CARSON, Calif. — Chivas USA have a new signing on the horizon, though head coach Robin Fraser said this week it was unlikely to be announced before the Rojiblancos take on the Houston Dynamo on Saturday.
Who the signing will be remains a complete mystery. But one player it won't be is Mohamed “Momo” Dahmane, a French-Algerian forward who had been linked Chivas USA earlier in the week by a report out of France. Fraser shot down that report in a hurry on Tuesday, saying he had never heard of the player.
"I'd like to know about him, too," Fraser mused as reporters discussed the Algerian’s career statistics. "A French-Algerian? I'll take Zidane, but I don't know who you're talking about. If you send me his résumé, then I'll see if I can find anything, but no, I've never heard anything before, I don't know of a player like that."
With the rumors of Dahmane’s addition seemingly extinguished, the Rojiblancos remain on the lookout for a forward, a position that Fraser said after last Saturday's draw against New York was a “big priority” for Chivas USA during the summer transfer window.
Fraser dishes out praise for All-Star duo
Chivas USA may not have the most glamorous lineup in MLS, but the Rojiblancos do boast two MLS All-Stars. Midfielder Nick LaBrocca and defender Heath Pearce were announced on Monday as members of the MLS All-Star team that will face Manchester United on July 27.
Fraser said the All-Star nod was a “just reward” for LaBrocca and Pearce, but also felt that the other members of the club could share in the duo’s accomplishment.
“The All-Star game is fantastic for the two players, but also, they’re not going to get there if the team is not doing something right, so there is a measure of success there,” said Fraser. “To be honest, there is a measure of pride and this group works extremely hard and they are extremely unselfish and they’re happy for the two that are All-Stars.”
Mayen heading out on loan
Because Gerson Mayen has struggled for playing time in 2011, the 22-year-old midfielder has been sent to the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL on loan.
Mayen has seen scant action this season, getting one start in just for matches played. He went on loan to the Strikers last season when they went by the name Miami FC.
Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached atadam.m.serrano@gmail.comand on Twitter: @adamserrano
