Chivas USA loan forward Jose Correa to Argentine club Gimnasia La Plata

Concluding a rumor we reported on over two weeks ago, Chivas USA announced Friday forward Jose Correa has been loaned to Argentine Primera side Gimnasia La Plata. Terms of the deal, including the length of the loan, were undisclosed.

Assuming Correa doesn't completely flame out with Gimnasia, it's safe to assume his time with Chivas is over. He got off to a bright start with Chivas last year, scoring twice in his first three league appearances, including the game-winning penalty against the LA Galaxy which broke the Goats' five year streak of futility against their local rivals. He also scored a brace in the 2012 U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match against the Charlotte Eagles, including the game-winner that propelled the team to the semifinal of that tournament for the second time in club history.

Despite those highlights, Correa suffered a series of injuries during his time with Chivas, and the constant turmoil, both last year and this year, meant he didn't really have a stable professional environment to grow as a player. His playing time became spotty at the end of last season, but this year, due to a complete dearth of forward options, Correa played quite a bit, making 16 appearances and starting 12 of 14 matches at one stretch. He scored in his last start, and what is now his final appearance for the club, July 12 against the Philadelphia Union, his only tally of the season (he did set up an own goal in Chivas' win over Chicago in March as well).

With Correa's departure, Chivas only have one South American left on their roster, Oswaldo Minda, who is currently out of favor. Heading into the season, the Goats had four, with Peruvian Walter Vilchez, Ecuadorian Miller Bolanos, and Columbian Correa also featuring. The club looks like they are out on South America as a scouting site, and look to be making Mexico and the United States the only places they will look for players, at least for the time being.

Best of luck to Jose in Argentina. He started off with considerable potential, but petered out over his spell with the Goats.

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