MLS Trialists Converge in Carson

Relatives, friends and other curious onlookers made their way to the Home Depot Center on Sunday afternoon to support and watch soccer players vie for a spot on the Chivas USA roster. Players came from near and far for this opportunity, gathering at practice field 5 with nothing more than their favorite soccer gear and high hopes of making an impression on the Chivas USA coaching staff.

Julio Cano, Chivas USA's Soccer Development Manager, put the number of participants in the talent pool at around 150. According to Cano, players from Argentina, Brazil, England, Florida, Chicago and New York had made the trek to Carson. The variety of geographical locations was mirrored by the various languages and accents one could hear on and off the field. Cano further added that the average age of the players was somewhere around 20 - 23 years old. Unlike their ages, physical attributes tended to vary quite a bit more, but overall, it was a good turnout, especially taking into consideration that Chivas USA had run a similar tryout last month.

Players were assigned to one of various teams that would face off against each other in hour long sessions throughout the afternoon. The game like atmosphere provided an opportunity for players to showcase their skills, conditioning and leadership qualities, in addition to providing some entertaining amateur soccer. A handful of players at various positions quickly stood out for each side during the sessions. Definitely more than enough for Chivas USA Head Coach Preki Radosavljevic and his staff to mull over.