Chivas USA of Major League Soccer announced on Wednesday that Martin Vásquez, whose playing and coaching career has included teams in the United States, Mexico, and Europe, will serve as the club’s new Head Coach. Vásquez, 45, had a 15-year playing career that included time in MLS and the Mexican First Division, and has served as an assistant coach for Chivas USA and Germany’s Bayern Munich, among other clubs.
“I am honored to return to Chivas USA as the club’s new Head Coach,” said Vásquez. “I was a part of this team at the very beginning, and have seen it make great strides in the last few years. The club is in a strong place and still has a great deal of potential. This is a wonderful opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Vásquez’ coaching experience most recently includes a position as assistant coach at famed club Bayern Munich in Germany from July 2008 until April 2009, and had previously served as an assistant for Chivas USA in the club’s first three seasons (2005-2007). As Head Coach of Chivas USA, Vásquez follows Preki (2007-2009), who he worked with under Bob Bradley in 2006 and while Preki was Head Coach in 2007. Vásquez also served as an assistant for the LA Galaxy (2004), the San Diego Spirit (2001-2002) of the Women’s United Soccer Association, and at Cal Poly – Pomona (1999-2000).
“Martín is a talented coach who has a deep knowledge and understanding of Chivas USA, Major League Soccer and professional soccer both in the United States and abroad,” said Stephen Hamilton, Chivas USA’s Vice President of Soccer Operations. “He’ll be able to continue the progress that we’ve made in the last few years, and build on our success. We’re pleased to welcome him back to the Chivas USA family.”
Born on December 24, 1963 in Yahualica, Jalisco, Mexico, Vásquez moved to Los Angeles at age 12, and played collegiate soccer at Cal State – Los Angeles from 1980-83. After a stint with Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara and five years in professional indoor and outdoor soccer in the United States, the defender-midfielder debuted in Mexico’s First Division with Universidad de Guadalajara (1988-1990), before moving on to Puebla (1990-91), Veracruz (1991-92) and Atlas (1992- 1996).
In 1991 and 1992, he played 10 games with the Mexican national team under coaches César Luis Menotti and Manuel Lapuente. In 1996, he returned to the United States, where he gained U.S. citizenship and played for the Tampa Bay Mutiny (1996-1997) and the San Jose Clash (1998). In 1996 and 1997, Vásquez played seven matches, all as a starter, in the midfield of Steve Sampson’s U.S. national team.
Chivas USA will open preseason for the 2010 campaign in late January, and will play its first match of the 2010 season on Sunday, March 28, 2010, when it hosts the Colorado Rapids. Season seats are now on sale for the Red-and-White’s sixth campaign in MLS; for more information, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.
