Wednesday Kicks: Former Chivas USA defender Cuesta on Fire & more

*Former Chivas USA central defender Yamith Cuesta, released by the club in preseason after making 15 appearances since joining them on loan from a Colombian team in 2009, has been picked up by the Chicago Fire, the club announced today.

“Yamith is a gifted defender with size, speed and strong defensive skills,” said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. “Our defense will benefit from bringing in a young player with experience both in MLS and his native Colombia.”

Chivas USA received a 2012 Supplemental Draft selection from the Chicago Fire in exchange for the rights to Cuesta.

*Chivas USA has loaned Fontana’s Chukwudi Chijindu, 25, to new USL Pro team L.A. Blues, which adds him to a roster that also includes former Galaxy players Josh Tudela, Mike Randolph and Izzy Sesay.

The Blues, who despite their name will play most games in Orange County, also announced today that they had signed former Galaxy defender Leonard Griffin, 28, on loan from Orlando City of USL Pro.

“Both players have MLS experience which will be invaluable,” said Blues Coach Charlie Naimo. “Leonard is the final piece we have been looking for in our back line, while Chuk can provide electricity up top.”

*Meanwhile, Chivas USA sported a pair of new (well, newish) defenders Tuesday in a reserve team scrimmage against Loyola Marymount College: Coach Robin Fraser and his assistant Greg Vanney. The pair played part of the 5-0 win because Chivas USA has three center backs on international duty.

Rookie Victor Estupian, the Ecuadorian forward who bragged he would score 25 to 30 goals in his first MLS season, bagged a hat trick in the game. Mariano Trujillo and Van Nuys Tristan Bowen also scored.

Chivas USA lineup (4-1-4-1): Dan Kennedy (Sergio Arias 60); Michael Lahoud, Greg Vanney, Seth Owusu, Jorge Flores; Mariano Trujillo; Gerson Mayen, Blair Gavin (Artur Aghasyan 46), Tristan Bowen, Jess Padilla; Victor Estupian (Robin Fraser 67)

*Rolling Hills Estates Robbie Rogers, the 23-year-old Columbus Crew midfielder shaping up to have a make or break season with the club, was benched, then came on as a sub and scored from the penalty spot in his club’s season opening loss against D.C. United on the weekend. Will he stay with the club or head elsewhere?.

*Lawndale’s Rafael Baca, the former Loyola Marymount College playmaker, played 90 minutes Tuesday for San Jose in the Earthquakes’ reserve league opener against the Vancouver Whitecaps. San Jose, who also had former LMU and Chivas USA defender Bobby Burling in their XI, put two goals past former Galaxy goalkeeper Joe Cannon to defeat the Whitecaps, 2-1.

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email
This entry was posted in SoCal Pros by Nick Green. Bookmark the permalink.

About Nick Green

South Bay-based Los Angeles News Group soccer columnist and blogger Nick Green writes at the 100 Percent Soccer blog at www.insidesocal.com/soccer and craft beer at the Beer Goggles blog at www.insidesocal.com/beer. Cheers!