He’s 28-year-old Giancarlo Maldonado, most recently of Mexican club Atalante, and Venezuela’s all-time leading scorer with 19 goals in 48 appearances.

“Giancarlo is an experienced striker with international experience and the ability to score goals,” said Chivas USA Coach Martn Vsquez. “He’s going to make us a better team as we head into the second part of this season.”

The prolific Maldonado scored 32 goals in 77 games for Atalante between 2007 and 2010 including 18 goals in just 20 games during the 2007 Apertura. He scored the winning goal in the championship against Pumas UNAM.

“I’m very happy to start this new phase in my career, and I’m very grateful to the Chivas USA organization for their trust and for giving me the opportunity,” said Maldonado. “I’m very excited to start playing.”

He’s eligible to do so beginning Thursday when the international trade window opens pending the receipt of his visa and other paperwork.

Maldonado has also played in Uruguay, Chile and Venezuela.

Goal-challenged Chivas USA, tied for last place in MLS, have been clearing the decks in anticipation of signing a big-name striker, getting rid of the likes of well-traveled Brazilian forward Maicon Santos recently, for instance.

Updated

Maldonado scored two goals for Chivas USA today in a 5-0 scrimmage victory over PDL team FC Hasental at Home Depot Center. Forward Chucky Chijindu also grabbed two goals, while returning midfielder Paulo Nagamura also scored.

Chivas USA starting XI: Dan Kennedy, Daro Delgado, Carlos Borja, Jorge Flores, Osael Romero, Cesar Zamora, Edson Lemus, Paulo Nagamura, Gerson Mayn, Giancarlo Maldonado, Chucky Chijindu.