Chivas USA doubled the number of Costa Rican international defenders they have on their roster on Tuesday, adding center back DarÃo Delgado on loan.
Delgado joins Chivas from Costa Rican top-flight side Puntarenas in a deal that sent a conditional 2012 draft pick to Real Salt Lake, who had held discovery rights to the defender. He will be eligible to play upon receipt of his work visa and International Transfer Certificate.
"[Delgado] is a young, talented central defender who gives us both depth and options with our back line," Chivas head coach MartÃn Vásquez said in a club statement. "We’ve had our eye on him for a while and we’re glad he is finally here."
The 24-year-old, who earlier this year was linked to a move to the Seattle Sounders, has five caps for the Costa Rican national team, including two in World Cup qualifying. He began his professional career in 2007 with Puntarenas and has made 61 appearances for the Areneros, scoring six goals.
Delgado joins fellow Costa Rica international MÃchael Umaña on the Chivas backline. Umaña, a right back, joined Chivas at the beginning of the 2010 season.
