Chivas USA have added more depth to their midfield with the announcement Thursday that they have acquired the rights to Argentine midfielder Martín Rivero from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.
Previously of Argentine Primera División side Rosario Central, Rivero joins Mauro Rosales, Leandro Barrera and Agustín Pelletieri as the fourth Argentine national to land with the Rojiblancos this season.
“Martín is a very talented player who already knows the league,” Chivas USA head coach Wilmer Cabrera said in a statement. “His personality, technical ability and energy will help us a lot. He is a hard and relentless worker on the field, always looking to gain and maintain possession, an area we need to improve. Once settled, he will blend in well with our current players and make us a better team.”
Born in the central region of Santa Fe, Rivero came up through Rosario Central’s youth ranks, where he made his professional debut at age 18 in 2008. The attacking midfielder soon became a regular starter with La Academia Rosaria before going on loan to the Rapids in 2012. By the time Rivero left Rosario, he had registered five goals in 53 appearances.
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Rivero joined the Rapids during the 2012 offseason and quickly secured himself a place in the starting 11 with 30 appearances in his first MLS season. His team-high eight assists and two tallies earned him the club’s Young Player of the Year award. In 2013, Rivero overcame a right foot fracture suffered during preseason to add to his league stats with three assists and a goal in 16 appearances.
According to Chivas USA, Rivero will be eligible for selection when the Goats face the Portland Timbers on Saturday at Providence Park (10:30 pm ET; MLS Live).
