Chivas USA acquires defender Jim Curtin in trade with Chicago Fire
"We have been looking for a veteran central defender to solidify our backline ever since Jason Hernández was picked by San Jose in the Expansion Draft," said Chivas USA Head Coach Preki. "In Jim, we are fortunate to acquire an experienced back who is good with his feet and good in the air. We expect him to contribute great things to Chivas USA this season both on and off the field."
Curtin, 28, joins Chivas USA after spending his entire MLS career in Chicago, where he was a fan favorite while anchoring the team's defense. A starter in the 2003 MLS All-Star game, Curtin has played a total of 151 games in the league, including 70 straight from October 2003 to May 2005, and won Chicago's "Defender of the Year" award in 2004. The 6-foot-4 back also was also a member of the 2003 and 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup-winning teams with the Fire.
Curtin is also a noted philanthropist, having worked with the Urban Initiatives soccer program, a non-profit organization that works with inner-city and underprivileged children. He was also the Chicago Fire's honoree at the 2006 Comcast SportsNet Sports Awards for his charity work. His younger brother, Jeff, has played for Chicago since 2006.
Player Information
Name: Jim Curtin
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 1979-06-23, Oreland, Pennsylvania, USA
Hometown: Oreland, Pennsylvania, USA
Citizenship: USA
Weight: 205 lbs
Height: 6'4"
Last team: Chicago Fire
University: Villanova
Acquired: Trade with Chicago Fire, Jan. 22, 2008, in exchange for a conditional 2010 draft pick.
