CARSON, Calif. – Chivas USA took to the training field for the first time in 2011 on Friday and already, there are big changes afoot for Robin Fraser's roster for the upcoming season.
Cuban forward Maykel Galindo, Mexican winger Rodolfo Espinoza and Costa Rican defender Dario Delgado will no longer be with the club, Fraser disclosed.
Galindo had struggled with injury troubles and poor form since his breakout 2007, when he scored 12 goals for the Rojiblancos. He spent the second half of last season on loan to USSF D2 side FC Tampa Bay.
Espinoza logged one goal and three assists for Chivas USA in his first season while Delgado appeared in 22 matches in the back line for the club in 2010. Both were additions by previous head coach Martin Vasquez.
“We’re moving on and moving forward,” said Fraser.
[inline_node:326976]Departures weren’t the only thing in order at the club. There were also a number of new additions, too.
Joining the squad for preseason is former Goats midfielder Francisco “Panchito” Mendoza. A non-roster invitee, Mendoza played in 111 games during his three years with Chivas USA and has bounced around Mexico after departing the club in 2008.
Also as training with Chivas USA as a non-roster invitee is former Mexican youth goalkeeper Sergio Arias, who developed in the Chivas de Guadalajara academy and was a member of the Mexico U-17 side that won the 2005 U-17 World Cup in Peru.
The third player to get a non-roster invite is defender Joaquín Beltrán, a former Pumas UNAM standout who has made 326 apperances for the Mexican club from 1996 to 2006. Beltrán has also made stops at Necaxa, Cruz Azul and, most recently, Querétaro.
Chivas USA open the 2011 season on March 19 at the Home Depot Center against Sporting Kansas City.
