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Chivas USA Original Francisco Mendoza officially joins Chivas de Guadalajara

January 15, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


CARSON, Calif. (Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009) - Midfielder Francisco 'Panchito' Mendoza, the Mexican player with the most all-time Major League Soccer appearances, today officially joined eleven-time Mexican champions Chivas de Guadalajara, ahead of Mexico's upcoming Clausura 2009 season. A Chivas USA Original, Mendoza played in MLS on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara for four seasons, during which he registered 5 goals and 16 assists in 111 regular-season MLS games, the most appearances ever for a Mexican-born player in Major League Soccer history.

"Over the past four years, 'Panchito' has come to represent the spirit of Chivas USA. We are happy he now has the chance to return home and join our partner team in Mexico. We wish him the very best of luck," said Chivas USA President and CEO Shawn Hunter.

"I want to thank Chivas USA, MLS and all the fans in L.A. for their support during these four years. My experience in the U.S. has been important for my growth not just as a professional but also as a person. I hope more Mexican players will consider my example and take a serious look at developing their careers in MLS," said Mendoza from Guadalajara, where he was today officially presented alongside Chivas de Guadalajara's newest signings Jared Borgetti and Aarón Galindo.

"Pancho has a great mentality and he learned to compete in a tough league during his time here with Chivas USA. Chivas de Guadalajara are getting a talented young player and we hope he does well for them," said Chivas USA Head Coach Preki Radosavljevic.

A native of El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico, Francisco Mendoza was acquired by Chivas USA in January 2005, prior to the team's first season in Major League Soccer, from Chivas de Guadalajara's youth system. The youngest player on Chivas USA's first-year squad, the left-sided midfielder made his MLS debut at age 19 in Chivas USA's inaugural game, coming on as a first-half sub for injured midfielder Francisco Gómez against D.C. United on April 2, 2005. The versatile Mendoza would go on to become a regular starter for the Red-and-White, registering 5 goals and 16 assists in 111 regular-season MLS games (9,423 minutes) while playing in both defense and midfield.

After qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the third year in a row last year, Chivas USA is scheduled to open its 2009 preseason training at The Home Depot Center on Wednesday, Jan. 28 ahead of the upcoming MLS season. Media interested in covering preseason should contact Chivas USA Communications. The Red-and-White open their fifth campaign in Major League Soccer on March 21, 2009, when they host the Colorado Rapids at The Home Depot Center.



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