CARSON, Calif. — Chivas USA have been searching for another offensive weapon to bolster their attack, and on Tuesday, the Rojiblancos added one: 19-year-old Colombian forward Jose Erik Correa.
One of the leading goal scorers in Colombia’s Liga Postobón, Correa has tallied six goals in 12 matches this season for Boyacá Chicó, including two this past Saturday in the club’s 5-2 victory over Cúcuta Deportivo. Correa’s prolific form of late even helped him to earn the attention of national team head coach José Pékerman, who recently selected the striker for a training camp that brought together the country's top young players.
“Jose is a player that we’ve been watching for a little while now,” head coach Robin Fraser told MLSsoccer.com. “He’s a very promising young player with a lot of physical attributes and is definitely a player that we’re excited to have join us. In spite of his age, he’s young, strong and a good athlete. He holds the ball well and he scores goals.”
Correa’s addition could boost the club’s anemic attack. In six matches so far this season, the Rojiblancos have tallied just four goals — all coming away from home — which places them near the bottom of the league table for goals scored.
Although the goals have not been easy to come by, Correa joins Chivas’ diverse assortment of attacking talent, which already features Colombian Juan Pablo Ángel, Venezuelan international Alejandro Moreno, and young charges Casey Townsend and Cesar Romero. Correa’s addition will only increase the battle for spots in the starting XI.
“Out of that competition, we’ll be able to push ourselves over the hump,” Fraser said.
Correa’s acquisition was three months in the making. Chivas USA, of course, spent time weighing the pros and cons of the deal, with assistant coaches Greg Vanney and Carlos LLamosa doing a lot of the legwork, including trips to Colombia to watch him in person.
The chase for Correa’s signature was then further complicated by the forward’s recent form. He was a hot commodity.
“When we first saw him, he wasn’t top of the leaderboard,” general manager Jose Domene told MLSsoccer.com. “Then once we came to an agreement, he was one of the leading goal scorers in Colombia.”
According to the Chivas USA GM, Correa is expected to receive his visa on Thursday and once his documentation is processed, the forward will join the Rojiblancos on the training field.
Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at adam.m.serrano@gmail.com.
