Soccer fans pack Chukchansi Park to see Chivas soccer club against Pumas UNAM

It was worth the wait for many Chivas de Guadalajara fans.

Chivas, Mexico’s most popular soccer team, faced Pumas UNAM in a LigaMX friendly match at Chukchansi Park and the match ended in a 1-1 tie on Wednesday before more than 12,000 fans.

Chivas had a 1-0 lead in the first half on Cristian Calderón’s goal in the 21st minute. But UNAM spoiled Chivas’ chances of coming out with a win in Fresno when Jose Navarro scored a goal in the 84th minute to tie the match.

But the winners of the match were the fans who got to see Chivas play in Fresno for the first time since 2017.

Finally.

Chivas and Monarcas Morelia were supposed to play in 2019 in Fresno, but a scheduling conflict within the Mexican Football Federation forced a cancellation.

The Guadalajara-based Chivas played at Chukchansi Park in 2017, and 11,977 fans watched them play against Monarcas Morelia.

Chivas played in four previous friendlies in Fresno drawing 10,000-plus each time.

2001: Chivas vs. Tecos, 11,000 (Ratcliffe Stadium)

2002: Chivas vs. Atlas, 10,000 (Bulldog Stadium)

2015: Chivas vs. Atlas, 16,821 (Chukchansi Park)

2016: Chivas vs. Club León, 15,122 (Chukchansi Park)

Chivas is the only soccer club in México that does not allow foreign players on its roster. It has been the launching pad for many internationally successful Mexican players, including Omar Bravo, Javier “Chicharrito” Hernández, Carlos Salcido and Marco Fabián.

Chivas is one of México’s most successful teams and holds the Mexican league record for the longest winning streak at the beginning of a season, with eight consecutive wins.

Chivas competed in Copa Libertadores, reaching the semifinals twice (2005 and 2006) and finishing runner-ups in 2010.

This story was originally published March 23, 2022 at 11:58 PM.