Chukwudi Chijindu

Overview
Chivas USA signed midfielder Chukwudi Chijindu to a Developmental Contract on April 3, 2009, and the attacking player made his MLS debut in the April 11 Honda Super Clásico against the LA Galaxy before scoring his first goal a week later, on April 18, against the Seattle Sounders FC. He finished the season with one goal and one assist in 11 games (four starts) over the course of the season.

Born on Feb. 20, 1986, Chijindu played four years at the University of Connecticut, where he played a total of 86 matches (17 starts), splitting time between midfield and forward, and finished his career with 26 goals. A native of Fontana, Calif., Chijindu was an All-America Top 100 pick and League MVP while at Damien High School in La Verne, Calif. He spent time with the Red-and-White during the 2008 preseason, playing in several scrimmages.

MLS Experience

2009: Chijindu played in 11 games (four starts) contributing one goal and one assist. Scored his first professional goal on April 18, 2009 in a 2-0 Chivas USA victory over Seattle Sounders FC.

College
In four years at the University of Connecticut, Chijindu scored 26 goals in 86 career matches (17 starts). Playing primarily as a forward, Chijindu led the team in scoring in his freshman year (2004) with six goals, and was tied for the team lead in 2005 with 10 goals. Was usually the team’s first offensive sub into a match, and also had 18 assists in his career.

Youth Teams
At Damien High School in La Verne, Calif., Chijindu earned four varsity letters in soccer, and was his team’s leading scorer in his junior and senior seasons. Earned a number of individual honors, including an All-League, All-Area, All-California Interscholastic Federation selection, an All-American Top 100 pick, League MVP, two-time San Gabriel Valley Player of the Year, and Inland Player of the Year. Also helped the team to three Sierra League Championships.

Personal
In high school, Chijindu also lettered three-years in football, was an honor roll student, won the Advanced Placement Spanish Award and was part of the National Student Association. Was a psychology major at UConn.

Acquired
Signed by Chivas USA to a Developmental Contract on April 3, 2009