CARSON, Calif. - Chivas USA defender Jonathan Bornstein debuted in style for the United States National Team today, starting at left back and scoring in the Americans' 3-1 win over Denmark at The Home Depot Center. The 22-year-old Bornstein - a native of Los Alamitos, California, and the reigning Major League Soccer Gatorade Rookie of the Year - becomes the second Chivas USA player to debut for the Stars-and-Stripes, following goalkeeper Brad Guzan's debut in February 2006.
Bornstein, who went the full 90 minutes for the United States, scored the Americans' go-ahead goal in the 57th minute, slotting home a Justin Mapp pass with a quick right-footed shot from six yards out to give the U.S. a 2-1 advantage. Bornstein looked solid throughout, forcing Danish goalkeeper Jesper Christiansen to make a save in the 30th minute and serving several dangerous balls to teammates, while performing capably on the left side of the U.S. back line. Bornstein shifted to left midfield following defender Heath Pearce's entry into the match in the 74th minute.
Under new U.S. head coach Bob Bradley - Chivas USA's former head coach and the reigning MLS Coach of the Year - Bornstein and Chivas USA teammate Sacha Kljestan have been training with the U.S. National Team at The Home Depot Center since January 4. The Americans will continue to train in Carson ahead of their February 7 match against Mexico in Glendale, Arizona, which will mark the debut of Mexican National Team boss (and former MLS player) Hugo Sánchez.
Chivas USA, Major League Soccer's Mexican-owned, Los Angeles-based franchise - sister team to the famed Chivas de Guadalajara - opens preseason camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California, on Monday, February 5, looking to build on the team's historic playoff run in 2006. Under new head coach Preki, Chivas USA opens the 2007 MLS season at home against Canadian expansion franchise Toronto FC on Saturday, April 7, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. PT. Tickets are available by calling 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or online via www.cdchivasusa.com.
