Chivas and Club América end in 1-1 stalemate at LA Coliseum

Club América recovered from losing position to secure a 1-1 draw with Chivas Guadalajara in a special Clásico Nacional played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday.

Albeit a friendly, more than 65,000 spectators packed the Coliseum in the first Clasico Nacional played in Los Angeles since the year 2005.

Despite struggling early, it was Chivas who took the lead first in the 27th minute when, from a Eduardo “La Chofis” Lopez pass, Isaac Brizuela was sent on a one-on-one versus Moises Muñoz to score the opener.

Beyond a friendly, the event also marked the last game of Moises Muñoz in an América jersey. The 38-year-old was winner of two league titles with las Águilas and was subbed out in the 33rd minute to standing ovation from the crowd.

From that point on, it was all América, with Brandon Garcia trying his luck from long range before Cristian Insaurralde wasted a fine chance with just the keeper to beat.

América finally responded in the 52nd minute when Guido Rodriguez found himself with a rebound just outside the box. The Argentine midfielder then smashed the ball past the Chivas goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1.

Moments later, las Águilas came close to taking the lead, but substitute goalkeeper Raul Gudiño was able to thwart off a dangerous right footed shot inside the box.

In the 83rd minute, Gudiño made another significant contribution by saving a shot from Henry Martin.

The game’s last chance fell to to Chivas when Miguel Bastulo was presented with a loose ball inside the box following a free-kick, but his effort went well wide as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Both teams are set to meet again on September 30 at the Estadio Azteca in Week 11 of Liga MX.