GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Former Chivas USA winger Eric Avila is on trial at Chivas Guadalajara, looking to break into the squad for the upcoming Clausura 2015 tournament.
The 27-year-old American – who holds Mexican citizenship - showed up at the team’s first day back at preseason in Guadalajara, with the reported deal to take him to Santos Laguna seemingly off.
Chivas coach José Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre insisted he will watch Avila and then make a decision on his future.
“They [Avila and fellow trialist Alexis Mendiola] are youngsters that we have to observe to see if they can be of use to us,” De la Torre said in a press conference on Thursday.
Avila previously tried out at Guadalajara in the summer of 2013 when Benjamín Galindo was head coach, but ended up going back to Chivas USA.
According to Chivas club policy, Avila would not be able to suit up for the US national team if he signs for Guadalajara. (An offshoot of the team's longstanding policy to only sign and field Mexican players.) The winger did feature for the US national team at youth level.
Avila started his career at FC Dallas before moving to Toronto in 2011 and on to Chivas USA ahead of the 2013 season. He racked up 50 starts for the now-defunct Goats.
