Chivas USA Cut Two Defenders

In his recap of today's preseason match between the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA, Adam Serrano reported on the league website that Chivas has cut two defenders from training camp, RJ Allen and Fabian Kling. Both players were taken by the Goats in the Supplemental Draft last month, and as they were not under contract, were fighting for contracts and spots on the roster for the 2012 season.

The move means that four of the five Supplemental Draft selections have been cut (the other two were defender Daniel Steres and Kevin Venegas) with only goalkeeper Brian Rowe remaining. You can look at this two ways. On one hand, Supplemental Draft picks (or in the past, what amounts to third and fourth round SuperDraft picks) seldom stick leaguewide, although value can be found. So if four of five players get cut in a given year, that isn't particularly bad by league standards, but the argument could be made that teams could select quality players ahead of the curve, especially considering Chivas had five picks in the Supplemental Draft this year, all in the first two rounds. Still, unless one of these four players becomes a star with another MLS team, it's probably not something to get too worked up over.

I'm not necessarily surprised about Chivas releasing Kling, as he came to training camp late due to a reported trial with Reading in England, and didn't see a great deal of game action in the preseason. His nationality might have been significant in Chivas' decision as well, as he is German, and I'm not sure if he has a green card. If he doesn't, he would be an international player, and I believe he would take up Chivas' final international slot. I'm guessing his quality wasn't so commanding that Chivas just had to sign him.

I am a bit more surprised about Allen. Although I didn't get a chance to see him, he played quite a bit during the preseason and it seemed like he could be a good backup at right back to James Riley. I'm not sure if Chivas didn't think he was high enough quality, or if he just didn't fit in the budget, but I wouldn't be surprised if another MLS team gives him a shot in the coming weeks. Coach Robin Fraser noted in Serrano's article that the club is keeping their eyes open for players who may get cut in the next few weeks, so maybe they just thought there are better potential options that could become available.

Regardless, best wishes to Kling and Allen in getting their professional careers started.

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