The move was expected as 100 Percent Soccer blog readers knew, with Chivas USA Coach Martin Vsquez pleased with the showing of the 27-year-old Costa Rican central defender in camp.

“Michael has impressed us throughout preseason, and we’re excited to have him join the team for 2010,” Vsquez said. “He is a versatile, talented and experienced defender who is going to be an important part of our success this season.”

Umana made six starts for the Galaxy in 15 appearances for Steve Sampson’s 2005 MLS championship-winning side; he did not appear in the MLS Cup final that year.

Chivas USA needed central defenders after the loss of Shavar Thomas and the potential retirement of 40-something former Mexican international Claudio Suarez.

From the Chivas USA press release:

Umaa has made 40 appearances with the Costa Rican National Team, including playing 90 minutes in all three matches the team played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He also played the bulk of Costa Rica’s matches in 2010 World Cup Qualifying, has played in three Gold Cups with the squad, and was a part of Costa Rica’s Olympic Team in 2004. Umaa joins the Red-and-White after playing for Liberia Mia in Costa Rica for the past three years. Prior clubs in Costa Rica include CS Herediano, Brujas, and AD Carmelita, which was Umaa’s first professional team, joining in 1999 as a 17-year-old.

Updated:

Meanwhile, former Chivas USA and currnet Galaxy striker Alecko Eskandarian, who hasn’t played since suffering (yet another) concussion last season, Tweeted this today:

“As some of you have already heard i haven’t been medically cleared to play pro soccer and am forced to step away from the game at this time.”

Which is probably the closest thing you can get to a retirement without actually saying you’ve retired.

If this is the last we’ve seen of Esky on a soccer field,the eight-year MLS veteran will be missed.