April 23, 2008
Former Aztec Kraig Chiles earned his first start for Major League Soccer's Chivas USA Sunday in their 2-0 loss to FC Dallas. Chiles, who was drafted in the first round of the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft in January, played for SDSU from 2003-2007.
Chiles started the game at attacking center midfield where the red-and-white played a 4-4-2. Later on in the game when Chivas USA moved to a more traditional 4-4-2, Chiles moved to left midfield. He played 60 minutes until he was substituted for Ante Razov.
Chiles played well in his debut, He even received a warm applause from the crowd of just over 10,000 mid-way through the first half. In that play, Chiles made a savvy move where he turned on the flank at midfield and maintained possession on Dax McCarty, who had the first goal of the game for FC Dallas.
Chiles was involved on every set piece for Chivas USA. He took 10 of 13 corner kicks and had one shot on goal. In the 44th minute, he had a good look on goal, but after his corner attempt bounced back to him, Chiles missed over the top as FC Dallas goal keeper Dario Sala dove and pushed the ball over the crossbar.
In his final year on Montezuma Mesa, Chiles led the Pac-10 in shots (62) and was second with 20 points. In addition, the co-captain finished third in goals (eight) and in a tie for fifth with four assists and two game-winning goals. He also led the 2007 Aztecs in games started (19), goals (8), points (20), and shots on goal (26).
Chiles was named First Team All Pac-10 his senior season after receiving the award twice before (second team in 2005, honorable mention in 2006). He was also named to the Top Drawer Soccer second team.
Chivas USA next hits the pitch on Saturday, April 26, 2008 against the LA Galaxy. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be televised on Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports East.