(PEORIA, ILLINOIS) — A thrilling back-and-forth match between Peoria City and Chivas de Guadalajara U23 ends in epic fashion.
The USL League Two franchise saw a couple of firsts on Saturday, March 22nd. It was the team’s first-ever match at the iconic Peoria Stadium, and the first victory over Chivas’ U23 side.
2,072 people made their way through the gates on the sunny, Saturday afternoon.
Peoria City had plenty of close chances in the first half, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
A direct kick just outside the penalty area was Peoria’s first close chance to put the ball in the back of the net.
But a diving save by the keeper, followed by a goalpost deflection took the chance away.
Nearly 10 minutes later, in the 35th minute, University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC) Josh Torres found the back of the net! Only to be called offside.
Late into the first half, Chivas U23 scored the game’s first goal, giving them the lead into half-time.
A resilient Peoria City squad wouldn’t let that be how the game ended, with a comeback story on the horizon.
It was Clarke University’s (NAIA) Daniel Valverde giving the Carp the tying goal in the 77th minute. The assist goes to Diego Lazaro of Indian Hills Men’s Soccer.
Valverde wasn’t done bringing the magic to Peoria Stadium in Copa Peoria. In stoppage time, with just seconds to go, Valverde would find the back of the net again.
Josh Reddy showed his Superman throw-in skills once again, leading to a Chivas U23 header to the top of the box.
Valverde controlled the ball with the right foot, and striking it cross body with the left, sinking the shot in the upper left corner!
Seconds later, goalkeeper Lucas Fontana sent a free kick into Chivas U23 territory, signaling the end of the game.
It’s no surprise that Valverde’s two second-half goals earned him Saturday’s Man of the Match nod from Head Coach Mike Paye.
For many rostered players in Copa Peoria 2025, this was their first time suiting up for a Peoria City match. They enjoyed their first taste of electricity from The 309, Peoria City’s official supporters group. Flags, smoke bombs and drums made an appearance Saturday afternoon, and the players and fans celebrated on the sidelines after the club’s victory.
After one draw and one loss to Chivas U23 in 2024, this was the first win for Peoria City over the Guadalajara, Mexico-based franchise.
10 local businesses in the Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supported Peoria City by selling tickets in their establishments ahead of the match.
Thank you to Hacienda el Mirador, River City Grill, International Grocer, Panaderia Ortiz Bakery, Los Cabos, Lorena’s, Hacienda Fuentes, Miranda’s Bella Boutique, Las Delicias and Coco’s Tacos!
Peoria City players rocked the specialty Copa Peoria 2025 jerseys on Saturday, featuring sponsorships from Coco’s Tacos, River City Grill, Carniceria Roman, Hacienda el Mirador, El Morning Chou and Yeni’s Palarte alongside Peoria City’s presenting sponsors, The House Barbell Club and The Yard Peoria. Fans had the chance to purchase these jerseys in the Peoria Stadium concessions area.
The next Peoria City event is the club’s monthly meet-and-greet on Tuesday, April 8th. Join us at Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern (212 Southwest Water Street Suite B, Peoria, IL 61602) from 6-8 p.m.
In just over one month, Peoria City’s men’s team is back in action! See Peoria City vs. Bradley University in a classic showdown at Shea Stadium.
One week later, Peoria City takes on Northwestern University in our final spring exhibition match. Location and time TBD.
Season tickets are still on-sale! Support the women’s and men’s team this summer by heading to peoriacitysoccer.com/tickets.
More exciting player announcements are scheduled for the days to come. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more details!
#UpTheCarp
