Carson, Calif. (Thursday, December 12, 2013) – Chivas USA announced today that it has acquired defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste in exchange for Jorge Villafaña, whose option was extended, and the No. 2 pick in Stage One of Major League Soccer’s Re-Entry Draft. The Red-and-White will receive Portland’s No. 17 pick in Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Villafaña was the longest serving member of Chivas USA, having joined the First Team on July 25, 2007. The Anaheim, Calif., native first joined the Rebaño Angelino through the U19 Team in March 2007, after been named the winner of ´Sueño MLS: Chivas USA Wants You! ´. In his time with the Red-and-White, Villafaña played a total of seven seasons and 86 games (63 starts), logging 5,518 minutes, and scoring seven goals. In 2013, Villafaña played 20 games (15 starts), scoring one goal and adding four assists.

On an international level, Villafaña was a regular in the United States U-20 National Team, and in early 2012, received his first call-up to the U-23 National Team Training Camp, squad that was part of the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament. With the U-20 team, Villafaña made more appearances than any other player in 2008, and was called to many training camps and tours in 2009 and 2010.

Andrew Jean-Baptiste joins Chivas USA after two full seasons with the Timbers. While in Portland, Jean-Baptiste played a total of 31 games (26 starts), scoring two goals. In 2013, Jean-Baptiste led the Timbers in 26 games (22 starts) logging 2,142 minutes and was listed among MLSsoccer.com’s 24 Under 24, being ranked at No. 16 in the league. The Brooklyn, New York native was selected 8th overall by Portland Timbers in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.

Prior to joining the Timbers, Jean-Baptiste was named the 2011 Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year during his sophomore year with the University of Connecticut and was named to the Big East Conference All-Rookie Team in his first collegiate season in 2010.

On an international level, Jean-Baptiste played in the Lisbon International Tournament with the United States U18 National Team, and was a member of the U20 National Pool in 2010.

Chivas USA would like to thank Jorge Villafaña for his dedication with the Rebaño Angelino throughout the years and wish good luck in his future endeavors, and welcome Andrew Jean-Baptiste to the Red-and-White family.

Transaction: Chivas USA acquires defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste and trades midfielder Jorge Villafaña and its No. 2 pick in Stage One of the MLS Re-Entry Draft.