Wednesday, June 4

Chivas trains at Kljestan's old stomping grounds

Under grey skies, Chivas USA trained Wednesday morning in South Orange, New Jersey at the campus of Seton Hall University, alma mater of Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan.

The light session, held on the Owen T. Carroll Athletic Field, was the Red-and-White's last before Thursday's game at the New York Red Bulls, to be televised LIVE at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. (Radio: W Radio 690 AM.)

Kljestan, who spent three seasons playing for the Pirates (2003-2005), was greeted by a number of friends and acquaintances, including Seton Hall athletic director Ginger Fulton and men’s soccer assistant coach Gerson Echeverry.

The 22-year-old Chivas USA midfielder said it was nice to return to his old stomping grounds.

“Training at Seton Hall brings back some good memories,” said Kljestan, who expects to have more than two dozen friends and family members in attendance at Thursday’s match at Giants Stadium. “It’s always nice to see these guys, and we're glad that Gerson and [Seton Hall head coach] Manny [Schellscheidt] let us train here today.

"It's fantastic," said Echeverry, himself a former Seton Hall player, who has closely followed Kljestan’s continued growth at the MLS and international level. "We've seen how much he's progressed from the first year, more and more becoming an important player, not only for Chivas but hopefully with the Olympic team and eventually with the [senior] men's national team.”

In other news, the Red Bulls (3-3-3, 12 pts), currently in 5th place MLS’s Eastern Conference, today announced that Major League Soccer has agreed to an undisclosed transfer fee for striker Jozy Altidore with Spanish First Division club Villareal. The 18-year-old Altidore, who could see action against Chivas USA tomorrow, is scheduled to address the local media at Giants Stadium prior to the match.

Chivas USA, meanwhile, will be anticipating the return of 23-year-old goalkeeper Brad Guzan from international duty. Currently with the U.S. National Team in Spain, Guzan is expected to land Thursday afternoon in New York, less than six hours before kickoff.