Improving a porous defense is crucial to Chivas USA’s hopes of success in the upcoming season, so they aimed directly at solidifying that area of the field during the MLS Supplemental Draft on Tuesday.
The Rojiblancos made five picks during in the draft, opting primarily for help on the back line. They took right back R.J. Allen from Monmouth, UCLA goalkeeper Brian Rowe, San Diego State defender Daniel Steres, German center back Fabian Kling from Fort Lewis College (Colorado) and Cal State Fullerton forward Kevin Vanegas.
“It went very well, the players that we got we all had on our board,” Chivas GM Jose Domene told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday. “We didn’t have to guess. We had some players higher, some players lower, but at the end of the day, we were very happy because we got guys that we want.”
The headliner of the day was Allen, an MLS Combine invitee, who shined in four seasons with the Hawks. A fleet-footed right back with a nose for goal, Allen has long been on Chivas’ radar.
“R.J. is a player that we’ve scouted and we were happy that he fell to us,” Domene said. “We’re excited not just for him, but for the rest of the guys to show up here, and hopefully they can stay.”
Joining Allen in pursuit of earning a spot on the Rojiblancos are a trio of players with local connections. Steres (Calabasas, Calif.) and Vanegas (Lakewood, Calif.) are both Los Angeles-area natives while Rowe was an integral part in the Bruins' run to the College Cup final last season.
Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at adam.m.serrano@gmail.com
