Chivas USA defender Mariano Trujillo returned to work this past weekend, participating in a few practices with Mexican Primera Division side Atlante. The Iron Colts were at The Home Depot Center for the 2010 InterLiga tournament and were happy to include Trujillo in their training.
Trujillo is no stranger to Atlante, having made 23 appearances for the team during the 2008 season. He was happy to see some old friends and get back in the swing of things for the upcoming MLS season.
"I'm happy just to practice with Atlante and keep in my shape while I prepare for the MLS season," said Trujillo. "I know the team, the coaches, and the staff, and they welcomed me in. It's a little hard to just come and practice with another team after a couple of months off the field, but it's great for my own preparations."
Atlante's training session consisted of a few short drills and ended with long periods of short-sided scrimmaging. Trujillo looked right at home, adapting quickly to the style of his former teammates.
"They try to keep the ball a lot more," he said. "It's a lot of pass-and-move, pass-and-move. MLS is much different. It's much more physical. But soccer is the same all around the world."
Trujillo enjoyed a strong debut year for Chivas USA in 2009, making 21 appearances and serving as part of the league's second-best defense. He will be looking to continue his success in 2010, under the Red-and-White's new coach, Martín Vásquez.
"I'm excited for this year," Trujillo said. "I think we're building a good team and Martín is a great coach. I think we have a strong foundation. The championship is our main goal and I think the whole franchise is behind us. We're setting the bar high, but I think the team can get there."
At 32 years old, Trujillo is one of the older players who will return for the 2010 season, set to kick off on March 28. As the team drafts a new round of players in Thursday's SuperDraft, Trujillo will look to impart some of his knowledge to the Red-and-White's newer players.
"My role on the team is as one of the experienced players," said Trujillo. "Beyond that, one of my goals is to be in the starting lineup for the whole season. I'm just going to try to do that by giving everything I can to the team, both on and off the field."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
