Alajuelense of Costa Rica shocks Chelsea at Dallas Cup

The second day of Dallas Cup XXXI saw a huge upset.  Chelsea made several lineup changes from the side that defeated FC Dallas 4-2 on Sunday afternoon and the changes proved costly as Alajuelense of Costa Rica rode a 2nd half goal to the huge upset.  The Costa Ricans came out on the front foot and dominated possession in the opening 15 minutes of play narrowly missing on three separate scoring chances.  Chelsea started to get into the match and as the half ended they looked to be the side one would bet on to grab the goal in the 2nd half.

Instead, it was Alajuelense that pushed for the winner.  A freekick in the 65th minute would lead to the winning goal.  The ball was driven from about 35 yards out to the backpost where players were sprinting in.  The Chelsea keeper held his ground in anticipation of a deflection on goal.  Instead the ball went straight through and the keeper's diving attempt at a save was too late.  Chelsea made a late push, but was unable to find the tying goal.  With the result both Chelsea and Alajuelense sit on three points and CF Monterrey can take control of Bracket A with a win over FC Dallas tonight.

Elsewhere, Chivas of Mexico look to be serious contenders as they built upon Sunday's opening win by dismantling CZ Elite of the US 4-0 in a game that wasn't even that close.  Chivas was up 4-0 at the half and coasted in the 2nd half.  Japan and Tottenham drew 1-1 meaning Bracket C will probably now be decided on goal differential heading into Wednesday's final group round of play.  The USA 91/92 national side rebounded from Sunday beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 on an early first half goal that would stand up the entire match.