International Round-Up
Alejandro Moreno: Venezuela
Heath Pearce: United States
The United States defeated Venezuela 1-0 Saturday night, in a friendly in Glendale Arizona. The spirited match was scoreless until the 98th minute when the USA’s Ricardo Clark headed home the winning goal off a corner kick.
Chivas USA’s veteran forward Alejandro Moreno wore the captain’s armband for La Vinotinto and played 86 minutes at forward. Red-and-White defender Heath Pearce started for the Americans at left-back, attempting to corral Moreno and the rest of Venezuela’s attack. He played 73 minutes.
Moreno joined Venezuela late last week, and will play one more friendly for his country – Wednesday against Mexico – before returning to Red-and-White camp.
Pearce has been with the United States since early this month, taking part in the annual January camp. He’s been training with the team both in Phoenix and at The Home Depot Center in Carson, trying to establish himself as a regular national-teamer under Jurgen Klinsmann. January camp finishes up on Wednesday, as the US National team travels south to take on Panama in Panama City.
Jorge Villafana: United States U-23s
Jorge Villafana is also getting national team experience this month, taking part in the US U-23 National Team’s January camp. Like Pearce, Villafana has been with the U-23s since the beginning of the month. Under coach Caleb Porter, the U-23s spent several weeks training at The Home Depot Center, where they held two scrimmages against the full US National Team. Villafana played in both games, going up against Pearce in another head-to-head match up for Chivas USA players.
The U-23s are in Costa Rica this week, finishing January camp with two scrimmages against local opposition. Villafana started and played all 90 minutes on Saturday as the U-23s drew 0-0 against Saprissa’s reserve squad. They round out camp on Tuesday with a friendly against Alajuelense.