LA MIRADA, Calif. (July 23, 2005) -- The Southern California Seahorses put a brief scare into Chivas USA in an exhibition match Saturday night, but Chivas scored twice in the second half to break a tie and post a 3-2 victory at La Mirada High School.

The game marked the debut of Juan Pablo Garcia, a Mexican National Team star who signed with Chivas USA on July 2. Garcia made his presence felt quickly, assisting on Chivas' first goal, by Thiago Martins in the 17th minute.

After that, the Seahorses, a playoff team in the amateur USL Premier Development League, settled down and played even. In fact, the Seahorses put more pressure on the Chivas defense the rest of the first half and for many stretches in the second half.  They tied the game in the 61st minute when Evan Corey took a long lead from Jordan Arias and bounced a shot over onrushing goalkeeper Javier Barragan.

Chivas USA bounced back with two quick goals. Rodrigo Lopez scored in the 67th minute on an assist by Jesus Flores, and Christian Jimenez struck in the 71st minute on an assist by Dru Hoshimiya.

The Seahorses added a goal in the 86th minute on a header by Dylan Martinez off a cross by Anthony Stovall.

Chivas USA returns to MLS play on Aug. 10 against the Los Angeles Galaxy. The Seahorses begin the PDL national playoffs Saturday at home against the Cascade Surge.

Exhibition
CHIVAS USA 3, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SEAHORSES 2
Halftime: Chivas 1-0
Goals scored: Martins (Chi), R. Lopez (Chi), Jimenez (Chi); Corey (SC), Martinez (SC)
Assists: Garcia (Chi), Flores (Chi), Hoshimiya (Chi); Arias (SC), Stovall (SC)
Goalie Saves: Barragan (Chi) 4, Kalnasy (Chi) 1; Reed (SC) 3
Site: La Mirada HS
Attd: 934