Chivas USA Acquire Colombian Forward Juan Pablo Angel

Published on August 17, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


Carson, CA. (Wednesday, August 17, 2011) - Chivas USA announced today that the club has acquired forward Juan Pablo Angel from the LA Galaxy via trade. Chivas sent a 3rd round natural 2012 Supplemental Draft pick to LA in exchange for the leading goal scorer in MLS over the past five seasons.

"Juan Pablo is a great pick up for us because he knows how to score goals and has scored the most goals in the League (MLS) through the last five years. Outside of his experience and ability on the field, he's a classy person and I think that another experienced classy person in our locker-room is a positive," commented Chivas USA Head Coach Robin Fraser. "It is a win-win when you get a good player and a good person who fits into what we are trying to do."

"Since the first day I arrived, I've been asked, "Who's going to score goals for you - . I have said all along that we would score goals by committee and as a group we've done a good job of finding opportunities, creating opportunities and finishing some," added Coach Fraser. "Certainly now we have a player who is renowned for scoring goals. If we continue to play well and we incorporate a player who knows his way around the box, it's going to be a good fit"

"Angel is a great and experienced player that is going to help us here down the stretch getting to the playoffs. He's a professional and I'm very sure he'll be successful," said Chivas USA General Manager Jose Domene. "He can also be a great presence in the locker room. He's a veteran player who has been around the league, who has scored a lot of goals, and who can be a great example to our younger players."

"I'm looking forward to my joining Chivas USA. I hope to help the team through the last games of the regular season and qualify for the playoffs, which is obviously our main objective," said newly acquired Chivas USA forward Juan Pablo Angel.

"I hope the season is better for me compared to how it began. I now have the opportunity to help a team that has worked very hard to get where it is. Despite certain difficulties in the beginning of the year, this team has, little-by-little, found its best level of play. The coach has communicated his plan and the players understand it. I need to adapt very quickly and try to help the team earn a spot in the playoffs."

Angel joins the Rojiblancos after his stint with the LA Galaxy that began on January 19, 2011. During his tenure with the Galaxy, the forward participated in 22 matches, starting 17, scoring three goals and one assist.

Angel has been named to the MLS All-Star team on three separate occasions and was a finalist for the MVP award in 2007. The experienced Colombian striker accumulated an average of more than one goal per two games played during his four year tenure with the New York Red Bulls (2007-2010) and holds the club's all-time goal scoring record.

The South-American forward began his career at the age of 18 in his native Colombia with Atlético Nacional (1994-1997), before migrating to Argentina (River Plate 1997-2001); winning a pair of Apertura (1997 and 1999) titles, as well as one Clausura title (2000). After his successful career with River Plate, Angel was acquired by the English Premier League's Aston Villa for =A39.5 million. He participated in 200 matches for Aston Villa and scored 60 goals including 44 in the Premier League action.

The Goats will now travel to the Southwest corner of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City, Colorado, to face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, August 20, at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The match will kick off at 6:00 pm (Pacific Time), and will be broadcast on TV through KDOC-TV and KWHY Channel 22, and Radio delayed at 7 pm PT on W Radio 690 AM. For information on the game, please visit cdchivasusa.com.

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