#ChivasUSA le da la bienvenida a Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista a la familia del Rebaño Angelino! http://t.co/Wsi6TsNbh3 pic.twitter.com/IfNlAOJygJ
— Chivas USA (@cdchivasusa) January 14, 2014
Are Chivas USA finally getting serious?
In one of the biggest signings in club history, Chivas USA took another tentative step toward credibility today, announcing the signing of Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista from Atletico San Luis as a free agent.
It’s a logical move for a club — and player — who experienced major success at mothership CD Guadalajara.
The big question: Can a player who turns 35 in May still make an impact on MLS?
Here’s more from the club press release:
Born in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, Bautista began his professional career with C.D. Estudiantes Tecos in 1998.
The striker’s career grew with his arrival to Monarcas Morelia beginning in 2002, where he helped lead his new club to two finals. Bautista, commonly known in the soccer world as “Bofo,” moved on to a season with CF Pachuca, where he celebrated his first title as a member of the Tuzos.
The six-foot forward then entered one of the most celebrated stages of his career in 2004 with Chivas Guadalajara, where helped lead the Rebaño Sagrado to two finals, including the 2006 title under the guidance of former Mexican National Team Coach Jose Manuel de la Torre. It was in the 2006 Apertura Championship where the Red-and-White player became the final’s hero by scoring the clinching goal against Deportivo Toluca F.C. in the second leg.
Bautista was also a key figure in the club’s historic run in 2010 to the final of the prestigious Copa Libertadores during his second stint with the club under former Chivas USA Head Coach Jose Luis “Güero” Real.
At the international level, Bautista made his debut with Mexico’s National Team under Javier Aguirre on Jan. 19, 2002 in a 1-0 victory over El Salvador.
With 38 caps and 11 goals with El Tri, the forward was one of the 23-man roster that participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. In addition, “Bofo” was part of the Mexican squads that attended the Copa America Peru 2004 and Venezuela 2007.
Bautista also served stints with Chiapas FC as well as Queretaro FC.
UPDATED
Here’s a sampling of fan reaction via twitter to the move:
Can't say I know too much about "Bofo", but this signing seems to have split the #ChivasUSA fans I know.
— Andrew V Watson (@andyvwatson) January 14, 2014
"#ChivasUSA just gave the anti-christ (Bofo Bautista) a new life" — @soccerpunx
— Jonny Rico Aviles (@jonyrico) January 14, 2014
Bofo is the new Chelis. Chivas USA 2014! #cucusclan
— ELAC (@EastLAChiva) January 15, 2014
#Bofo 5-8 years ago, hell yeah… Bofo now, meh.
— The Original Winger (@OriginalWinger) January 14, 2014
Official: Bofo Bautista joins Chivas USA. Potential to be an intriguing signing if he can score some goals.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) January 14, 2014