Carlos Bocanegra will not make his debut for Chivas USA on Friday night as initially expected, thanks to a hangup in the paperwork needed to bring him back to Major League Soccer.
A league official confirmed on Friday that the International Transfer Certificate for Chivas USA’s recent prized signing did not arrive in time for him to suit up for the Goats when they take on the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park (7:30 pm ET; MLS Live).
Bocanegra, 34, joined Chivas USA earlier this month after the club traded up in the allocation order to bring the longtime US national team captain back to his native Southern California. Bocanegra was recently released from his contract by Scottish side Rangers FC after spending the 2012-13 European season with Spanish second division side Racing Santander.
Chivas USA are not permitted to request the ITC until the transfer window opens, which occurred Tuesday.
Chivas USA return to action on July 17 at home against Toronto FC.
