information about players on trial last week, I received a "no comment" response.
Matt Hoffman reported on twitter that the player named "Trialist #8" by the club was indeed Argentine holding midfielder Agustin Pelletieri, who was previously rumored to be coming to Chivas.
Considering Barron was named by the club, I have a feeling he isn't really on trial, though it is possible.
Here was Chivas' starting lineup for the game:
"Trialist GK"; Tony Lochhead, Carlos Bocanegra, Bobby Burling, Andrew Ribeiro; Eric Avila, Carlos Alvarez, Agustin Pelletieri, Mauro Rosales; Adolfo Bautista, Erick Torres
Carlos Borja replaced Pelletieri in the 27th minute.
The second half lineup for the Goats:
"Trialist GK"; Fejiro Okiomah, Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Michael Nwiloh, Donny Toia; Carlo Chueca, Kris Tyrpak, Carlos Borja, Bryan de la Fuente; Matthew Fondy, Thomas McNamara
Chivas USA U-23 goalkeeper Michael Abalos replaced "Trialist GK" in the 66th minute.
Barron replaced Borja in the 67th minute.
Trialist Michael Harris, who we reported entered camp on trial with Chivas last week, entered the game for Okiomah in the 82nd minute.
Friend opened the scoring in the 6th minute, followed by Juninho in the 21st, while Barron notched his in the 72nd minute and Fondy tied the game up with a header in the 79th.
You can read the team's report of the game here.
As ever, the result really shouldn't be weighed heavily, as it is the preseason. Remember, Chivas were very good in the preseason last year, and that momentum carried them a month into the season before everything fell apart.
We'll have more preseason coverage and keep you posted on news as it comes along!
What do you think? Leave a comment below!
