Francisco Mendoza, last of Chivas USA’s original players, joins Chivas de Guadalajara

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The last of the original Chivas USA players has left the team.

Francisco ‘Panchito’ Mendoza, a livewire winger and crowd favorite because of his speed, his dribbling skills and his commitment to attacking soccer, today officially joined Chivas de Guadalajara of the Mexican league.

Mendoza, 23, had been on a season-to-season loan from Guadalajara since the start of 2005 but finally opted to rejoin the Mexican club after four seasons and 117 games in MLS.

He was introduced in Guadalajara along with two of the team’s other newcomers, veteran Mexico national team forward Jared Borgetti and defender Aaron Galindo.

Shawn Hunter, Chivas USA’s president, said that Mendoza, over the four years, had ‘come to represent the spirit of Chivas USA’ and wished him well. Mendoza scored five goals and had 17 assists in Chivas USA colors, but it was his ceaseless running that most often caught the eye.

‘My experience in the U.S. has been important for my growth not only as a professional but also as a person,’ Mendoza said in a statement released by the team. ‘I hope more Mexican players will consider my example and take a serious look at developing their careers in MLS.’

Chivas USA Coach Preki on Thursday evening described it as ‘a big loss,’ saying: ‘It’s tough, but we’ve got to adjust.’

Earlier, Preki had praised Mendoza’s mentality. ‘He learned to compete in a tough league during his time here with Chivas USA,’ Preki said. ‘Chivas de Guadalajara are getting a talented young player and we hope he does well for them.’

-- Grahame L. Jones