epa09705565 Juventus' Weston McKennie reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Juventus FC in Milan, Italy, 23 January 2022. EPA-EFE/MATTEO BAZZI
At Soldier Field Stadium in Chicago, a late goal by Illian Hernandez ended Aston Villa’s three-match US tour losing streak. Unai Emery’s team was put out of contention.
Hernandez gave Mexican champions Club America the sole goal of the game as he sprinted clear and fired into the bottom corner.
Villa, who made their first start of the season with summer signing Ian Maatsen, had previously gone close to taking the lead through a strike from Leon Bailey that struck the base of the post, and then captain John McGinn struck the woodwork with the rebound.
However, Club America, who had the support of a larger portion of the spectators than Villa, rallied late in the game to win it all when Hernandez successfully evaded the offside trap and then scored calmly past 20-year-old goalkeeper Oliwier Zych.
In the meantime, Crystal Palace defeated West Ham 3-1 in the Stateside Cup, their Premier League rivals.
At Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Tyrick Mitchell scored after just 30 seconds, and West Ham equalized after Michail Antonio gained possession and ran through on goal.
But Jeffrey Schlupp scored a header to put Palace ahead 2-1, and Odsonne Edouard sealed the victory with a strong finish.
On August 17, West Ham takes on Aston Villa in the Premier League, and new manager Julen Lopetegui acknowledged that there is still a lot of work to be done.
