Chivas' Jazic ready for competition

CARSON, Calif. -- At the start of his 12th year as a professional soccer player, Chivas USA newcomer Ante Jazic is as eager to set out on the 2009 campaign.

"Preseason has been great," he said. "But I'm excited for it to die down so we can finally start the season."

The Canadian-born Jazic comes to the Red-and-White by way of a trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy that sent Chivas USA's second round draft pick (19th overall) to their fellow Home Depot Center residents. With Claudio Suarez's future with the Red-and-White still undetermined, and second-year man Bobby Burling recovering from ankle surgery, Chivas head coach Preki will be glad to have the experienced defender as an option.

Jazic began his professional career in Croatia with stints at NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac and Hajduk Split. He went on to four years with Austrian outfit and UEFA Cup participant Rapid Vienna, followed by two years with Russian Club FC Kuban Krasnodar. He has also made 25 appearances for the Canadian national team.

But even with all that experience, Jazic still has to earn his stripes with Chivas USA.

"I'm still trying to find my role," he said. "We have a lot of veteran leadership and a lot of new guys, but it's a great group and I'm excited for the season."

Jazic will see his first MLS competition in a Chivas USA jersey Wednesday, when the Red-and-White take on the San Jose Earthquakes in a preseason scrimmage at 10 a.m. PT on University Field 2 at The Home Depot Center. He can't wait.

"We've been working hard to defend with all eleven players and attack the same way," he said after Tuesday's practice. "As long as the team sticks together, I think we'll be fine."

Preki sees the scrimmage as another opportunity to tinker with his lineups before Chivas USA's upcoming season opener against Western Conference foe Colorado Rapids.

"We're trying everybody in different spots," he said. "We have a lot of different options and we want to see those options."

Much of Preki's preseason experimentation has been defensive. Carey Talley, Shavar Thomas, Gerson Mayen, Jonathan Bornstein, Jorge Flores, Jim Curtin and trialist Leo Bautista have all seen time on the backline.

Wake Forest draft pick Michael Lahoud could soon join that list. Already having played at both central and outside midfield, the young rookie spent Tuesday morning's practice session at right back.

"We'll see some of the guys in different spots and hopefully we'll have a good game," said Preki. "That's the focus right now."