The Goat Parade: FanPosts

XI Quarterly is having a reader drive - subscribe and win prizes!

2013-04-10T19:14:41Z

Hi folks,

As some of you may be aware, one of my other soccer-related jobs is with XI Quarterly, a North American soccer publication started in 2012. XI produces four print issues per year, and each issue features 11 stories based around a central theme, with the first issue focused on immigration and North American soccer, the second on Americans abroad, the third and upcoming issue related to "Futbol Americano" (featuring an article on Chivas USA), and the fourth issue relating to fan culture in North America.

The publication is entirely subscriber-supported financially, as all money in the enterprise goes to printing costs and paying contributors for each issue. The staff makes no money for our labor, including the founders, and we are truly a grassroots set-up. That's why a subscriber drive is necessary.

Our goal during the month of April 2013 is to gain 100 new subscribers during our ongoing reader drive. We are nearly a third of the way there at this point, but there's still more folks to sign up in order to meet our goal. Again, every person who subscribes, this month or at any time, makes this grassroots publication more sustainable in the long run. We have the ideas and the elbow grease to keep the publication going, but we need more people to subscribe in order to make the business side more sustainable over the long haul. So please help us, and we'll bring you high-quality soccer content!

In order to sweeten the deal, we are giving away 11 prizes this month as part of the subscription drive. If you are a new subscriber, you will automatically be entered in the drawings for the prizes, and if you are already a subscriber, don't worry! We have you covered as well, as current subscribers who refer friends and family to subscribe this month will also be entered in the running for the prizes. There are jerseys, balls, t-shirts, signed books, prints from one of our contributing artists all in the mix, so if you sign up or refer someone, you could get some cool swag!

You will find more information on the subscriber drive on XI's website here, and feel free to poke around the website overall. If you have any questions, let me know in the comment section here, or hit me up on twitter (@soccermusings).

#WeareXI

Alicia

Hi folks,

#WeareXI

Alicia

Supporting Chivas USA: An Economic Perspective

2013-03-19T18:54:01Z

Referencing the goal scorers in this weekend's SuperClasico, @BlackArmy1850 observed:

"Blue Collar values illustrated by Clasico goals: Mcbean (Newport, avg family income $201k) vs Alvarez (East LA, $33k). Economical Rivalry?"

I know nothing about either Jack McBean or Carlos Alvarez's family life, so I don't want to assume that these numbers illustrate a gospel truth about either player. However, I think the Black Army makes an interesting point. I would speculate that Chivas USA's roster contains a number of players who have come from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds, perhaps as many as any other team in the league. Even more compellingly, however, it raises the question of what makes the Chivas USA fanbase unique.

It's no secret that Hispanic families face steep economic disadvantages in the United States, and that disparity is particularly noteworthy in the Los Angeles area. Federal economic data shows that the income gap in Los Angeles is 67.2%, making it the worst market in the nation for Hispanic earning power. The Pew Hispanic Center shows [PDF] that Hispanic adults in LA are twice as likely as the total population to lack a high school diploma and 50% more likely to lack health insurance. The recession of the late 2000s has increased the income gap; the percentage decrease in median income between 2007 and 2008 was over twice as high for Latino households compared to non-Latinos, leaving 31% of Latino children below the poverty line (compared to 11% of white children).

For a team that relies on a heavily Hispanic fan base, these numbers represent a unique challenge. Ticket prices are relatively low in Major League Soccer compared to other professional sports, but the costs associated with attending a game are still considerable. Buying tickets for every family member is just the beginning. Getting to and from the stadium costs either gas and parking or public transportation, and the Home Depot Center is notoriously far from the Los Angeles city center. Food and souvenir prices are inflated. Even having the free time can be a struggle; workers in low income jobs are much more likely to have scheduled shifts on weekends.

While Chivas is obviously suffering from an attendance problem, their numbers on social media sites are competitive with (or exceed) any other team in Major League Soccer. Part of this may be spillover from the Guadalajara fan base, but it's also important to note that following a team on Twitter or Facebook is a low-cost way to express one's fandom. I believe that Chivas USA probably has the highest percentage of fans who are simply priced out of game attendance, or whose strained entertainment budgets make it a greater sacrifice to support an under-performing team. This doesn't mean that the attendance problem isn't just as bad – the economic realities of MLS dictate that the team needs to fill seats. However, it should give MLS supporters pause when they insist that Chivas USA has no fans. If the franchise does face folding or relocation, it may hurt more people than a casual look at attendance figures would suggest.

Referencing the goal scorers in this weekend's SuperClasico, @BlackArmy1850 observed:

"Blue Collar values illustrated by Clasico goals: Mcbean (Newport, avg family income $201k) vs Alvarez (East LA, $33k). Economical Rivalry?"

Chivas USA may not "get" MLS... but do they really need to?

2013-02-24T08:09:48Z

If this were Europe, the fans would be thrilled.

Three straight losing seasons and a dwindling fan base is unacceptable for any sporting team, but Chivas USA has responded in a way that would make almost any soccer fan excited. They found free transfers for overpaid, underperforming players, dispensing with almost all of their salary obligations for their departures. They reloaded with young, inexpensive talent with genuine community ties (all four off-season acquisitions, minus the Guadalajara loans, were born in Southern California). They found a promising rookie in Carlos Alvarez who was excited to join the team, and they pulled out all stops to acquire him. In almost any league in the world, Chivas USA has followed the script for a rebuilding franchise.

Major League Soccer, however, is structurally much more similar to its American brethren than to other soccer leagues. In American sports, teams keep their draft strategy tightly guarded, trying to extract maximum value from each pick. Trading is done to acquire superior assets, not just to purge the club. Cultural and community connections are of little importance in constructing a winning roster. According to received wisdom, Chivas USA has done everything spectacularly wrong this off-season, violating the norms so flagrantly that the very existence of the team should be called into question.

However, it's worth seriously considering if this has to be the blueprint for a successful MLS franchise. Though MLS may structure itself as an American league, soccer is still an international sport, and this opens a bevy of channels for team building that simply aren't available in other leagues. If an NFL franchise wants to add talent, their only options are to go through the draft or to find players from other teams in the league, through trades or free agency. However, the percentage of theoretically available soccer players who actually play in MLS is quite small, and the potential talent that comes through the draft is even smaller. Rather than playing by the same rules as 18 other teams, Chivas USA could be best served by pursuing an alternate model.

When people talk about Chivas's re-engagement with Latino culture, they tend to think of it as limiting; by concentrating on Latino players, Chivas is decreasing its potential talent pool. However, it's very easy to see how this model could be expansive. By conducting team business in Spanish and adopting a style of play familiar in Central American leagues, Chivas USA could become a welcome home for players throughout South and Central America who would consider playing in the United States were it not for the linguistic and cultural barriers.

Take Walter Vilchez, for example, who is widely expected to sign with the team in the next week. Vilchez has enjoyed a stellar playing career in Peru. He's earned 64 appearances for a national team in the brutal COMNEBOL conference, and managed to win a bronze medal in the 2011 Copa America. He's earned spots on four sides that have won Peruvian first division titles -- and although he is 30 years old, the most recent championship came in 2012. Chelis refers to him as integral to his plans, and his sporting accomplishments suggest a very talented team player. However, his potential signing is drawing very little attention, largely because players like Vilchez are miles away from the MLS radar. It's no exaggeration to say that South and Central America could be filled with dozens of potential Walter Vilchez's, and Chivas USA could be positioning themselves as their leading destination.

Of course, this can only happen if Chivas USA is willing to spend the money necessary to scout and sign these players. Jorge Vergara is no profligate spender, and this has been an off-season dedicated to slashing playroll. At this point, that's a necessary task, but Vergara will have to open up the checkbook soon if he wants to realize what could be a unique potential. Otherwise, Chivas's ceiling will remain a series of mediocre finishes, and the MLS community will continue to blame a fresh and exciting approach to team building when the real culprit will be negligent mismanagement.

If this were Europe, the fans would be thrilled.

Once A Goat Series - Fan Pick this time

2013-01-12T13:43:15Z

As a writer, you want to always keep your readers in mind. And TGP has a lot of people who read the blog. While researching for the series, usually Alicia and I tweet, or email each other ideas back and forth for whom I'm going to profile. And yes as much as I love tweeting Alicia, I'll do it again. I was thinking that I need to talk to you guys and see who you want us to talk about.

Keep in mind I've talk about Sasha, Jonathan Bornstein, Brad Guzan, Heath Pearce, and a couple of the players now in the Latin and South American leagues. But that being said, there has to be more players out there, that you guys want to hear about. So give me some suggestions.

First time listener, long time Caller - I got some stuff to say

2012-09-29T21:33:09Z

As you have read here, I'm trying to be more of a MLS fan. I'm on a Philadelphia Radio show on Saturdays. I've watched a lot of the other clubs, trying to find a club to support. I found TGP because I was looking for someone who had a good blog, but not one of the status quo teams. Hence why I found Chivas. Plus I like Red. And well one of your writers went to school in the Big Ten, and that's always good.

But I have a question for you guys. And after the jump I'll get to it.

As you guys have seen, and if you have read my blog (in my profile, and Alicia knows my blog too). I don't see the need to pay for memberships. I'm confused with the Black Army. Are there dues?

I looked on their site, and it was confusing. I know that most have like 40 dollar dues, and that's wrong. I love the fact of supporter groups, but paying? Yeah, no.

Also, I want to thank you guys, for letting me dip my toe in the MLS writing. I hope to getting more written. Hopefully I can start writing Chivas stuff. I have ideas for stories for you lot.

Excuse Me - Posting something meaningful to me

2012-09-17T01:39:25Z

Folks, as you know, I do radio in Philadelphia, and every so often we do what the TV world calls a Very Special Eppy. The show is how I know of this blog. Oh of the blue one day (err sorry, Red) I looked for someone who knew Chivas well. And walla found Alicia. She's become a good friend of the show. (been on the show I think three times now). After the jump I have a bit on a topic in the sport that means a lot to me.

As most of you know I'm a Liverpool fan, and last week the Report on Hillsborough came out. If you don't know about it, google will have a lot on it. I can't do a blog post on it, without swearing and saying stuff I don't want to. So I have a better option. Last weekend we did a VSE on Hillsborough.

Joining host Eric Nash is Simon Allen (host of World Wide Soccer), Me, freelance writer Richard Buxton from the UK, and Rutgers Sociology Professor Patrick Carr

http://www.hulkshare.com/tj21frznqxa8

We're fans of the sport - who else do you watch?

2012-09-08T13:36:49Z

Ah, we're all footy fans, I was wondering what other clubs do you watch?

Me -

England - Liverpool (main team), Stoke (Family), Fulham (done some stuff for their SBnation blog)

Scotland - Cetlic

Spain - Barca (yeah I know, not a shock)

Germany (Most of them outside of Bayren)

Italy - Lazio - the late great Chingalla

Yeah I know it's not a surprise that there's many of the teams on here are the great teams of the leagues. I'd love to get into lower league teams, but that's not going to happen in the Americas.

Ah, we're all footy fans, I was wondering what other clubs do you watch?

Me -

England - Liverpool (main team), Stoke (Family), Fulham (done some stuff for their SBnation blog)

Scotland - Cetlic

Spain - Barca (yeah I know, not a shock)

Germany (Most of them outside of Bayren)

Italy - Lazio - the late great Chingalla

Yeah I know it's not a surprise that there's many of the teams on here are the great teams of the leagues. I'd love to get into lower league teams, but that's not going to happen in the Americas.

For those who want more Footy - MLS Radio Package

2012-08-19T18:25:20Z

I was thinking the other day, that it's hard to listen to your favorite MLS club if you are a fan of the radio calls. Yeah I can already hear the complaints "Us young folk don't listen to the radio anymore". Yawn. I know get me the rocking chair, but I grew up on radio, worked in radio, and love radio. Yeah we get the point here. But think about it this way, with Iheartradio, and Sirius, there's many chances to listen to any game at any time. I mean for Godsake I can listen to Kansas City Royals Baseball (I lived in KC for years), from my room in Buffalo NY.

I know it's something for me to talk about Media, I do it a lot around here. As you all know, I'm all for the MLS expanding their coverage. A package or another, yes I know, another station on Iheartradio or Sirius is going to far sometimes, but to be able to listen to MLS radio outside of podcasts. There's millions out there (oh and TGP one is quiet good), but think of it this way, a 24 hour a day station with all MLS games on, that would be spectacular. As much as I love to listen to European soccer matches, the fact I could hear more about the MLS, would be better.

We got to grow the sport, MLS is on the way up, but it's like the media is behind the times. Only podcasts, and you have to search for tv games (yes NBCN's broadcasts are great) and you can find games on the internet, but what if you are on a smart phone? With some more smart PR, the MLS could overtake the NBA. There's a lot of people out there playing soccer, let's get more fans. I know, novel thought.

Yeah there's the MLS app, but if you already have the app for Sirius why get another one, HAVE EVERYTHING ON ONE APP. That's just a thought. It's never going to happen, that is an all for one app. There needs to be more soccer.

Is it time for the MLS to tour Europe? Chivas Related

2012-08-05T16:25:21Z

As fun as it is to see the big clubs come over to the states, with their B teams, how much is that helping grow the MLS? I'd say not really. Yeah it's nice that they come over, give some of the gate to the MLS teams, get some merchandise sales, and then leave. Once again, how much is this helping the MLS? Are the fans of the European teams watching the MLS and loving the league? Some maybe.

Now it's time for the MLS to go over to Europe. Think about it, the MLS clubs do travel in this hemisphere, and sometimes go to the Oceania region, but for the most part Europe has been ignored. Let's give the MLS a tour idea after the break.

I'm sure this has been thought of at MLS HQ. Any attempt to grow the game, has probably been talked about for a while up there. However, the proof is in the chocolate pudding. Have we seen teams go over recently? No, it's more of what big club can come over, make our boys look horrible, have an American vacation and not think about the MLS anymore. That's sad. I'm not saying the Chivas has to go over and play Man U or Liverpool, but they can go over and play other clubs. Even like the Timbers going over and playing Aston Villa (a club they have a lot of history with) would help out the MLS. Remember each of us, and the league have to do their best to grow the sport.

I don't pretend to know the finances of the MLS clubs, and I'm not sitting here saying that they are as wealthy as the European clubs. Lets face it, there's a lot of money over in Europe, that's how these clubs can take long tours each summer. I'm not saying Chivas has to spend a month touring Europe, but a good two week jaunt overseas would be great. Plus think of the scouting they could do. (It's easy for them to scout Latin and South America).

There's a whole pyramid of teams below the EPL, and many clubs lets be honest that Chivas would give a good game to. And Chivas isn't the only club that should go over. I'd say all but LA and NY should go to Europe. Think of it this way, go to the small towns or smaller clubs, like Fleetwood, or Gloucester City FC just to name a couple really tiny clubs, which would benefit from a club as big as Chivas coming over. And they are many levels below the EPL.

Or you want to go a level below the EPL, how about playing Bolton, Blackburn, Wolverhampton, or Nottingham Forest all big clubs in the history of England, but in a lower league. They all have supporter groups here in the states, and instead of making the club's come to the US, let's go there.

And that's just England. You could send Chivas to Italy, Portugal, Germany, Scotland, or Holland, and get some decent crowds over there. After all there's a some American players playing in the Dutch league. With our national team coach being German, and a German legend, sending a club or two into Germany wouldn't be a bad idea.

Is this another way out there idea? Probably. But, there's a lot of fans, and an MLS UK blog that shows, there are people out there, who want to watch the MLS, and with the time difference, it's hard for them to watch the league as much. Yeah, boo hoo, they get to see soccer all the time over there, but out league is better than some of the lower leagues over in Europe.

Sick of the MLS talking about Expanding - Expand the TV

2012-07-30T18:29:53Z

While it's all well and good that Garber wants another club, and is really looking at NY2. As you guys know I'm a Cosmos fan, and watch a lot of clubs in the MLS one such club is Chivas. But I'm wondering, just having a NBC Sports Network and ESPN contract, does that hurt people who don't get both channels? I have huge issues also with buying extra packages for games. In this day an age with as many channels as most standard packages offer, wouldn't you think that you would already have an MLS channel?

I know the MLS was trying to not be the NASL when it started, that's why it's taken so long for the old names to come back. And they didn't want to get into the hassle that the old league had with poor tv ratings, and horrible coverage. Having their own network, both on tv and on Sirius, would provide more exposure for the league, and more money. Think about this, there's a network for every league now in the states. While that's good, why hasn't Garber put himself on that fad yet?

There's so many fans out there, who want to see the league, but don't need to pay for every game to get the package. I'm all for each of the leagues to have their networks on basic cable. Think of it this way, there's so much footage, out there for the fans to watch, historical and regular season. I'm sure the MLS can find the games from before ESPN/Fox got the games full time, and can string together "Historical Game of the Week" on a network. Plus if you make it the MLS network, you can go to the other leagues, NASL, USL, NPSL, PDL, and the Womens leagues and them on tv.

There's so much out there for the fans to watch, to just get two networks carrying a couple games each night on a weekend is slap to the face of each of the fans. Why can't I in Buffalo NY watch a Chivas game? Yeah I know they aren't as exciting as the Red Bull, but still it's a match worth watching. Plus, then you can grow the teams in areas that don't get to watch them or won't shell out the money for the extra package. Also I'm well aware you can find illegal internet streams for games, but they are always spotty. Sure as a radio I know that you can find the radio call for games. Sometimes it's a lot more fun to watch the game than listen to it.

Then again, the MLS should allow each club to have their own tv networks on their websites, after all that's what the rest of the soccer world does. Just my thought, what's yours?

Quantifying Supporting your club

2012-07-20T22:07:15Z

We all got into soccer (football) for various reasons. If it's because of family or where you live, there are many ways we have gotten into the sport. Then there's me who got into the sport because I needed something to write about. Either way, we all became fans of our clubs because of who we are and what we think. Now, my question is how can you quantify that. In this corporate world, there's always a new fun way for the club to sap more money out of the fans. And the newest one is to make them pay for the memberships. I know i'm writing this on a MLS blog, and not being a Sbnation blogger, but I was thinking about how we support our clubs. Let me also say this, I don't have a MLS club, just a lot of clubs that I follow, Chivas has been added to it, since I've talked to Alicia on radio, and i love her writing.

I don't get that concept. I mean come on, do you have to spend money to be a fan? Do you have to show up to every game to be a fan? If that's the case, my Father who is a sports nut, isn't a fan. And he's been to more sporting events than most of the people reading this have been. Of course my Dad is staring at 70, so that has something to do with it. I've not been to a sporting event in years, but blog, and am on the radio about game. Does that make me a bad fan? Does it make me a bad fan that I don't pay for memberships? I don't think a fan has to justify their team they support. If you love the club, why tell someone why?

Of course I know, working in sports like I have, know that if a club sees a way to get more money to finance the club they'll do it. But come on, paying to be a member to get discounts for tickets and merch? Come on. There's many supporter clubs out there, heck doesn't Chicago have like 13 of them? I know the Black Army, the Timbers Army, the Crew Union, and the Sons of Ben, are worth it, but why can't you just be a fan and not pledge money? Am I missing something?

It's not that I can't afford it, or haven't figured out how to. I don't see the need. Why pay money to get a discount on tickets or merchandise? Seriously, Ebay, and stubhub is out there. I'm not shilling for either, thought I do love both of them. If you need a jersey or a ticket, you can go online and find them for less than the teams offer. Also you can get a shiny card to fill your wallet easily with a nerd with a AV background. Not hard. Oh and it's not like you get a say in what the club does if you spend the money. These clubs get so much money anyway. It's usually one vote on a society board, and do teams really look at it?

So fans what do you say?

LA has history - Let's look back again.

2012-07-15T13:29:46Z

I know it's becoming a fad around here, me writing about the old league. But what does that have to do with the Goat Parade and hot sunny days in the USA? Well, if you don't understand the past then you don't understand why the game is what it is today. I shutter to think what people would view of the NASL today. Too bad that the NASL is a shell of what it's namesake. Today I want to talk to you guys about the LA Aztecs. Why am I writing this on the Goat Parade? I don't like the Galaxy, and the writers on this blog are better. After the jump lets talk about the other big club that was here in LA.

What if I were to say that Becks isn't the best British middie to play in LA? What if I said Landon wouldn't even get on the starting eleven of the Aztecs? Well, you'd think i'm nuts. And sometimes you'd be right. And the Galaxy didn't get the first title in Los Angeles. The old LA Aztecs got one in 1974. Of course the Los Angeles Wolves (Kickers) were the first club. Then when the NASL came around, the league brought over clubs from Europe and made them NASL teams. LA had Wolverhampton at the time, and at the time Wolverhampton was good.

The Aztecs were only around from 1974-81, but enjoyed success. They made the playoffs eight times in the years they were in the league. Of course they also had Johan Cruyff and George Best. And there we have the two players who would keep Becks and Landon on the bench. Not that Becks and Landon aren't good but lets be honest, Cruyff and Best well are better.

While the Aztecs flamed out and didn't make it to the end of the old NASL, it just shows the impact a club could have in a short period of time. Kind of how Chivas if they continue to grow could be a great second team in LA. Folks, look around on the net, the LA Aztecs jersey's are still online.

Oh and by the way, the old Aztecs were owned by ex-Watford owner Elton John.

Having two Teams in a big City - I'm a Cosmos fan

2012-07-09T00:03:04Z

I want to thank Alicia for putting the idea in my head about doing more MLS stuff.. I've spoken with on radio and twitter @fakestevenbrandt about becoming a better writer. Those who know me, know I'm a huge footy fan. I've been writing on Liverpool and old time American Soccer for years. I have my own blog, but with respect to this site and SBnation I won't promote it. I was thinking last night after chatting with her on twitter, yet again, about writing, the MLS and this site.. And a topic came to my mind, revolving around Chivas, LA, and having two teams in a market. After the jump I'll tell you why.

I've always been interested in cities that support more than one club, and in America, really the only city is Los Angeles. It's kind of a big annoying older brother, young sister relationship. I'm speaking from experience on this one, I have a younger sister (a writer too), so my sister can feel how Chivas can feel. As she would say "Its ok," But this isn't about her.

I'm an American Soccer fan because of the old NASL. and the New York Cosmos.I'm not old enough to know them (I'm 33). As MLS fans are aware, Don Garber is hellbent on bringing the Cosmos back. He's inching closer by the day. Here's the thing, and this is no slight, how has Chivas done with the Galaxy in town? (Another rip on the old Cosmos, and many who know me, know how much I hate the Galaxy). Not well folks. So why is Garber so pushing the Cosmos brand on the MLS? Why is he so hellbent on MLS 20 being in freaking NYC? It's not like Energy Drink FC (credit Cesar Diaz on that one) has done well anyway, why bring back the Cosmos?

Yeah I know part of it is because of the name, and the marketing. Kind of what Chvias is, and yes I know that Chivas is part of another club (Chivas in Mexico), and there's some crossover, but not much. But I see this as a Chivas v Galaxy thing.How well marketing wise has he done with the Chivas Brand? And I'll say this, Chivas merchandise is actually kind of cool. Once again, I'm not schilling for anyone other than myself.

Garber is trying to draw on the past, and the marketing, to drum up more fans, and money for the league. Kind of what Chivas is (to a point) I have no issue with Chivas being in the league. In fact, and I'm not saying this because this is a Chivas blog, and I happen to be big fans of EVERY WRITER ON THIS BLOG, but the Cosmos aren't needed.

MLS 20 doesn't need to follow like LA2, NYC2 shouldn't happen. Garber has enough ex-NASL clubs back, San Jose, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, that's enough folks. I love the NASL, and begining to love the MLS, but no Cosmos. (and I'm a huge Cosmos fan). If you want to bring up another old NASL club, the Tampa Bay Rowdies are in the new NASL (don't get me started on that one).

Chivas has shown that it's hard to have two clubs in one market, and Chivas has done fairly well, I gotta give credit to the fans of the club, and the club on that one.

Folks, Chivas is what the new Cosmos would be, and I'm being nice, Chivas now is 100X better than what the new Cosmos would be. From the second that the Cosmos step on the field for the first time, they'll already be a shell of the old club.

Garber put a club in St. Louis, or back in Florida, (Orlando City would be great.).

I'm Stephen Brandt, and that's my view.

Your Alicia Showed up on vuvuzela blast on Saturday

2012-06-04T21:47:42Z

As one of the panel, and Tuesday show contributer, I want to share with you guys the link of the show that Alicia was on.

http://www.hulkshare.com/n9qngq244jlq

Vvuvuzela Blast is on 860 WDB AM in PA every Saturday 3 to 5 est. We talk about everything in the world of soccer, and have many of the top personalities of the sport on the show.

Alicia jumped on to talk all things Chivas, and the sport in SOCAL. Listen, have fun, and by all means check back, because we love people talking about the game.

Eder Arreola Training with Chivas USA Reserves

2012-04-11T04:55:28Z

2012 first round MLS supplemental draft pick Eder Arreola is apparently going to be training with the Chivas USA reserves. He is a local kid who played 3 years at UCLA. As a UCLA fan I got to see him a few times against the bay area teams and in the college cup on TV. He is a winger with above average (but not blazing) speed but very good technical abilities - dribbling/passing/shooting/soccer brain. He can play left or right wing.

He was drafted by Houston and played very well in their preseason. I was keeping tabs on him and was pretty confident he would get offered a contract by them but they decided to go in a different direction. I was a little surprised that Kinnear drafted him b/c he is not a typical Kinnear winger (i.e. he doesn't have a ton of pace and is better in a more possession oriented system). FYI last season Coach Salcedo switched UCLA's tactics to be a full-on short passing possession-style system like Akron and Arreola did very well. I think he will fit in great in Fraser's system at Chivas USA.

He is not ready to start at the MLS level right now but he is a great prospect who can probably make some good contributions 1-2 years out if you give him some time to develop in the reserve league this year or on loan with a USL team. All in all a good return on investment in my opinion. It looks like Chivas USA only has 27 roster spots taken right now of the 30-man roster so there should definitely be space for him... and as a undrafted rookie he would not count towards the cap.

Here is a video of a sick left footed volley I saw him score against Santa Clara last season:

(:30 second mark)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5vFOazWVn8

Here is a video of a sick left footed volley I saw him score against Santa Clara last season:

(:30 second mark)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5vFOazWVn8