CARSON, Calif. – With Chivas USA co-captains Jonathan Bornstein and Sacha Kljestan gone on US National Team duty for the next few weeks, head coach Martín Vásquez has tapped Zach Thornton and Mariano Trujillo as two possible replacements to wear the captain’s armband.
“Zach and Mariano are two guys that, even when Sacha and Jonny have been here, have been leaders also,” said Vásquez after training on Friday. “We’ll probably make a decision [before Saturday’s match vs. Real Salt Lake], but one of those two guys will be wearing the band.”
Trujillo has played every minute of the season so far for Chivas USA, and has already notched two assists for his efforts. The 33-year-old right back offers a dozen years of experience in the Mexican First Division to the young Goats squad.
“He’s probably been our most consistent player since day one,” said Vásquez of Trujillo. “He’s always positive, and is a very good teammate. That’s why we are impressed.”
While Kljestan and Bornstein are certainly important components of the Red-and-White lineup, the team has managed to avoid becoming too distracted by their absences.
“We have put a lot of focus on the opportunity of tomorrow,” said Vásquez of the team’s mentality this week. “We haven’t really had the time to be concerned or worried about Sacha. We miss him, but there are other things that are more important. We have to prepare for Salt Lake.
