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Bocanegra Reflects After Second MLS Stint

November 1, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


The Major League Soccer that Carlos Bocanegra left behind after the 2003 season is definitely not the same league he found upon his return this year after nearly a decade in European soccer.

After being drafted fourth overall in the 2000 SuperDraft out of UCLA, the defender immediately established himself as a starter and had an impact with the Chicago Fire that made it all the way to the MLS Cup title match, while also earning Rookie of the Year honors.

Bocanegra would go on to claim Defender of the Year on two occasions and eventually take his talents to the English Premier League. After competing with the U.S. Men's National Team in two World Cups and successful stints with five different clubs in the old continent, the Southern California native made the decision to return to the league that gave him his professional start - a league that has indeed flourished since he first helped grow the world's game on the U.S. circuit.

"When I left there were [10] teams, and now we're close to 20," Bocanegra said. "So it's grown considerably. Almost all the teams have their own stadiums, the fan bases have grown and the support has grown not only in the stadiums but within the community and the cities, so I feel like soccer has really become part of the American sports scene."

With a successful run in the English, French, Scottish and Spanish football, as well as over 100 caps with the national team, the center back says that there was not much of an adjustment curve in terms of style of play when he made his first few starts for Chivas USA.

"Everywhere you go you have to adapt a little bit. Whether you're in England and the refs don't call many fouls at all or you're in Spain and they call a little more fouls than you're used to. You just adapt, and that comes fairly easy. Every single player has to do it around the world.

"I knew the league was physical and I knew it's an athletic league, but it kind of exceeded my expectations on how cool the stadiums were, how good the support was at the stadiums that we went to. The quality of the league has improved, some of the players that have come over and been a part of it. All those things were really nice to see and it's great to see that the league is going in the right direction."

No matter what league, though, Bocanegra says that the blueprint for what makes a successful team is a solid core of players with experience and games under their belt, along with a few difference-makers on the pitch.

For the Rojiblancos, the hiring of Head Coach Jose Luis Real to implement a style of play and lay the foundation with the young and experienced talent on the club is a step in that direction heading into the off-season and later the 2014 season. As one of the most decorated and successful players in the U.S. circuit, Bocanegra will surely be a key figure in helping that young core to continue developing.

"We have quite a young team and a few times on the field this year our average age was 23, 24, which is by far the youngest among any other team in the league, so maybe as a veteran player I have to bring leadership. There are a few other guys, Dan [Kennedy], Bobby [Burling], that have been around the league and know what it's all about. But a lot of the younger guys, whether they come from international places or they're just out of college, it's tough. It's different seasons, it's a grind, a lot of travel and there are a lot of variables that go into it," Bocanegra concluded.

With 12 games under his belt with the Red-and-White, the center back began taking on a more vocal role on the pitch while anchoring the backline. Together with Kennedy, Burling and striker Erick Torres, who joined Chivas USA at the same time, along with solid corps of talented midfielders, the Rebaño appears to be solidifying the vertebrae of the squad, that will aim to be reinforced during the offseason as they look to build on Real's foundation.

A contract, a testament for Burling

"It was just a testament to me." Those were the words used by Bobby Burling to describe how he felt when he signed a contract extension in September that will keep the center back with the Rojiblancos through the end of the 2015 season.

Burling, a veteran who has played five seasons with the Red-and-White in two stints with Chivas, came into the 2013 season feeling the uncertainty of what his position would be among the starting core group. However, his professionalism, his talent and above everything, the support he provides the group were what made him earn not only the starting job, but also the trust from the technical staff, which earned him his extension.

Along with defender and two-time World Cup veteran Carlos Bocanegra and goalkeeper and captain Dan Kennedy, Burling has been able to forge a strong tie inside the Red-and-White locker. A symbol reflected on and off the pitch and that promises set the example for the continuity the team seeks.

"We always needed the experience and leadership these two guys bring on the field," stated the defender. "Whether it is leadership, communication or style of play, it all should come from the back. We have two really good leaders in them and if I can be a part of that all the better."

It's the trio's seniority what marks the development of young talents such as Marco Delgado and Carlo Chueca, players who little by little find their way thanks to the advice and the example set by this group of three. Both are important resources for a group of players that is slowly taking shape.

"It's a group of guys who want to win, fight for each other. I think the guys really showed that they want to be here, and hopefully we can take the good things and flash the bad heading into the preseason," said Burling.

Upon Head Coach Jose Luis Real's arrival, Chivas were in essence immersed in a preseason within the season. The coach spent the second part of the 2013 campaign installing the bases to a project and style of play that was needed within the Goats.

"Real brought more of an organizational style and tactics that we desperately needed," Burling described. "I really liked what [he] did from an organizational and tactical standpoint. I kind of realized these are the pieces we have, this is what we need to do to get back to it, and turn them into something next year."

Now, with the off-season actually ahead of them, the club's directors will look for the pieces that best fit within the puzzle they have been working on since June; a group that Burling feels proud of being a part of, and for which continuity is the key to success in the future of the side.

"The biggest thing coming into next year is trying to keep some of this core group of guys for stability... Having a core group of guys that are staying and feeling some continuity. We have a lot of young guys who have done really well, and if we mix them with a good group of veterans, we can build a good team ahead of next season," concluded Burling.

Chivas USA await final friendly opportunity

Chivas USA could not close out their 2013 campaign like they wanted to, in solid fashion. Having been eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the season, the Rojiblancos looked to take advantage of their final matches - especially against conference foes - to create momentum heading into next season.

Despite a series of rough results to close the chapter on the season, the Goats continue to train with a tangible objective. The club announced on Wednesday that they will face FC Tucson in a friendly to celebrate the 2013 FC Tucson Fall Showcase and inaugurate the USL-Premier Development League side's new North Stadium at Kino Sports Complex on Nov. 15.

With time ticking away until the MLS clubs release their players for the off-season, the friendly will serve as a final official competition for the squad to continue developing under Head Coach Jose Luis Real's system.

"It's always good to play games, obviously it's not a game going toward the playoffs, but I think it's going to play a role in what's going to be next for us," said midfielder Eric Avila. "It's going to be a good test for us down in Arizona, [FC Tucson] is a good team and hopefully we get something out of it.

"We're looking forward to this game, it's giving us something to train for and something to keep going for. We can try different things and develop our game, which is what these games are for."

With six MLS seasons under his belt now, the 25-year-old Avila is among the Red-and-White's more experienced players. The San Diego native came over in a trade during the off-season and established himself as one of the Rebaño's dangerous attackers. Avila made 24 starts in 28 appearances this season and tallied three goals along with two assists while showing his versatility on the right wing, which has made him a key piece in the club's core heading into 2014.

"There are a lot of young guys with not too much experience in MLS, but the thing is these guys are just willing to work every day and for us to get more matches and see different competition is good for all the guys," Avila added.

For the Goats, the match-up will come against a relatively unfamiliar foe who will come into the showdown looking to have a convincing showing against an MLS side, which Avila says will only make the trip and competition even more beneficial.

"You have to come in and be the more experienced team and keep the ball and be more composed. The other team is going to be coming at us very hard, they want to showcase themselves and it's always good to have competition like that."

Tickets for the 7 p.m. (PT) match went on sale on Thursday and can be purchased at FCTucson.com .

Weekend full of action ahead for Academy

The following is a preview of this weekend's action.

U.S. Soccer Development Academy

Having action on Sunday, Chivas USA's USSDA teams will host Nomads SC at the Bell Gardens Sports Complex's Field 5.

The Red-and-White's U18 squad will start off the day at 1 p.m. (PT) as they look to earn their second victory of the season. Just last week, Chivas USA were able to come out of their match against Arsenal FC with their first victory, a 1-0 win for the Red-and-White. Nomads will also go into the match determined to win as they hold a two-game unbeaten streak after defeating the San Diego Surf 3-1 in last week's action. Nomads sit in third place of the Southwest Division, while the Red-and-White have moved up to the seventh spot.

Also earning a win last weekend is Chivas USA's U16 squad, who returned to their match against Arsenal to earn a 2-1 victory. Meanwhile, Nomads U16s took an unfortunate 5-0 loss to the San Diego Surf U16s last weekend. Chivas USA's U16 Team will be looking to earn their fourth win of the season in Sunday's match against Nomads; a game set to kick-off at 3:30 p.m. (PT) in Bell Gardens.

Coming off their second consecutive tie, but still unbeaten in the season, the Red-and-White's U14 Team will host Nomads as they look to extend their current streak. With a 2-0-4 (W-L-T) record, the young Goats earned a 2-2 draw with Arsenal FC last weekend. Their upcoming rivals didn't run with the same luck as they fell 4-0 to the Los Angeles Futbol Academy last Saturday. The final USSDA game of the weekend will kick-off at 6 p.m. (PT) in Bell Gardens.

Coast Soccer League

In their penultimate game of the season, Chivas USA's U15 Team will face South Bay Gunners Black this Saturday. The Red-and-White has had an unfortunate run this season, so far holding a 2-7-2 (W-L-T) record. In their last game, the Goats fell 2-1 to second place FC Golden State Premier and took a 4-1 loss to HG Eagles SC. In last weekend's double-match action, South Bay came out with a 2-1 victory over Oxnard Wave Premier and later earned a 2-2 draw with Valley United Dema. This Saturday's match is scheduled to start at 11:20 a.m. (PT) at the University of California, Irvine's Field 3.

After taking a 1-0 loss to FC Man United B99 Red in last weekend's action, Chivas USA's U13 team will prepare to face Oxnard PAL this Saturday at UCI's Field 1. Oxnard sit in sixth place in the standings with 11 points, while the Goats are in 10th place with seven. In last week's action, Oxnard fell 2-0 to FC Deportivo Panteras. This Saturday's match is scheduled to kick-off at 11:20 a.m. (PT).

Closing the action on Sunday night, Chivas USA's U23 squad will go up against the same team they defeated in early August in the State Championship match, Corinthians USA. After ending their 15-game winning streak, the Red-and-White earned a 4-1 win in last weekend's action. Corinthians, who are unbeaten this season, are coming off a 7-0 win over Pomona United. Both teams will not only be looking to earn three points, but also fighting for the top spot in the standings; Corinthians USA are only up one point over Chivas USA. This match is scheduled to kick-off Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (PT) at Citrus College.

For all the latest news and updates on Chivas USA's Youth Development Academy, follow us on Twitter:@ChivasUSAYouth & @cdchivasusa .

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Bocanegra reflects after second MLS stint

The Major League Soccer that Carlos Bocanegra left behind after the 2003 season is definitely not the same league he found upon his return this year after nearly a decade in European soccer.

After being drafted fourth overall in the 2000 SuperDraft out of UCLA, the defender immediately established himself as a starter and had an impact with the Chicago Fire that made it all the way to the MLS Cup title match, while also earning Rookie of the Year honors.

Bocanegra would go on to claim Defender of the Year on two occasions and eventually take his talents to the English Premier League. After competing with the U.S. Men's National Team in two World Cups and successful stints with five different clubs in the old continent, the Southern California native made the decision to return to the league that gave him his professional start - a league that has indeed flourished since he first helped grow the world's game on the U.S. circuit.

VIDEO: Bocanegra shares thoughts over second MLS stint

"When I left there were [10] teams, and now we're close to 20," Bocanegra said. "So it's grown considerably. Almost all the teams have their own stadiums, the fan bases have grown and the support has grown not only in the stadiums but within the community and the cities, so I feel like soccer has really become part of the American sports scene."

With a successful run in the English, French, Scottish and Spanish football, as well as over 100 caps with the national team, the center back says that there was not much of an adjustment curve in terms of style of play when he made his first few starts for Chivas USA.

"Everywhere you go you have to adapt a little bit. Whether you're in England and the refs don't call many fouls at all or you're in Spain and they call a little more fouls than you're used to. You just adapt, and that comes fairly easy. Every single player has to do it around the world.

"I knew the league was physical and I knew it's an athletic league, but it kind of exceeded my expectations on how cool the stadiums were, how good the support was at the stadiums that we went to. The quality of the league has improved, some of the players that have come over and been a part of it. All those things were really nice to see and it's great to see that the league is going in the right direction."

No matter what league, though, Bocanegra says that the blueprint for what makes a successful team is a solid core of players with experience and games under their belt, along with a few difference-makers on the pitch.

For the Rojiblancos, the hiring of Head Coach Jose Luis Real to implement a style of play and lay the foundation with the young and experienced talent on the club is a step in that direction heading into the off-season and later the 2014 season. As one of the most decorated and successful players in the U.S. circuit, Bocanegra will surely be a key figure in helping that young core to continue developing.

"We have quite a young team and a few times on the field this year our average age was 23, 24, which is by far the youngest among any other team in the league, so maybe as a veteran player I have to bring leadership. There are a few other guys, Dan [Kennedy], Bobby [Burling], that have been around the league and know what it's all about. But a lot of the younger guys, whether they come from international places or they're just out of college, it's tough. It's different seasons, it's a grind, a lot of travel and there are a lot of variables that go into it," Bocanegra concluded.

With 12 games under his belt with the Red-and-White, the center back began taking on a more vocal role on the pitch while anchoring the backline. Together with Kennedy, Burling and striker Erick Torres, who joined Chivas USA at the same time, along with solid corps of talented midfielders, the Rebaño appears to be solidifying the vertebrae of the squad, that will aim to be reinforced during the offseason as they look to build on Real's foundation.

A contract, a testament for Burling

"It was just a testament to me." Those were the words used by Bobby Burling to describe how he felt when he signed a contract extension in September that will keep the center back with the Rojiblancos through the end of the 2015 season.

Burling, a veteran who has played five seasons with the Red-and-White in two stints with Chivas, came into the 2013 season feeling the uncertainty of what his position would be among the starting core group. However, his professionalism, his talent and above everything, the support he provides the group were what made him earn not only the starting job, but also the trust from the technical staff, which earned him his extension.

Along with defender and two-time World Cup veteran Carlos Bocanegra and goalkeeper and captain Dan Kennedy, Burling has been able to forge a strong tie inside the Red-and-White locker. A symbol reflected on and off the pitch and that promises set the example for the continuity the team seeks.

"We always needed the experience and leadership these two guys bring on the field," stated the defender. "Whether it is leadership, communication or style of play, it all should come from the back. We have two really good leaders in them and if I can be a part of that all the better."

It's the trio's seniority what marks the development of young talents such as Marco Delgado and Carlo Chueca, players who little by little find their way thanks to the advice and the example set by this group of three. Both are important resources for a group of players that is slowly taking shape.

"It's a group of guys who want to win, fight for each other. I think the guys really showed that they want to be here, and hopefully we can take the good things and flash the bad heading into the preseason," said Burling.

Upon Head Coach Jose Luis Real's arrival, Chivas were in essence immersed in a preseason within the season. The coach spent the second part of the 2013 campaign installing the bases to a project and style of play that was needed within the Goats.

"Real brought more of an organizational style and tactics that we desperately needed," Burling described. "I really liked what [he] did from an organizational and tactical standpoint. I kind of realized these are the pieces we have, this is what we need to do to get back to it, and turn them into something next year."

Now, with the off-season actually ahead of them, the club's directors will look for the pieces that best fit within the puzzle they have been working on since June; a group that Burling feels proud of being a part of, and for which continuity is the key to success in the future of the side.

"The biggest thing coming into next year is trying to keep some of this core group of guys for stability... Having a core group of guys that are staying and feeling some continuity. We have a lot of young guys who have done really well, and if we mix them with a good group of veterans, we can build a good team ahead of next season," concluded Burling.

Chivas USA await final friendly opportunity

Chivas USA could not close out their 2013 campaign like they wanted to, in solid fashion. Having been eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the season, the Rojiblancos looked to take advantage of their final matches - especially against conference foes - to create momentum heading into next season.

Despite a series of rough results to close the chapter on the season, the Goats continue to train with a tangible objective. The club announced on Wednesday that they will face FC Tucson in a friendly to celebrate the 2013 FC Tucson Fall Showcase and inaugurate the USL-Premier Development League side's new North Stadium at Kino Sports Complex on Nov. 15.

READ: Chivas USA to Play FC Tucson in Fall Showcase

With time ticking away until the MLS clubs release their players for the off-season, the friendly will serve as a final official competition for the squad to continue developing under Head Coach Jose Luis Real's system.

"It's always good to play games, obviously it's not a game going toward the playoffs, but I think it's going to play a role in what's going to be next for us," said midfielder Eric Avila. "It's going to be a good test for us down in Arizona, [FC Tucson] is a good team and hopefully we get something out of it.

"We're looking forward to this game, it's giving us something to train for and something to keep going for. We can try different things and develop our game, which is what these games are for."

With six MLS seasons under his belt now, the 25-year-old Avila is among the Red-and-White's more experienced players. The San Diego native came over in a trade during the off-season and established himself as one of the Rebaño's dangerous attackers. Avila made 24 starts in 28 appearances this season and tallied three goals along with two assists while showing his versatility on the right wing, which has made him a key piece in the club's core heading into 2014.

"There are a lot of young guys with not too much experience in MLS, but the thing is these guys are just willing to work every day and for us to get more matches and see different competition is good for all the guys," Avila added.

For the Goats, the match-up will come against a relatively unfamiliar foe who will come into the showdown looking to have a convincing showing against an MLS side, which Avila says will only make the trip and competition even more beneficial.

"You have to come in and be the more experienced team and keep the ball and be more composed. The other team is going to be coming at us very hard, they want to showcase themselves and it's always good to have competition like that."

Tickets for the 7 p.m. (PT) match went on sale on Thursday and can be purchased at FCTucson.com .

Weekend full of action ahead for Academy

The following is a preview of this weekend's action.

U.S. Soccer Development Academy

Having action on Sunday, Chivas USA's USSDA teams will host Nomads SC at the Bell Gardens Sports Complex's Field 5.

The Red-and-White's U18 squad will start off the day at 1 p.m. (PT) as they look to earn their second victory of the season. Just last week, Chivas USA were able to come out of their match against Arsenal FC with their first victory, a 1-0 win for the Red-and-White. Nomads will also go into the match determined to win as they hold a two-game unbeaten streak after defeating the San Diego Surf 3-1 in last week's action. Nomads sit in third place of the Southwest Division, while the Red-and-White have moved up to the seventh spot.

Also earning a win last weekend is Chivas USA's U16 squad, who returned to their match against Arsenal to earn a 2-1 victory. Meanwhile, Nomads U16s took an unfortunate 5-0 loss to the San Diego Surf U16s last weekend. Chivas USA's U16 Team will be looking to earn their fourth win of the season in Sunday's match against Nomads; a game set to kick-off at 3:30 p.m. (PT) in Bell Gardens.

Coming off their second consecutive tie, but still unbeaten in the season, the Red-and-White's U14 Team will host Nomads as they look to extend their current streak. With a 2-0-4 (W-L-T) record, the young Goats earned a 2-2 draw with Arsenal FC last weekend. Their upcoming rivals didn't run with the same luck as they fell 4-0 to the Los Angeles Futbol Academy last Saturday. The final USSDA game of the weekend will kick-off at 6 p.m. (PT) in Bell Gardens.

Coast Soccer League

In their penultimate game of the season, Chivas USA's U15 Team will face South Bay Gunners Black this Saturday. The Red-and-White has had an unfortunate run this season, so far holding a 2-7-2 (W-L-T) record. In their last game, the Goats fell 2-1 to second place FC Golden State Premier and took a 4-1 loss to HG Eagles SC. In last weekend's double-match action, South Bay came out with a 2-1 victory over Oxnard Wave Premier and later earned a 2-2 draw with Valley United Dema. This Saturday's match is scheduled to start at 11:20 a.m. (PT) at the University of California, Irvine's Field 3.

After taking a 1-0 loss to FC Man United B99 Red in last weekend's action, Chivas USA's U13 team will prepare to face Oxnard PAL this Saturday at UCI's Field 1. Oxnard sit in sixth place in the standings with 11 points, while the Goats are in 10th place with seven. In last week's action, Oxnard fell 2-0 to FC Deportivo Panteras. This Saturday's match is scheduled to kick-off at 11:20 a.m. (PT).

Closing the action on Sunday night, Chivas USA's U23 squad will go up against the same team they defeated in early August in the State Championship match, Corinthians USA. After ending their 15-game winning streak, the Red-and-White earned a 4-1 win in last weekend's action. Corinthians, who are unbeaten this season, are coming off a 7-0 win over Pomona United. Both teams will not only be looking to earn three points, but also fighting for the top spot in the standings; Corinthians USA are only up one point over Chivas USA. This match is scheduled to kick-off Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (PT) at Citrus College.

For all the latest news and updates on Chivas USA's Youth Development Academy, follow us on Twitter:@ChivasUSAYouth & @cdchivasusa .

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