CARSON, Calif. – It appears Jesus Padilla's days with Chivas USA may be numbered.
Head coach Robin Fraser told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday that the versatile attacker (above, center) is likely no longer in the plans of the club. When asked if Padilla can help the team going forward, Fraser said Padilla’s future with the club is uncertain.
"I don’t know if he’ll help us going forward," said Fraser. "He’s a great person and a wonderful kid who works really hard and is very goal-oriented. Maybe it hasn’t quite panned out because we don’t know what position he’s been playing or I don’t know his natural position is or where he’s most comfortable. I’ve got a lot of real positive things to say about him, but I just don’t know where he fits best."
Padilla has seen scant time for the Rojiblancos during the preseason, primarily entering matches as a late substitute. A number of new additions including those of Tristan Bowen, Alejandro Moreno and Marcos Monadini have seen Padilla relegated to the bench frequently during the preseason.
The San Jose, Calif., native did provide the lone goal in Chivas USA's 1-0 victory over Vancouver in Arizona last month. The victory was one of only two wins for the club during in the preseason. Including Padilla, the Goats have more than 30 players in camp, including several trialists.
Padilla joined the Rojiblancos on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara in 2009 and scored seven goals in 37 appearances during his tenure in MLS. Six of the goals came in the 2010 season when Padilla was second to Justin Braun for the team’s scoring title. While with Chivas USA, Padilla has seen action in a number of different spots from forward to along the right wing.
Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at adam.m.serrano@gmail.com and on Twitter: @adamserrano
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