Leandro Barrera

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed on loan from Argentinos Juniors on March 6, 2014. 

Chivas USA announced the acquisition of Argentine forward Leandro Barrera, who joins the Red-and-White on loan from Asociación Atlética Argentinos Juniors in the country’s First Division. After six seasons with the Argentine side, Barrera – who turned 23 in February – will be eligible to play in the 2014 Major League Soccer regular season.

A self-described playmaker who likes to create from the left wing, Barrera will now team up with fellow countrymen Mauro Rosales and Agustin Pelletieri, who were acquired by the Rebaño Angelino this off-season. The forward joined Chivas during their three-week preseason road trip and made three appearances to help lead the Goats to a 1-0-3 record in the Desert Diamond Cup.

Born in the province of Mendoza, Barrera was raised in neighboring San Juan, where he began honing his soccer skills at the Escuelita de Fútbol de Santa Lucía. After gaining the attention of Argentinos Juniors, the left-sided forward signed with the Buenos Aires-based club in February 2006.

Barrera ascended through the youth ranks and made his professional debut in 2010 during the Apertura tournament, a season after the club was crowned champions of the 2010 Clausura.  The forward went on to appear in 42 matches while tallying three goals for the Bichos Colorados.

The attacker’s talents earned him a pair of call-ups to Argentina’s Under-20 national team, the first under the leadership of Sergio Batista, who also served a stint as head coach for La Albiceleste’s senior squad, followed by his most recent under Walter Perazo.