CARSON, Calif. – For the first time since their flurry of activity earlier in the week, Chivas USA hit the practice field Friday with newfound excitement following the arrivals of midfielder Marvin Chávez from the Colorado Rapids and forward Ryan Finley from the Columbus Crew.
The Rojiblancos, who are in the midst of an eight-game winless streak, certainly hope it’s the right time for reinforcements, as they prepare to face the Colorado Rapids on Sunday (3 pm ET, UniMas).
Gone almost as quickly as they arrived are forward Luke Moore, who was shipped to Toronto FC via the Rapids, and forward Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista, whose departure has not been officially announced but was reaffirmed Friday when Chávez wore the No. 10 jersey, which was formerly worn by Bautista.
“It was an honor to get to know Luke and play with Luke, and I hope he does well in Toronto,” goalkeeper Dan Kennedy told MLSsoccer.com. “Looking at Chávez and Finley, they can help us, certainly. I know Chávez has been around for a while now and he’s a talented player. We’re going to look to them to help us out here.”
Chávez, 30, has not played in a league match since March 22, but the Honduran international sounded thankful for the opportunity Colorado gave him this year.
“I was happy knowing I was coming here,” Chávez told MLSsoccer.com. “I have to keep working for a spot on the team that has a lot of good players.
“You can expect that I’ll fight and sacrifice myself; I’m coming here to work and contribute. I saw a good group of guys in training [Friday] and I’m happy about that.”
Moore made two starts and played in six games for Chivas USA, while Bautista had an assist and three shots in seven games, including a lone start that came last week. Aside from midfielder Mauro Rosales, Moore and Bautista were the most notable offseason acquisitions, but never managed to make an impact.
- Get more Chivas USA news at CDChivasUSA.com
Finley, 23, has not made a league appearance this season but said he hoped to provide the spark the offense need. Erick “Cubo” Torres has scored seven of the club’s nine goals this season, including the last six.
“Being a forward, you want that first goal to come as quickly as possible and hope it sets you up for the rest of the season,” Finley told MLSsoccer.com. “I know Torres is having a really good year, so hopefully I can complement him and support the rest of the team the best I can.
"It just comes down to getting results. It doesn’t really matter who scores, as long as the team gets results.”
