McKenzie signs with Chivas USA

Chivas USA announced on Wednesday that they have signed the 25-year-old center back, further bolstering the club’s depth along the back line. In his stints with Kansas City and Real Salt Lake, McKenzie has managed just 11 career appearances, but head coach Robin Fraser is hopeful his new signing will pan out for the Goats.

“I think if you look at his career, if he may have landed in some other places, maybe it would have been a little different, because he does have a lot of ability,” Fraser told reporters on Monday. “I think he’s definitely got the ability to be a good defender in MLS, and we’re glad we have the opportunity to have him.”

The Chivas boss is familiar with the burly center back, having spent the 2010 season as his assistant coach while with Real Salt Lake. MLS Best XI-performances from Nat Borchers and Jámison Olave relegated McKenzie to the bench that year, but Fraser still came away with an appreciation for the defender’s work. Faced with a need to reinforce the Rojiblancos’ back four for the 2012 campaign, the coach quickly called up his former charge about an opportunity to come to Southern California.

McKenzie has been quick to repay Fraser’s faith, impressing the coaching staff and his teammates during his four appearances for Chivas USA this preseason.

“It’s exciting, it’s been a month-and-a-half of preseason and I’m happy that it’s done,” McKenzie told MLSsoccer.com of his new deal on Monday. “The guys have been great so it’s been easy to integrate into the team and I’m just looking forward to the season to start.”

Read more at http://www.cdchivasusa.com/news/2012/02/center-back-mckenzie-hopes-finally-stick-chivas