Chivas USA have been feverishly filling out their roster in the past week, making it official with several of their preseason trialists. On Wednesday, they made it seven in the last five days, announcing the signing of two more young Mexican-Americans in midfielders Josue Soto and Emilio Orozco.
Soto, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and Orozco, a Southern California product, join the Red-and-White via discovery. Per league and club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
READ: Chivas USA mystery trialists finally identified
Soto, 24, who was originally signed by the Houston Dynamo as a Homegrown player and played his collegiate career at Campbell and Southern Methodist University, earning Atlantic Sun Conference Freshman of the Year honors. He has also played for PDL side Carolina Dynamo and, most recently for the NASL's San Antonio Scorpions on loan from the Dynamo.
Born in Oxnard, Calif., Orozco was a member of the US Under-17 and Under-20 national teams. The 20-year-old midfielder spent time with Tigres UANL of Mexico’s First Division and with NASL side Fort Lauderdale Strikers last season. Orozco has also participated in the IMG soccer academy, located in Bradenton, Fla.
Chivas USA also added veteran defenders Joaquín Velázquez and Wálter Vílchez on Tuesday after securing Mexicans Giovani Casillas and Mario de Luna last week on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara. All seven players have been in preseason camp in Los Angeles under José Luis "El Chelís" Sánchez Solá.
The Rojiblancos open the MLS regular season on Saturday at home against Columbus (10:30 pm ET, MLS Live).
