Once a Goat: Leandro Barrera signs with San Jose Earthquakes

Another of the final Chivas USA players has found a new home.

Argentine winger Leandro Barrera has been signed by the San Jose Earthquakes, the club announced on Wednesday. Barrera's MLS rights were obtained by the Quakes in the Waiver Draft back in December. In addition, he'll be joining former CUSA teammate Kristopher Tyrpak, who was picked up in the Dispersal Draft.

On loan to the Goats in 2014 from Argentinos Juniors, Barrera played the fifth-most minutes during the MLS season, scoring a goal and adding two assists. As perhaps one of two wingers on the team last season (though Marvin Chavez was more versatile) Barrera got a lot of action, and had moments of promise. In particular, his ability to run directly at defenders was a skill that is not all that common in the league right now. But his ability to successfully set up chances and score was truly woeful. He's a promising player but was one of the most maddening for Chivas USA last season, at least in my opinion.

Though the release doesn't specify, it does appear Barrera has signed outright with the Quakes, though you never know, it could be another loan and they just didn't say it. In that respect, it appears San Jose coach Dominic Kinnear is really high on Barrera. Here's hoping Barrera's practiced thousands of crosses in the offseason, and can hit the ground running with his new team.

Best of luck to Leandro in the Bay Area.

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