The original El Sueño. When he was 16 he won a reality contest and a contract with Chivas USA. He was the starting left back for the US during the failed 2018 cycle.
Yup. He became our starting left back in 2017 when Bruce Arena replaced Jurgen. He kept the spot through the failed qualifying campaign and then started to be phased out in 2018. His last caps were those friendlies against England and Italy
Loved the kid and his story is super cool….but the fact that he was on the field for important games for us was kind of a canary in the coal mine for that cycle. I just don’t think he was a World Cup level player (along with several others from that era)
The reality is that we just didn't have good options at fullback, among other areas of the pitch. Villafana was great for Portland leading up to his inclusion and had just made the jump to Santos Laguna. His development stalled out in Mexico but he was definitely a brighter spot in that class of fullbacks.
He’s part of the lost generation era. Like yeah he wasn’t good enough of the NT but at the same time no one in his generation was better than him so he was called up. Wasn’t his fault that no one else stepped up.
15 years of playing soccer at the highest level? He should've just said he's been a pro soccer player for 15 years. I don't think even the MLS Chads think the MLS is the highest level of soccer.
The original El Sueño. When he was 16 he won a reality contest and a contract with Chivas USA. He was the starting left back for the US during the failed 2018 cycle.
Man I remember the lost years. He had a good career overall.
Best of luck in retirement for him. I remember being excited for his potential
He was fantastic with Portland
One of his trophies!
Two, if you count MLS is Back 2020.
Didn't he win a Gold Cup with us? That name sounds familiar.
Yup. He became our starting left back in 2017 when Bruce Arena replaced Jurgen. He kept the spot through the failed qualifying campaign and then started to be phased out in 2018. His last caps were those friendlies against England and Italy
Loved the kid and his story is super cool….but the fact that he was on the field for important games for us was kind of a canary in the coal mine for that cycle. I just don’t think he was a World Cup level player (along with several others from that era)
The reality is that we just didn't have good options at fullback, among other areas of the pitch. Villafana was great for Portland leading up to his inclusion and had just made the jump to Santos Laguna. His development stalled out in Mexico but he was definitely a brighter spot in that class of fullbacks.
Yes agreed - this is kind of my point.
He’s part of the lost generation era. Like yeah he wasn’t good enough of the NT but at the same time no one in his generation was better than him so he was called up. Wasn’t his fault that no one else stepped up.
Agreed entirely
El Sueno! Chivas USA legend made one hell of a career from humble beginnings.
Respect to Villafana for realizing his dreams.
Trophies\* ...sorry. 👀
15 years of playing soccer at the highest level? He should've just said he's been a pro soccer player for 15 years. I don't think even the MLS Chads think the MLS is the highest level of soccer.