Thursday Kicks: Chivas USA coaching changes & more

*In what is largely a cosmetic move from a title standpoint, Chivas USA has named Nick Theslof technical director.

Theslof joined the Chivas USA coaching staff when Martin Vasquez became head coach last year after both had served on Jrgen Klinsmann’s staff at Bayern Munich.

From the Chivas USA press release:

In his first season at Chivas USA, Theslof worked with the first team in scouting and performance evaluation, as well as coaching skills and technique, and will continue those roles in 2011 while also adding oversight and evaluation of player development, especially at the youth level. A scout for the German National Team in the 2006 World Cup, Theslof served as the coach and general manager for the Orange County Blue Star of the Premier Development League from 2002-2007.

Theslof has long been influential at the youth coaching level in Southern California, Rolling Hills Estates’ Robbie Rogers of the Columbus Crew crediting him, for example, with playing a crucial role in his development as a player.

In addition, Jim Liston, founder of the Competitive Athlete Training Zone Sports Performance Center, which has worked with the likes of the Galaxy and Columbus Crew (as well as new Chivas USA signing Jimmy Conrad), was named strength and conditioning coach.

*U.S. Women’s National Team coach Pia Sundhage has named a 24-player preliminary roster for the 2011 Algarve Cup in Portugal. Details here.

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