Chivas USA high on Zamora's future

Midfielder, 18, latest youth system product to join main roster

By Jeffrey King / MLSnet.com Staff

Assistant coach Carlos Llamosa (left) is impressed by Cesar Zamora's ball skills. (J. Miranda/Getty)

CARSON, Calif. -- After playing two years with the club's under-18 team, Chivas USA have signed 18-year-old Cesar Zamora. The outside midfielder becomes the third product of the Red-and-White's youth system to earn a professional contract, along with fellow Los Angeles area natives Gerson Mayén and 2007 Sueño MLS winner Jorge Flores.

"I'm really happy to have earned a spot," said Zamora. "Right now, my job is to work hard, get some minutes when I can, and help the team."

Zamora has been working with the first team since the beginning of the 2009 season and had appeared in early preseason scrimmages against UCLA and the PDL Ventura County Fusion.

"He shows great potential and is very good with the ball," said Chivas USA assistant coach Carlos Llamosa. "He fits in well with the type of soccer we like to play."

Chivas USA have had great success with their youth system. Mayén and Flores have both gotten time on the field with the first team and made significant contributions. Mayén saw his debut this year against FC Dallas on March 29 and has notched four assists in seven appearances since then. Flores has featured in just two games this season, but scored three goals in 11 games in 2008.

Both have also spent time with the U.S. under-20 national team.

"It's good for the coaches to have options in the youth system," said Llamosa. "It gives us a great chance to look at potential players for the future. We've been inviting a couple of the youth guys to first team practice and if they show they can be on this team, we might sign them. It's a good program for us."

Llamosa points out that the most difficult challenge for Zamora will be to transition into a professional mindset.

"He needs to realize that he's a pro now," said Llamosa. "When he steps on the field, he can't be afraid of anyone. He needs to move the ball quickly, be aggressive, and give everything he has."

Currently out with a left hamstring injury, Zamora has been added to Chivas USA's disabled list and will have to wait until he gets a shot at breaking into the starting XI. Until then, he's excited to keep learning from the veterans around him.

"The older guys have really helped me," he said. "Everyone has given me lots of advice, which helps me learn and grow as a player."

Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.