Chukwudi Chijindu has only been in MLS for four months, but the hard-working rookie has already begun to make a name for himself with Chivas USA. Used primarily as a second-half substitute in his first few appearances, Chijindu has seen more and more time on the field in recent matches.
Chijindu played his first full game in the Red-and-White's July 19 loss to the New England Revolution. He proved to be a dangerous asset on the right flank with a number of good crosses and runs into the box, and will likely continue to figure into the team's offensive strategy in the second half of the season.
"I feel like I'm working hard and putting in the effort to get used to playing a full 90," said Chijindu. "I just trying to be myself out there and work hard. Some breaks have gone my way and I'm just trying to take advantage of them. My goal is to help the team in any way I can."
Since making his debut on against the LA Galaxy on April 11, Chijindu has made nine appearances and scored a goal for Chivas USA. The 25-year-old has played on the wing as well as up top so far this season, bringing power and pace to each position. His versatility is typical of a Chivas USA squad that boasts a number of players who are flexible in their positioning.
"What I like about our team is that everyone has a good soccer brain," he said. "Whether a center back, midfielder, or forward, I think everyone has the technical ability to play in small spaces, which is good."
As Chivas USA prepares to jump back into league play this weekend after a three-week break from play, Chijindu is excited about the Red-and-White's chances for the second half of the season.
"I think we're going to turn this thing around sooner rather than later," he said of the team's current slump. "We need to stay together and stay strong. Taking it one step at a time is key. We need to get out of this funk first, and get on a good rhythm, win some games, and get back to being confident."
The Red-and-White currently sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, but have played at least two games fewer than anyone else in the division. And while it struggled during the months of June and July, the team looks set to regain the form that served it so well in the opening weeks of the season.
"I think this has been a good break for us to get our minds right," said Chijindu. "It's always better to have a stride going into the playoffs than to start off fast and stagger through."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com
