Newcastle Jets’ 2017 Weifang Cup campaign was dealt a blow on Monday as the Club’s under 18 selection were defeated 3-0 by Mexican giants Chivas Guadalajara.
The Jets held out the slick and skilful central American side until the 41st minute of the match, however two goals in two minutes just before the break changed the context of the contest leading into half time.
Newcastle managed to create a handful of opportunities against Chivas – the best of which came from the boots of midfielder Jackson Frendo and attacker Mark Moric – before striker Daniel Lopez opened the scoring with a fine header in the 41st minute of play.
Guadalajara didn’t have to wait long to double their advantage. Less than 90 seconds after Lopez’s goal winger Irving Abraham showed his class to weave through the Jets’ defence and send a crisp finish beyond Newcastle custodian Noah James.
The Jets were full of running and endeavour in the second half however the high technical level displayed by Chivas saw the Mexican side dominate both the possession and attacking stats.
James saved a penalty from Lopez in the 60th minute of the match, however he couldn’t deny Abraham three minutes later. Much like his first goal the talented left-winger dribbled past Jets players before sending a precise right foot strike into the goal.
Newcastle Jets Chief Executive Officer and Youth Coach Lawrie McKinna said that while the Jets put in a passionate and proud performance they were ultimately beaten by a superior side.
“We’ve come up against the biggest club in Mexico and we were in the game until about five minutes before half time when they got two goals,” McKinna explained.
“They dictated the play, they were class all over the park, great on the ball, [and] individually so strong.”
“From the goalkeeper to the big man (Lopez) up front they were just too good for us on the day.”
“We’re up against some of the best youth teams in the world [at the 2017 Weifang Cup],” he said.
Jets Youth will have Tuesday off to recover ahead of their final Group B match of the competition which will be played on Wednesday afternoon against Belgian giants Club Brugge.
2017 Weifang Cup Standings – Group B
1. Club Brugge – 6 points
2. Chivas Guadalajara – 3 points
3. Newcastle Jets – 3 points
4. Shandong Luneng – 0 points
Chivas Guadalajara U18 3 (Lopez 41’, Abraham 42’, 63’)
Newcastle Jets U18 0
Venue: Luneng Academy Pitch (A3)
Referee: Yang Nan
