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Betting on the Youth

October 8, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS) - Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


Chivas USA Assistant Coach Marco Fabian, who heads the Red-and-White side when they participate in Major League Soccer Reserve League play, spoke up Monday night after his group fell 2-0 to the LA Galaxy in the reserves' second-to-last match of the 2013 season.

"I think we competed well, the first half we did a great job, the boys understood the way we had to work the game," explained the coach.

The Goats got on the pitch with passion and courage, in a first half led by a fast-pace game with strong turnovers and a very aggressive approach by the two sides. Coming into halftime in a scoreless draw, Fabian knew that a single error by one of the teams would play a key factor in the final result. The misfortune came over the Rojiblancos, whose mistake overshadowed the strong performance and guts displayed until then.

"I was explaining to them at halftime that one mistake could make the difference and well, it was us who made it," described Fabian. "[Galaxy] get the penalty kick and after that a mistake on our end when defending one of their players gives them the 2-0. Later on, we stayed in the game by working and trying to get a goal but I think the Galaxy positioned themselves well, they have very experienced people. However, I'm happy because at least the boys played with effort."

Using these games as a resource to prepare and follow up on players from the Chivas USA Youth Development Academy, the Goats had four academy players in their starting XI in contrast to the lone non-roster player used by the Galaxy. Despite having four youngsters starting, Chivas put up a fight against their cross-hall rivals, a fact that made Coach Fabian extremely proud.

"It's something we have to point out, we are giving the youth a chance to show and prove themselves. [I'm] happy because they all want to be a part and show that they are quality players, so we are going to follow up with them and perhaps next time they can be working here with us," Fabian concluded.

Chivas USA will wrap up their participation in the 2013 MLS Reserve League when they visit Northern California rival, San Jose Earthquakes, next Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. (PT) at San Jose's Nutrilite Field. Until then, continue following your team on the club's social networks @cdchivasusa for Twitter and https://www.facebook.com/chivasusa for Facebook.

Bowen satisfied with the experience brought by young players in Reserve League match

The Major League Soccer Reserve League has been a window for youth players to show their skills and enjoy some game time with First Team players. Following Monday's match against the LA Galaxy, where Chivas USA fell 2-0 after having a very disputed game, in which one penalty and a defensive error gave the lead to the Galaxy, the team knows these mistakes could have been made by any of the sides on the field. It's the nature of having young players on each side that makes these games special.

"I think for the most part they did well on the first half," said forward Tristan Bowen. "Our players felt well the first half, it was a bit hectic. I don't think either team had a rhythm of play, but we got out of the first half with zeros and the second half we just made two mistakes and they finished on them."

Bringing players from the Chivas USA Youth Academy into these games gives them the opportunity to play against experienced rivals as well as a motivation to follow the road into the First Team. Bowen acknowledges the fact that giving this opportunity helps the players as it also gives them the experience to learn from the mistakes made in the game.

"We had a few mental errors and that comes from the experience of playing. But I think for the most part everybody did descent."

Now, there is enough time to learn from these mistakes and prepare for the last Reserve League match when Chivas USA will face the San Jose Earthquakes next Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. (PT). And Bowen knows the key to have a better game.

"I think just practicing on finishing. There's going to be times where we won't have many opportunities in games, and that's when the quality in the last third has to be perfect. We saw that today, we weren't as sharp as we should be," Bowen concluded.

Melia happy with group's performance

After Sunday's loss in Major League Soccer action, Chivas USA were looking to take revenge as they faced the LA Galaxy once again, this time in Reserve League action on Monday evening at the StubHub Center's Field 4. Although the Goats pulled a strong collective performance, it was not enough as the team fell 2-0 to their in-stadium rivals.

At goal, and onto his third Reserve League game after being out a few months due to back surgery, Chivas USA goalkeeper Tim Melia went the full 90 minutes against the Galaxy on Monday evening.

"I thought the guys did an absolute good job," Melia said after the game on Monday night. "No one can say they didn't work hard, everyone put in a great effort, everyone was really committed. I thought we were unfortunate when I gave up that PK, but all around, I thought the guys did a great job."

After a strong first half, the Goats returned from the break with the determination to earn a win. In the 51st minute of the match, the Galaxy were able to notch the opening goal after Melia fouled Jose Villareal inside the box and the referee called a penalty kick for the Red-and-White's rival. Two minutes later, the Galaxy came back and scored yet again, sealing the 2-0 loss for the Goats.

"I think we just shot ourselves in the foot. I think we had more attacking as much as they did and they brought in a couple of bigger name guys, but I thought we fought really well. I was really happy; from the games that I've been in here, in the three reserve games, I thought this was the best collective effort, even though we lost 2-0," Melia added.

On Monday evening, the Red-and-White Reserve League squad counted on the services of four Youth Development Academy players, three of which played the entire 90 minutes. Although it was a loss for the Goats, Melia thought the Academy players stepped up their game and had a great performance, taking in consideration that they had not trained as a group prior to Monday's game.

"I thought they all played well," Melia said. "It's tough coming in; you don't know people's names, they don't know your style of play, so we just have to listen and communicate. I thought the guys that got plugged in did well."

Chivas USA will have Tuesday and Wednesday off before they return to the StubHub Center for team training on Thursday morning. The Red-and-White will have two bye weekends, but will travel to Northern California for an MLS Reserve League game scheduled against the San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Nutrilite Training Facility. For all the latest updates on the club, follow us on Twitter: @cdchivasusa.

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