CARSON, Calif. - Chivas USA announced today that it has acquired the rights to defensive midfielder Jesse Marsch, a 10-year veteran of Major League Soccer, in a trade with the Chicago Fire, in exchange for Chivas USA's natural first-round pick in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft.
"Jesse Marsch brings determination, vision, and passion to Chivas USA," said Chivas USA Senior Vice President and General Manager Whit Haskel. "He was instrumental in winning numerous championships at D.C. and in Chicago, and with his contributions, we hope to replicate that success at Chivas USA."
"Jesse has been an unsung part of the Chicago Fire's success over past the past eight seasons," said Chivas USA Head Coach Bob Bradley. "His teammates have always had a great deal of respect for what he brings to the team each and every day. I'm certain he will have similar impact here with Chivas USA."
Born in Racine, Wisconsin on November 8, 1973, Marsch is a 10-year veteran of Major League Soccer, having played at D.C. United (1996-1997) and the Chicago Fire (1998-2005), winning the first three MLS Cup championships, with Bruce Arena at D.C. and Bob Bradley in Chicago. He is also a graduate of Princeton University, where he was also coached by Bradley.
In 2005 he played in 28 regular-season games for the Fire, registering five goals and two assists. In total, in his 10 seasons as an MLS player with D.C. United and the Chicago Fire, Jesse Marsch has played in 215 games (starting 183), for a total of 16,625 minutes, scoring 23 goals and registering 32 assists.
"I look forward to this opportunity to play once again for Bob Bradley, a guy I believe is the hardest working man in MLS, and one of the brightest soccer minds out there," said Marsch. "I've watched Chivas for many years, and have always appreciated the kind of soccer they play. I hope that with the addition of a few veterans, Chivas USA will become one of the best teams in the United States."
Marsch was a member of the United States U-18 national team from 1989 to 1991, in addition to participating with the U.S. men's senior national team during a World Cup qualifying match en route to the FIFA world Cup Korea/Japan 2002, against Trinidad and Tobago, on November 11, 2001.
Jesse is married to Kim Marsch, with whom he shares two children: Emerson, 4, and Maduxx, 2.
TRANSACTION: Chivas USA obtains the rights to midfielder Jesse Marsch from the Chicago Fire in exchange for Chivas USA's natural first-round pick in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft.
