The Pieces Continue to Fall Into Place (Laurent Merlin Signs with Chivas USA)

By: David | April 12th, 2007

Some great news today, Chivas USA has finally signed the star French midfielder that the gals had turned their backs on. Waiting patiently to get his work visa, the Frenchman will most likely make his debut this Saturday against Houston. It would seem that everything is falling into place for Chivas, as they continue to build up their squad in preparation for this year’s championship run.

If you remember, Merlin was previously with the French club Marseille where he had gone through their youth system, later training with the galaxy. According to the Chivas USA website:

Born September 17, 1984 in Marseille, France, Laurent Merlin began his playing career at age 10 with the youth ranks of his hometown club, French powerhouse Olympique de Marseille, where he made his first division debut in 2002. In 2005 he moved to AC Ajaccio on the island of Corsica, where he played 12 first-division matches during the second half of the 2004-05 campaign, notching one goal. In 2006, Merlin joined second division club Châteauroux, where he would play until 2006. He has also represented France at the U-17, U-18 and U-19 levels.

Laruent Merlin

As I stated, Merlin was initially found by the gals during their open-tryouts. Unable to retain him, due to various reasons, Chivas USA jumped on the opportunity as they saw great potential in Merlin. Now signed with Chivas, Merlin will prove to be a great asset and another piece to the already dominant midfield. Even if he does not play this season, his presence will be felt as the starters will be forced to pick their game up. I am talking about you Guevara. The only existing problems with this are the inability for the team to work together. Thus far, however, it would seem that the team is responding to Preki and the mistakes attributed with a young squad have been minimal. Saturday’s match against Houston will be a big test as they go up against one of the top teams in the MLS, instead of playing a “weak” expansion team.

With that stated, what I am wondering is the potential for Merlin to succeed. If in fact Merlin succeeds, galaxy will have really given up on a great talent again (do not forget they decided to trade Hurculez Gomez, who was their best player). So let us hope Merlin blossoms into a great midfielder that will help solidify Chivas as a power in the league.

Addition: Cameron Dunn, the fourth round selection in the draft was cut; whereas Anthony Hamilton, Desmond Brooks and newcomer Bobby Burling were signed. Burling was previously a player for LMU.

Meanwhile, defender Bobby Burling, 22, joins Chivas USA as a Developmental Player out of nearby Loyola Marymount University, where he was a captain and four-year starter, playing in 80 matches (75 starts), recording 15 goals and 16 assists. In his senior year, the 6-foot-5, 195-pound Burling made the successful transition from forward to central defender. Born October 15, 1984, in Clear Lake City, Texas, Burling grew up in Monument, Colorado. At LMU, he majored in Business Marketing. He has been training with Chivas USA since late March.

(mlsnet.com)

It is great to see the Chivas FO continue to add players to their defense as this is the weakest part of the team.

—————

Look for a review of the upcoming match on Saturday against Houston.

But for now if you want to read a great preview on all the upcoming matches then stop by Who Ate All the Cupcakes? as they put together a very well thought out analysis. I would have to disagree with their prediction for the Chivas-Houston game but I do agree it will be the game of the week.