Farfan's Highlight Was His Return to SoCal

November 22, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


After nearly two and a half years with the Philadelphia Union, San Diego-born Gabriel Farfan yearned to return to his native Southern California to continue his career as one of Major League Soccer's well-known midfielders.

The Cal State Fullerton product got his wish and was acquired via trade by Chivas USA in May and went on to make 10 starts in 14 appearances alongside players he had befriended dating back to his amateur years. Despite the Red-and-White's rocky season, Farfan says he was happy to play close to home and establish a fresh start with the club he came to know from his days as a member of the Under-19 squad with fellow midfielder Eric Avila.

"It was good to be around family and have some familiar faces in the locker room," Farfan said. "Obviously it was a tough season but it was nice to be home. I'm close to a few of the guys and I've been close to them for years now, so it was nice and easy to make the transition from Philly."

Farfan broke into the league with the Union in 2011 and appeared in 51 games (43 starts), which gave the Rojiblancos a steady influence of experience in its midfield. Though he did not tally points in his first campaign with the Goats, the 25-year-old provided solid ball possession and organization in both the attacking and defensive end.

In a season where personal highlights were tough to come by for the Red-and-White, Farfan mentioned that continuing his pro career in SoCal was a joy and highlight in itself.

"Debuting here was pretty cool. I played with the U19s and I hadn't played here since so it was nice to put on the First-Team jersey."

As one of the key pieces to the young core of players on the club, Farfan now has his sights on 2014, where he looks to assert himself and become more of a vocal leader, especially when it comes to helping the younger players on the squad.

"I try and play for the team and try to help out some of the youngsters like [Caleb Calvert], like [Marco Delgado], guys that don't have much experience," Farfan added.

"With every year that goes by you gain more experience and get more comfortable in that role, so you come to know the ins and outs of the league a bit more and you want to pass that knowledge on to the youngsters."

Heading into next season, the third-year midfielder says that the team could be bolstered with the infusion of some added players with league experience, which could also complement the young talent on the squad as a result.

"It's always good to have veterans on the field. We need to know our tendencies a bit more and with practice we're going to gain that."

Playoffs continue for Red-and-White U13 & U15 Teams

Chivas USA's U13 Team will have a busy schedule this weekend as they take on two important games Saturday and Sunday. Looking for a berth in the Coast Soccer League Semifinal Round, the Red-and-White will match up against Empire SC Elite on Saturday, Nov. 23. The following day, the U13 Team will host Fullerton Rangers White in a pending match of the regular season. This match is set to take place on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Junipero Serra Catholic High School.

Ahead of the weekend's action, Chivas USA's U13 Team had two successful games last weekend. On Saturday, the Red-and-White took a 2-0 victory over AC Brea in the Round of 32, and the following day scored four more goals in their victory over South Bay Falcons White. The Quarterfinals match is set to kick off on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the San Bernardino Sports Complex.

At the same time, the U15s will also be playing their respective match in the Quarterfinals. The Red-and-White reached this phase after a 2-1 victory over Valley United Durand in the Round of 32, and in the "Sweet 16" phase, the young Goats defeated CYSASL Coachella with a lone goal. With three games unbeaten, the team has been able to demonstrate that it has adapted to the work plan that Coach Miguel Ramos has set. This Saturday, the U15s will face Irvine Premier SC B97 in the Quarterfinals at 11:30 a.m. at the San Bernardino Sports Complex.

After a successful campaign in a showcase last weekend, Chivas USA's U14 squad will have yet another weekend full of action this Saturday and Sunday. In the showcase, the Red-and-White were able to come out with victories over San Juan Soccer Club and Crossfire Premier. This Saturday, the group will open action facing Central California Aztecs at 12 p.m. at the Bell Gardens Sports Complex's Field 5. The team's first rival this weekend comes into the match with a strong 6-0 victory over Merced Atlas Soccer Academy and riding a three-game winning streak.

The following day, Chivas USA will host Pateadores U14s at 4 p.m. at the Bell Gardens Sports Complex's Field 5. Pateadores comes into the match after a 4-1 victory over De Anza Force and has not lost in their last two games.

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

Chueca looking to continue building confidence in 2014

As one of the final additions to the 2013 Chivas USA roster in August, Peruvian midfielder Carlo Chueca was excited to rejoin the organization that he landed with when he and his family moved to Palm Springs about eight years ago.

Chueca, 20, excelled as a member of the Red-and-White's Youth Development Academy and was given an opportunity to join Belgium side R.S.C. Anderlecht in 2009. The attacker featured in the club's Reserve Team and later moved on to R.A.E.C. Mons.

With the efforts of Academy Director Sacha van der Most, who knew the Peruvian national from his first stint with the academy, Chueca was signed by the Rojiblancos, making him one of several key members of the club's core of talented youth.

"I was very happy be back here and what better way to finish off the season than by increasing my playing time," said Chueca. "I wrapped up the season with more minutes than I expected and I am very grateful because of it."

Because of his stint in Belgium, the 5-foot-8 attacker says that he was not intimidated by the physical play in Major League Soccer. Chueca appeared in five matches for the Goats and tallied an assist against Real Salt Lake after coming off the bench in the road finale, which gave him a boost in confidence as the season was coming to a close.

"That was what I was looking for, to show a bit more than what I had shown before," Chueca added. "I think I did so in that game and I'm ready to do the same in the following season. It gives you a lot of confidence. Confidence is one of the most important things, so that definitely helps you."

Chueca became one of Head Coach Jose Luis Real's primary go-to subs and the first-year Goat provided enough of a spark to be was given his first career start in the season finale at home. The rookie was able to hold his own on the pitch, displaying good speed and ball control with the ability to get into dangerous spots in the attacking third. Yet the midfielder admits that he needs to develop a little more in his tactical area.

"It's a very physical league much like it is in Europe, which is why the transition here did not affect me much; I had already experienced that type of play over there. That also helped me adapt quicker to the team and get some minutes. That is how soccer is here now and you have to get used to that."

Along with teammates Eric Avila, Carlos Alvarez, Bryan de la Fuente, Jorge Villafaña and Gabriel Farfan, Chivas USA feature a talented corps of attacking midfielders with an average age of 23. Coupled with forwards Erick Torres and Matthew Fondy, 20 and 24, respectively, the Rojiblancos will present a promising and experienced offensive threat heading in to 2014.



Major League Soccer Stories from November 22, 2013


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