from the recently drafted U.S. players to the players arriving from Mexico -- were introduced.
"These are the stars of MLS. I'm certain you will all see that soon," Cue said.
Defenders
Alfonso Loera (6-foot-1, 175 pounds, 26 years old)
"I think it will be a good experience playing outside of my country. But we didn't change our stripes. We have the same stripes as always," Loera said.
A native of Ensenada, Baja California, Loera has plenty of first division experience. Between 2000 and 2002, Loera played in 38 games for Chivas. The last year, he anchored the backline of Chivas' second division club.
Armando Begines (5-11, 155, 24)
"He's a left-footed player with some promise," Rongen said.
Begines played 17 games for Chivas La Piedad in the Apertura 2004 campaign. He has been in Chivas' youth system since 1999.
Midfielders
Ramón Ramírez (5-7, 160, 35)
"My intention is to come guide the youngsters and guide this club and help it gain an identity here in the United States," Ramirez said.
A longtime Mexican national team member, Ramirez brings a wealth of experience to the club. Accordingly, Ramirez was named team captain.
Alonso Sandoval (5-7, 120, 23)
"He's an exciting, attacking, left-sided player," Rongen said.
With Chivas de Guadalajara, Sandoval has notched four goals in 25 matches since making his debut in the 2005 Apertura season. Sandoval also helped Mexico's Under-23 team qualify for the Olympics last year.
Hector Cuadros (5-10, 160, 24)
"He's a hard-working player who can score goals for us," Rongen said.
Cuadros, a likely starter, played for Chivas in InterLiga matches this year. Cuadros joined Chivas' second division side in 2003 and has played for them ever since.
Francisco Mendoza (5-5, 125, 19)
"He's a talented, skillful midfielder," Rongen said.
At 19, Mendoza is one of the youngest players on CD Chivas USA's roster. A member of the Chivas youth system since 2001, Mendoza played 12 matches for Chivas La Piedad in the 2004 Apertura campaign.
Forward
Isaac Romo (6-1, 155, 22)
"He's a goalscorer that's played for the Under-20 Mexican national team. He's still fairly young for our league, even if you compare him to some of the college guys who come out and are supposed to be rookies," Rongen said.
Another likely starter, Romo is an imposing figure even by American standards. Romo scored nine goals for Chivas La Piedad in the 2004 Apertura season. He played for Mexico in the 2003 World Youth Championship.
Goalkeeper
Martin Zúñiga (5-11, 165, 34)
A veteran of the Mexican First Division, Zúñiga was Chivas starting keeper the last time the club won a Mexican league title. The veteran, who has also played for Celaya, Puebla and Veracruz, debuted in the Mexican league in 1993.
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
