Venezuela practices on Union's turf, prepares to face Uruguay

Boosted by Sunday's opening 1-0 Copa America win over Jamaica in Chicago, Venezuela's soccer team came to Philadelphia a confident group.

On Thursday, Venezuela will face Uruguay in the second Group C game for both teams. The match at Lincoln Financial Field begins at 7:30 p.m.

Uruguay opened with a 3-1 loss to Mexico in Glendale, Ariz.

Uruguay worked out in Arizona before flying to Philadelphia.

Venezuela trained Monday night at the practice facility of the Union at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester.

Ironically, the keeper who makes his home there with the Union, Andre Blake, played a strong game in defeat for Jamaica.

The game's only goal came in the 15th minute when Josef Martinez was sprung on goal after a Jamaica giveaway and shot the ball through Blake's legs.

Blake was at his best while making a sensational diving safe in the 70th minute on a header from Wilker Angel. He gained the respect of Venezuela's squad.

"I think he is a very good keeper," Venezuela defender Rolf Feltscher said. "I remember only one [play] when we had a big opportunity to score a goal and he was there with his right hand to save it and that was incredible."

Before the workout, the team seemed in good spirits, and for good reason. Feltscher said he hopes his team takes advantage of two more practice days in the Philadelphia area before Thursday's match.

"We have to be very focused," Feltscher said. "We want to get good training here and be positive."