In a match highlighting D.C. United’s rising stars, veteran Carlos Ruiz stole the show as his lone goal led D.C. to a 1-1 draw with Chivas de Guadalajara in Friday night’s international friendly. Ruiz tucked home a cross from 17-year-old Michael Seaton—his first touch at RFK Stadium, in fact—but the Liga MX side drew even in second-half stoppage time through Abraham Coronado.
Seaton was just one of several D.C. players making their debuts in front of the home crowd. Recent signings Jared Jeffrey and Luis Silva started the match while Homegrown product Collin Martin and Indonesian international Syamsir Alam entered in the second half.
After a first half of limited chances and several saves from D.C. goalkeeper Joe Willis, Chivas came close in the 54th when Michael Perez, who was the visitors’ most dangerous player on the night, fired against the cross bar. Moments later, Dejan Jakovic produced a fine block to deflect Carlos Fierro’s shot from inside the box.
D.C. had a good chance of its own following the interval as Sainey Nyassi appeared to be fouled in the Chivas penalty area—however, the official waved play on.
Both sides traded chances—and substitutions—until the Black-and-Red opened the scoring in the 73rd. Seconds after subbing into the game, Seaton chased down a throw-in and crossed to Ruiz at the penalty spot. The Guatemalan drove a first-time effort into the side netting to put the hosts in front, a goal that may be remembered more for Seaton’s assist in the long run. The Homegrown player, who currently leads the line for the Richmond Kickers, has scored four goals in 11 games for the USL PRO side and is being touted as one of D.C.’s most promising young talents.
Chivas would respond, however, after increasing their pressure in the final third and forcing substitute goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra into a series of great stops. The visitors finally struck in the last minute as Coronado headed Angel Zaldivar’s cross past Dykstra for the equalizer.
Next week, United returns to MLS play with a game at the Chicago Fire on July 20. The Black-and-Red then return home for a July 27 fixture against the New England Revolution, a side that D.C. is already 1-1-0 against this season. PURCHASE TICKETS.
