Once A Goat: Mariano Trujillo is Now a Player/Coach in Mexico

Former Chivas USA midfielder/defender Mariano Trujillo moved back to Mexico following the 2011 season, when the team declined to bring him back. This past fall, he transitioned into a post-playing career, although not entirely. Trujillo is now a part time player for Liga MX club Jaguares de Chiapas. Initially joining the coaching staff, Jaguares coach Jose Guadalupe Cruz asked him to put on his boots once again and play for the club. In the league, Trujillo played in two matches in the 2012 Apertura, with his last appearance coming on August 31 against Club Tijuana, when he played 14 minutes.

Trujillo also played in the Copa MX this fall, with an assist on Antonio Salazar's goal in a 1-0 win over Necaxa on July 24, and a prime role in Chiapas' 1-1 draw with Pumas Morelos on August 21. He also started in a 2-0 loss to Necaxa on July 31 in the Copa. Jaguares did not play well in the group stages of the Copa and did not advance to the knockout rounds.

Mariano was a veteran of the Mexican league, having played for Pumas, Morelia, Santos Laguna, and came to Chivas USA from Atlante in March of 2009. While being a right sided midfielder, he also played centre half and right back for the Goats. In his first season, he started 18 matches, and came off the bench for three more in the heart of the defense. Then in his second season he became a full blown starter and took the captaincy when Jonathan Bornstein wasn't fit. In his final season with the Goats, Trujillo made 12 appearances, all off the bench.

As a Mexican who was part of a deep player pool, and impressive national team set up, it's always been hard for Trujillo to get a cap. However, in 2003 he got two caps, and even scored one goal, an absolute golazo, against Peru in August at Giants Stadium in a 3-1 loss.

Although there haven't been a lot of news stories about Trujillo lately, there was this report on his joining Jaguares' roster this past summer. Oh, and if you want a refresher of Alicia's profile of Trujillo's 2011 season in her postmortem series last year, here it is. It is unclear if he will continue to play for Jaguares in 2013, but we'll keep tabs on the former Goat.

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