Chivas USA are set to play in Qualcomm Stadium beginning in 2005,
making it one of two expansion teams to be added by Major League
Soccer. The CHIVAS USA team will be owned by Jorge Vergara, who owns
the Mexican League CHIVAS Rayadas del Guadalajara. The Mexican
CHIVAS are currently at the bottom of their group, but have a rabid
fan base nonetheless.

Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) President Tim Leiweke has
confirmed that Cleveland
will be joining Chivas USA in 2005, as well as two more teams in
either 2006 or
2007, to expand the MLS (U.S. 1st division) to 14 teams. As you may
know, AEG also owns the Staples Center, the NHL L.A. Kings, the L.A.
Galaxy, and its home the Home Depot Center. Both Cleveland and San
Diego will be asked to formulate plans for soccer-specific stadiums
to be built in the future, while using existing stadiums for time
being.

There are many cities lining up for the second expansion, including
Oklahoma City (who lost out to Cleveland for the second spot this
time), and two second division (A-League) favorites, Seattle Sounders
and Rochester Rhinos. The latter team has even won the U.S. Open Cup.

Mr. Leiweke, speaking to Galaxy fans last Saturday night prior to
their
first playoff match with San Jose Earthquakes, made the announcement
public for the first time. The official
presentation and expansion plan is to be put forth on ABC Sports
during the MLS Cup Championship broadcast on 23 November, by MLS
Commissioner Don Garber.

Chivas USA fans group at Yahoo
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chivasusafans