Final 24 named for Sueño MLS
In surprise twist, 24 finalists to be tested against Chivas USA U-19's next Saturday, March 3 at the Cathedral of American Soccer, The Home Depot Center in Carson, California
"We're very pleased by the youngsters who have managed to advance to the 'Final 24'," said Chivas USA director of soccer Dennis te Kloese. "Next week theses players will get their real test against the Chivas USA U-19's, in a world-class stadium like The Home Depot Center. We look forward to seeing which of them can respond to the challenge of this new environment."
Each of the "Final 24" first impressed scouts from both Chivas USA and Chivas Guadalajara at the open tryouts that were held in Bell Gardens, California on Presidents Day Weekend which drew 2,000 participants from throughout the United States and several foreign countries. On Saturday, February 24, the finalists then emerged from an elite group of 60 semifinalists.
Sueño MLS: Chivas USA Wants You! is a month-long quest to find the best undiscovered young soccer player to play for Chivas USA of Major League Soccer. The popular "República Deportiva," Univision's top-rated weekly sports show, which airs nationally every Sunday at 11 a.m. ET (12 noon PT), is following each round in a unique "reality show within a show" format, culminating on Sunday, March 25, with the formal announcement of the Sueño MLS winner, who will also receive adidas equipment and a special family ticket package to Chivas USA's home games at The Home Depot Center.
Next Saturday, players will arrive at The Home Depot Center at 8:00 a.m. PT for the "Final 24" tryouts, with scrimmages beginning at 9 a.m. (PT). The Home Depot Center is located at 18400 Avalon Boulevard, Carson, California 90746. Media and public are invited to attend.
Roster of Final 24 (in alphabetical order, with storylines):
| Name | Age | Position | Hometown | NOTES |
| Omar Becerra | 16 | M | San Diego, CA | Dad was one step from becoming pro |
| Gilbert Contreras | 17 | M | Downey, CA | Mexican father, Honduran mother |
| Diego Delgadillo | 17 | F | Bell Gardens, CA | Walked 2 blocks from BG home |
| Jose Diaz | 16 | D | Fontana, CA | Los Osos HS ('09) student |
| Jorge Flores | 17 | F | Anaheim, CA | Missed work to try out, may get fired |
| Abraham Garcia | 17 | M | Santa Barbara, CA | San Marcos HS ('07) student |
| Aldo Iñiguez | 20 | GK | Guadalajara, MEX | Wife and son wait patiently in Mexico |
| Jaime Lara | 17 | M | Torrance, CA | Dad saw him play for first time Sat. |
| Alexis Lomeli | 18 | M | Guadalupe, CA | Tepic, Nayarit native missed work |
| Ebenezer Masade | 19 | M | London, ENG | Ex-Yeovil Town FC pays way to U.S. |
| Jonathan Medina | 16 | M | Anaheim, CA | Pacifica HS ('10) student |
| Stanley Mejia | 19 | F | Tustin, CA | Former Foothill HS ('05) student |
| Jose Mendoza | 18 | F | San Pablo, CA | Missed sister's wedding to try out |
| Martin Monroy | 16 | F | Watsonville, CA | One of 2 Pajaro Valley HS ('08) students |
| Christopher Montiel | 17 | F | Santa Clara, CA | Left Bay Area with family by car at 1 am |
| Diego Mosqueda | 19 | M | Lamont, CA | Friend drove him while parents worked |
| Ramses Munoz | 17 | M | Tustin, CA | Tustin HS ('07) student; 1 of 2 fm. Tustin |
| Andrew Robles | 16 | M | Lynwood, CA | Older bro is Chivas USA's Éder Robles |
| Victor Rodríguez | 20 | F | Moorpark, CA | Former Moorpark HS ('04) student |
| Alejandro Rosas | 16 | D | Watsonville, CA | One of 2 Pajaro Valley HS ('08) students |
| Carlos Ruiz | 18 | M | Lawndale, CA | Born in Perú; name like 'Pescado' Ruiz |
| Miguel Sanchez | 19 | M | Inglewood, CA | Former Inglewood HS ('06) student |
| Abraham Solis | 21 | GK | Las Vegas, NV | Car broke down, friends brought tools |
| Diego Soto | 21 | M | King City, CA | Former King City HS ('03) standout |
The format for the Sueño MLS Final 24 will be the following:
FORMAT
(Saturday, March 3, 2007 - The Home Depot Center, Carson, California - All times PT):
8:00 a.m. – Players arrive and check in
8:30 a.m. – Players split into Team A and Team B; Warm-up (30 min.)
9:00 a.m. – Team A vs. Chivas USA U-19's (45 min.)
10:00 a.m. – Team B vs. Chivas USA U-19's (45 min.)
11:00 a.m. – Team A vs. Team B (45 min.)
SUNDAY: – Announcement of winner of two-week trial with Chivas USA
