Chivas fires coach Azcargorta

Mexico City:

Fan-favorite Chivas of Guadalajara has fired Spanish coach Javier Azcargorta, after his squad fell 3-0 to Toluca and missed the Mexican league playoffs. Chivas general director Juan Jose Frangie said Azcargorta would not be back next year because of strategical disagreements. He did not announce a replacement. Chivas attracted Azcargorta from Spain in August, after firing coach Benjamin Galindo who guided the team to an unspectacular start three games into the Mexican season. Azcargorta coached 12 matches, leading the team to just two victories, five losses, and five draws. Chivas could have locked up one of two remaining playoff spots with a win over Toluca on Sunday, but showed little fight. The team finished the season 13th in the 18-team league. Azcargorta coached Bolivia to the World Cup in 1994, and guided Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid's international soccer schools. (AP)