For most coaches, taking the reins at Chivas USA would have been a great opportunity. For Martín Vásquez, it's a dream come true.
After a lengthy search process, Chivas USA named Vásquez this week as their new head coach. The 45-year-old Mexican succeeds Preki as the club's fourth head coach.
Vásquez is no stranger to the Red-and-White. He served as an assistant coach to both Bob Bradley in 2006 and to Preki in 2007. The historical connection to the club made his appointment all the easier for the Chivas USA front office.
"At the end of the day, it was a no-brainer," said Chivas USA president and CEO Shawn Hunter. "Martín's passion and his experience are unequalled. The fact that we have three young players from our youth team playing with the first team really is a tribute to what he helped start almost five years ago. He was the perfect candidate."
Vásquez inherits a squad that has qualified for the playoffs in the last four consecutive seasons. The only major change to the roster thus far in the offseason is the departure of defender Shavar Thomas to Philadelphia Union in the Expansion Draft.
"I know maybe 60 or 70 percent of the current players," said Vásquez. "I believe there's a good group of players and we have to build on that. We have to do an evaluation [before making] any changes."
While the Red-and-White had a solid 2009 season, the team struggled a bit in the offensive third. Chivas USA netted the fewest number of goals of any team in the Western Conference, and didn't score more than twice in any one game all season. One of Vásquez's primary concerns could be bolstering the team's attack.
"We're already in the process of looking for players that can possibly make our team stronger," he said. "We're looking at the draft coming up, at the MLS Combine, and at our local combine, but that will take time. We have to make sure [new players] are the right fit."
With the 2010 MLS preseason still more than a month away, Vásquez has plenty of time to plan for what many are hoping will be another strong year for Chivas USA.
"The club is in a strong place and still has a great deal of potential," said Vásquez. "This is a wonderful opportunity, and I can't wait to get started."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
