CHIVAS USA
LAST YEAR: 6-20-8 (18th place overall, ninth in Western Conference)
WHO’S BACK: G Dan Kennedy, D Carlos Bocanegra, F Erick Torres, M Eric Avila, M Carlos Alvarez, D Bobby Burling, M Oswaldo Minda
WHO’S GONE: M Edgar Mejia, F Tristan Bowen, F Jose Correa, M Jorge Villafana, M Gabriel Farfan
WHO’S NEW: D Andrew Jean-Baptiste, M Mauro Rosales, M Agustin Pelletieri, M Tommy McNamara, F Luke Moore, F Adolfo Bautista
WHAT’S AHEAD: MLS’ most miserable franchise is back from another tumultuous year for a fresh start, even if it doesn’t translate into victories right away. After two head coaches were dismissed and the Goats finished last in the West in 2013, the league bought the club from owners Jorge Vergara and Angelica Fuentes, putting their future in flux. Chivas also overhauled its roster and hired coach Wilmer Cabrera, a veteran Colorado assistant and U.S. national under-17 team coach, to assemble this intriguing collection of returning players and new additions. The Goats added some undeniable talent in front of Dan Kennedy, still one of MLS’ best goalkeepers: 21-year-old Andrew Jean-Baptiste is a gifted center back who should benefit from playing alongside U.S. national team veteran Carlos Bocanegra, while Argentines Mauro Rosales and Agustin Pelletieri should provide some punch in the midfield alongside youngster Tommy McNamara. Moore is a tantalizing addition from England via Turkey, and he should partner up front with promising second-year forward Erick Torres. The Goats aren’t thinking about winning the league title just yet, but Cabrera is hoping Chivas is at least a credit to its owners.
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