Rojiblancos take trio of California products

CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, January 22, 2013) – Chivas USA selected three players in today’s MLS Supplemental Draft, the club announced. The Rojiblancos drafted three California natives, beginning with UC Riverside defender Jose Diaz with the second-overall pick in the first round and forward Paul Islas from Fresno Pacific University No. 19 in the same round. The Goats used their third pick on defender Joe Franco out of Cal State Northridge in the second round (No. 21).

Diaz, a 6-foot-3 Corona native, made 13 starts in 14 appearances last season for the Highlanders, recording three goals and an assist, earning the 21-year-old senior All-Big West Conference honors. In 2011 Diaz was named an All-Big West Honorable Mention and finished the season tied for third on the team in goals scored.

Islas, a native of Fresno, had a team-high 22 goals for the Sunbirds and was third on the squad with 12 assists during his senior year. Islas played in 19 games (18 starts), averaging over a goal per game while being named a NSCAA NCAA Division II All-American, NSCAA First Team All-West Region and NCCAA West Region Player of the Year.

Franco, 22, spent all four years at CSUN (2009-2012) after redshirting the 2008 season. The Monrovia native started 21 games last season and earned Big West Defender of the Year, All-Big West First Team and NSCAA All-Far West Region Second Team honors in his final season with the Matadors.

Chivas USA will kick off its ninth season when it hosts the Columbus Crew at The Home Depot Center for First Kick 2013 on Saturday, March 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m. PT. Ticket packs are available for as little as $10 per ticket and include extra bonuses. For more information please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com. Follow us on Twitter @cdchivasusa and Facebook.com/chivasusa.

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