February 15, 2011
CARSON, Calif. - Chivas USA has acquired defender Heath Pearce, an experienced defender and a member of the United States National Team, in a trade with FC Dallas in exchange for allocation money. Pearce, 26, had played professionally in Denmark and Germany before joining Dallas in 2009, and the Modesto, Calif. native played 28 games (27 starts) in 2010, notching six assists and helping Dallas to the Western Conference Championship.
Pearce, a University of Portland alum, joins Chivas USA having established himself as one of the top defenders in MLS and in the United States National Team pool. After playing three seasons at the University of Portland, the left back joined FC Nordsjaelland of Denmark, playing 50 games in two seasons for the club, scoring twice. He then switched to German side Hansa Rostock, playing 30 games and scoring two goals with the club. In late 2009, he signed with FC Dallas and played the bulk of the 2010 season at right defender.
Making his United States National Team debut in November 2005 against Scotland, Pearce has emerged as one of the top choices for the team at left back, battling primarily with former Chivas USA defender Jonathan Bornstein for the job. He was on the squad at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup as well as the 2009 Gold Cup, and was on the preliminary 30-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, though he was not selected to the final 23-player team. Pearce speaks several languages, including Spanish, and will join a defensive corps that includes Mariano Trujillo of Mexico and fellow Californian Jimmy Conrad.
Chivas USA opened preseason training camp in January and continues preparation for the 2011 Home Opener on March 19 against Omar Bravo and Sporting Kansas City. Season Seats for 2011 are now on sale, with prices remaining at the same low rates as 2010. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.
