The news involving the U.S. Men's National Team player Carlos Bocanegra and his signing with Chivas USA were well received in the Red-and-White locker room. The defender was acquired after a preliminary trade was arranged with Toronto FC exchanging the first allocation ranking slot for Chivas' 2015 Natural 1st Round SuperDraft pick and an international roster spot through 2014.

The Goats' captain and goalkeeper Dan Kennedy is well aware of the importance that Bocanegra's arrival has to the team and what it means for their daily work and for their goal to improve the state of the club.

"It's a tremendous signing for us." Kennedy said. "He's a leader on the field and off the field and he's played in the top leagues all over the world so I expect him to bring a different standard here and I know he'll help this team not only by getting results but also by putting some fans in the stands and he'll be good for all the guys in the locker room. I'm excited."

The centerback joins Chivas USA from Spanish Second-Division Real Racing de Santander where the defender became a key piece in their team. Now, in his return to Major League Soccer, Bocanegra hopes to fulfill his role with the Red-and-White.

"I need to come in and be a leader, lead by example, lead by my actions on the field, lead on and off the field," explained Bocanegra via conference call. "It's an organization that has had a lot of turnover and hopefully we can get some stability there. Hopefully we can start off a new challenge and keep moving in the right direction, put a good product out on the field and start winning some more games."

Bocanegra, who made his professional debut in MLS, will be able to test the League's growth first hand as the transfer window opens up on July 9. It will be then when the defender will join his new teammates as they prepare in Philadelphia to face the local side, Philadelphia Union, on Friday, July 12.