CARSON, Calif. - Chivas USA announced today the acquisition of forward Ante Razov, the fourth-leading goalscorer in Major League Soccer history, in a trade with the MetroStars for Chivas USA forward Thiago Martins and a portion of an allocation. The Red-and-White's latest signing joins the club effective immediately, and will train as Chivas USA opens camp on Wednesday, February 1 at The Home Depot Center.
"Chivas USA is happy to welcome back to Southern California one of the most prolific goalscorers in MLS history. Ante understands the passion and philosophy of our club and we look forward to his valuable contributions to Chivas USA," said Chivas USA Senior Vice President and General Manager Whit Haskel.
"I'm really excited that Ante will be joining Chivas USA. I know him very well and think he is a player that can make a difference in our team. He is a goalscorer who possesses a good left foot and has had experience with championship teams. He knows how to be a good example for young players and think those are all qualities that will very important for Chivas USA," said Chivas USA Head Coach Bob Bradley.
A Los Angeles native and graduate of UCLA, Razov has played nine seasons in Major League Soccer, plying his trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy (1996-1997), Chicago Fire (1998-2004), Columbus Crew (2005) and MetroStars (2005). His goalscoring instincts have led him to become the fourth-leading goalscorer in MLS history, with 84 regular-season goals, just behind active players Jason Kreis (100) and Jaime Moreno (94) and the retired Roy Lassiter (88). He has also registered a total of 44 assists, while starting 160 of his 186 regular-season appearances.
"Today is a happy day for me and my family. I'm really excited to be back home in California and be associated with Chivas, an important name in the game of football. I'm here to help Chivas USA become a strong contender in MLS," Said Razov.
In addition to being a member of the 1998 Chicago Fire MLS Cup championship team, coached by Chivas USA Head Coach Bob Bradley, Razov also won three Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships with the Fire, in 1998, 2000 and 2003. He was selected to play the MLS All Star game in 2000 and holds the record for most goals scored in Chicago Fire history.
He made his debut with the U.S. men's national team at the age of 21 on March 25, 1995, in Dallas, Texas in a game that ended at a 2-2 draw. Razov has 24 appearances with the U.S. men's national in which he has registered six goals.
Razov also played for Racing de Ferrol of the Spanish Second Division, during the 2000-2001 season, registering six goals in 19 games with the Spanish side.
Born on March 2, 1974 in Los Angeles, Razov speaks fluent English, Spanish and Croatian.
TRANSACTION: Chivas USA acquires forward Ante Razov from MetroStars in exchange for forward Thiago Martins and a portion of an allocation.
