Peñarol end their SoCal Preseason Tour in Defeat vs LAFC
This past week we had the privilege of hosting C.A. Peñarol, Uruguay’s most elite top flight professional club, at our facilities. Peñarol, run by first time head coach Diego Forlan, spent a week training both on our fields and sports performance area in preparation for their friendly matches vs the Seattle Sounders at Cal State Long Beach and LAFC at the Banc of California Stadium.
Their training sessions were filled with intense drills and maximum effort – but most importantly, endless support from traveling fans who otherwise would not have the chance to see their favorite team train. Fans showed up from across California – and some even from Canada – for a chance to meet high profile stars such as Diego Forlan (former Manchester united and Atletico Madrid striker), Cristian Bravo (Chile National team), Cristian Rodriguez (Uruguayan National Team), Facundo Pellistri (18 year old prodigy) amongst others.
Scrimmage vs Seattle Sounders
Peñarol kicked off their 2020 preseason play in California with a closed-door scrimmage against current MLS Cup Champions Seattle Sounders, winning 1-0 in a match that featured three lineup changes and heavy playing time by young players from Tacoma Defiance and Sounders FC Academy. Peñarol’s lone goal came in the 37th minute, as a free kick from Jonathan Urretaviscaya flew into the top corner, just past goalkeeper Trey Muse’s outstretched arms.
Defeat vs LAFC at the Banc
Despite missing several starters on international duty, LAFC beat Uruguayan giants Peñarol 2-0 on Saturday night, as the 3252 was rocking. The first goal came from a trademark Carlos Vela left footed shot into the top corner. The second of the night was put away by Adrien Perez after a quick corner kick by Carlos Vela deflected off a Peñarol defender. Perez was there to smash in the rebound.
