Chivas USA welcome Cuesta to side
Colombian defender comes to Red-and-White on loan from Expreso Rojo
Cuesta comes to the Red-and-White on loan from Colombian side Expreso Rojo, where he had played since 2008.
"We saw a video of him playing and he looked solid in the back," said Chivas USA assistant coach Carlos Llamosa. "He's strong with good speed. Hopefully he can bring those qualities to the team here."
Cuesta got his start in the Colombian first division with Bogotá club Santa Fé in 2007, playing 24 matches for the club and scoring two goals. He has also made several appearances for the Colombian under-20 national team, most recently scoring the only goal in the team's 1-0 victory over Peru in January.
"He's young and athletic," said Chivas USA head coach Preki. "I think he will help our team."
Cuesta joins a Chivas USA defensive corps that has allowed the second-fewest goals in MLS. But with both Jim Curtin and Claudio Suarez sidelined due to injury, the 6-foot-3 center back will likely be a welcome addition to the squad.
"Chivas is a great team. It's an honor to come to such a big name," said Cuesta. "I'm excited to be here and to work hard for a spot."
While Cuesta has yet to completely slot in with his new club, he is aware of physical nature of the league and of its expanding talent pool.
"I've watched a lot of MLS on TV back in Colombia," he said. "It's a league that's growing. Each year there are better and better players arriving and helping it to become the league it can be."
With the Western Conference playoff race heating up, Cuesta will have to adjust quickly to life in a new country with a new team.
"LA is a great city," said Cuesta. "It's a great place to play soccer because there are a lot of fans of the sport here. Hopefully, my time here goes well."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com
