Chivas Gets an Influx of Talent

Nearly a month after they started training with Chivas USA, Francisco Palencia, Juan Pablo Garcia, Sergio Garcia and Hector Castro became official members of the team Thursday.

“It’s another challenge in my life,” Palencia, a member of two Mexican World Cup teams, said at a news conference in New York to introduce the players. “I came from a big team in Mexico, and I want to make Chivas the best team in MLS. It’s a challenge in life that comes once and I want to take it.”

The quartet were unavailable until the international transfer window reopened five days ago. They will make their debut Sunday against the MetroStars in East Rutherford, N.J.

Chivas USA President Antonio Cue said the addition of the players would transform a team that has won only three of 23 games in its inaugural season.

“Palencia is a great player and has lots of experience and is physically in very good condition,” Cue said. “Juan Pablo is a young talented player with a lot of potential. Castro is a player with great technique, and ‘Matute’ [Sergio Garcia] is a young goalkeeper with a bright future.”

Palencia and Juan Pablo Garcia are expected to start against the MetroStars, with Castro coming off the bench. Sergio Garcia will serve as Brad Guzan’s backup.

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-- Jonathan Abrams