When Club Deportivo Chivas USA take the field against Atlante in San Diego on Tuesday night, they will do so without Ramon Ramírez.
Chivas USA's first-ever captain and bona fide star, Ramírez left the club over the weekend due to personal considerations, a team official said. Ramírez is also no longer under contract with Chivas USA or Mexican club CD Guadalajara.
The club will officially announce the move on Tuesday.
Ramírez, 35, was named captain during the team's official introduction. Last month, he expressed concern over the complexities of adjusting to life in the United States.
"It's a little difficult for us," Ramírez said during the team's introduction on Feb. 17, "coming from Mexico and having to get situated in this country, trying to find places to live, find schools for the kids ... We're going to need a lot of support. It's not going to be easy."
Ramírez's departure leaves a void in leadership. The club may look at former Kansas City Wizards midfielder Francisco Gomez or veteran defender Ezra Hendrickson for guidance, though Hendrickson's lack of language could be a barrier with some of his Spanish-speaking teammates. Gomez wore the captain's armband after Ramírez was substituted during a preseason match against UCLA.
Club officials must now make another roster decision. When Chivas USA acquired Douglas Sequiera on Feb. 26, the move filled the fourth and final senior international slot. Now, Ramírez's void leaves a senior international spot open.
Over the course of one week, Chivas USA lost midfielder Armando Begines (broken collarbone), goalkeeper Martin Zuñiga (knee injury) and now Ramírez. Also, defender Alfonso Loera is recovering from groin surgery and likely will not be back until after the season starts.
As far as replacing Ramírez in the midfield, Chivas USA coach Thomas Rongen has options. Newcomer Jesus Ochoa, who has started five of the club's six friendlies over the past two weeks, played defensive midfielder for Tabasco of the Mexican Primera A Division last year. Also, Costa Rican international Sequeira can play in the midfield as well.
Ramírez is the second player to change his mind about playing for Chivas USA. Francisco Palencia, who was present with Ramírez when the team was officially announced at The Home Depot Center last summer, decided to stay with Chivas de Guadalajara over the winter.
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
