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Chivas USA Acquire Forward Leandro Barrera on Loan from Argentinos Juniors

March 6, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


CARSON, Calif. (Thursday, March 6, 2014) - Chivas USA announced today the acquisition of Argentine forward Leandro Barrera, who joins the Red-and-White on loan from AsociaciÃ"n Atlética Argentinos Juniors in the country's First Division. After six seasons with the Argentine side, Barrera - who turned 23 in February - will be eligible to play in the 2014 Major League Soccer regular season opener against the Chicago Fire on Sunday pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate which is expected.

"Leandro is a fast, left-footed player who gives us a lot of possibilities in the attack," described Chivas USA Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera. "Though young, his experience, speed and his good technique are characteristics that are always welcome in this league. He is also very motivated and has a very strong desire to be here with us."

A self-described playmaker who likes to create from the left wing, Barrera will now team up with fellow countrymen Mauro Rosales and Agustin Pelletieri, who were acquired by the Rebaño Angelino this off-season. The forward joined Chivas during their three-week preseason road trip and made three appearances to help lead the Goats to a 1-0-3 record in the Desert Diamond Cup.

Born in the province of Mendoza, Barrera was raised in neighboring San Juan, where he began honing his soccer skills at the Escuelita de Fútbol de Santa LucÃ-a. After gaining the attention of Argentinos Juniors, the left-sided forward signed with the Buenos Aires-based club in February 2006.

Barrera ascended through the youth ranks and made his professional debut in 2010 during the Apertura tournament, a season after the club was crowned champions of the 2010 Clausura. The forward went on to appear in 42 matches while tallying three goals for the Bichos Colorados.

The attacker's talents earned him a pair of call-ups to Argentina's Under-20 National Team, the first under the leadership of Sergio Batista, who also served a stint as head coach for La Albiceleste's senior squad, followed by his most recent under Walter Perazo.

The young attacker should be eligible for selection for Cabrera's list of 18 in Sunday's match, which will be televised nationally on UniMas. The contest will also mark the first of 34 regular-season games programmed to air on recently-named broadcast partner ESPN Deportes Radio KWKW 1330 AM. Tickets to the Red-and-White's opener are available for purchase at www.cdchivasusa.com/tickets or by calling 1-877-CHIVAS1.

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