The rebuilding process continues for Chivas USA, and this time, they reached into South America to pluck a champion as their latest reinforcement.
On Wednesday, the Rojiblancos announced the acquisition of 28-year-old Ecuador international midfielder Oswaldo Minda, who will join the team from Ecuadorian league champs Sociedad Deportivo Quito pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa.
“Our commitment and goal to bring in the best players for our club continues,” said Chivas USA general manager Jose Domene in a club statement. “When we scouted in South America, Oswaldo Minda was one of the players we wanted. … His experience in both local and international competitions will be of great value. We welcome him to the Red and White, and we are sure he will adapt to coach [Robin] Fraser's system very quickly.”
Minda leaves behind SD Quito after a championship season — the club won the Serie A crown for the fifth time on Dec. 18. The midfielder featured in 85 matches for los Azulgranas (82 starts), and scored 11 goals in his three years with the club.
On the international scene, Minda has recorded 13 caps (seven starts) with Ecuador, most of them since 2010, including Copa América and World Cup qualifying matches this year.
Minda becomes the fourth acquisition for Chivas USA this offseason. The club has thus far picked up midfielder Ryan Smith and Arturo Alvarez, as well as defender James Riley as they look to strengthen their lines for the 2012 campaign.
