MLS Acquires Chivas USA; Appoints Nelson Rodriguez as President

By Francisco Romero

Chivas del Guadalajara owner Jorge Vergara sold Chivas USA to the Major League Soccer last week and Wednesday the MLS appointed longtime executive Nelson Rodriguez as the team’s President.

The MLS has announced that it will assume full responsibility for the team as it waits a new ownership group to take over.

Rodriguez was the Executive Vice President of Competition in his last post at the MLS. He has been with the league for 14 years. Rodríguez has a wealth of experience in business operations, including serving as, the Senior Vice President of Strategic Development for MLS’ commercial arm, Soccer United Marketing. Prior to joining MLS, the New Jersey native was a club executive for the NY/NJ MetroStars and was a member of the 1994 FIFA World Cup local organizing committee for the Giants Stadium venue.

“I am thankful for the opportunity and recognize the responsibility in what is an important season for the club,” said Rodríguez. “Regardless of the ownership status, this team and staff will compete on all fronts and we look forward to the challenge.”

Chivas USA joined the MLS in 2005.  During the 2014 season it will bear the same name and logo, but it is expected to change once the new ownership is in place.

The team is located in Carson, California; the MLS would like to keep it there.  Last year Chivas USA had the second worst league record and the worst record in attendance.  The MLS would also like for the new ownership group to seek the construction of a new stadium.

Chivas USA will start the 2014 season on March 9^th hosting the Chicago fire.