It’s been almost three months, but Toronto FC newcomer Marco Delgado still feels conflicted about his time at Chivas USA.
In November, the defunct Major League Soccer club’s players were put up for selection in a dispersal draft after the league decided to fold the L.A.-based franchise ahead of the 2015 season.
Goalkeeper Dan Kennedy went first overall, selected by FC Dallas. Toronto FC scooped up Delgado with the 14th pick, a move that officially ended the California native’s tenure with the Goats—the same club that signed him as a 16-year-old and gave him his first pro contract.
"It was hard to see Chivas go away, and so many good people lose their jobs. For me, this was the first club I signed with and they gave me my first opportunity to play professionally. There were a lot of mixed emotions on my part from the time we heard all the rumours (about the team folding) to the time it became a reality," Delgado told Sportsnet.
"It was a little surreal being in the middle of it. I didn’t know quite how to feel about it then, and I still don’t to this day. It’s a bittersweet feeling all around."
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Last February, MLS purchased Chivas USA, who have struggled to make any kind of footprint in the LA sports market since entering the league in 2005, from former owner Jorge Vergara. They plan was to sell the team to a buyer who’d keep the club in LA. An investment group led by Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan agreed to buy the club in September. The sale meant Chivas USA would fold, and that a new LA-based franchise would be launched in 2017.
The uncertainty of the situation hung over the Chivas USA players like a dark cloud for the duration of the 2014 campaign. Delgado tried to make the best of a very difficult situation.
"I was focused on what I did during the season and how it would determine my where I’d go next. I didn’t play at the end of the year (due to injury) but when I did play I played with all my heart. I gave it my all, so when the (dispersal draft) came, teams would have a good idea of who I am, and what I can bring to the table," Delgado said.
He later added: "The uncertainty was going through the minds of everyone, but all we could do was play for pride and for one another. That’s what we did."
Delgado, now 19, sees Toronto FC as a fresh start.
"I’m starting all over, to be honest. I’m starting from scratch and I have to prove myself all over again. I’m quite excited about that," Delgado admitted.
In 2014, he appeared in 20 games for Chivas, scoring two goals and adding an assist. In total, Delgado played in 37 MLS games (25 as a starter) for Chivas since making his debut in 2012.
That’s why many MLS pundits, and Toronto coach Greg Vanney, think Delgado was the steal of the dispersal draft for TFC.
"I‘d thought I’d go top three at least so I was very surprised to drop down to 14. But at the same time I was happy to get picked up by Toronto because it’s a great club with a great coaching staff. I’m not sad at all. I’m happy to be here and how things worked out," Delgado said.
Vanney knows what he’s getting in Delgado. He was the one who signed Delgado as a homegrown player when the TFC coach served as technical director of Chivas USA’s youth academy.
"Greg’s known me since I was 15. We have a good relationship. … He’s seen me grow as an athlete and a person," Delgado offered.
Delgado has a wealth of MLS experience for someone who won’t celebrate his 20th birthday until May. He’s been through a lot in his short career: Signed to a pro contract while still a teenager, a knee operation, playing for the U.S. youth national team, and the Chivas situation last year.
"To be honest, I feel like a veteran. I’m only 19 but I feel like I have a lot of experience under my belt. …. I know there’s a lot more to learn, though," Delgado admitted.
Of one the reasons Vanney picked Delgado was because of his versatility. The former Chivas USA winger can also play in the centre of midfield and at right fullback.
Delgado said he prefers to play in central midfield, his natural position. But he recognizes opportunities to play in the middle of the park may be few and far between this upcoming season.
"I know Michael Bradley and more veteran players are here, so I’m not really expecting a lot of playing time. But I will be challenging them, trying to get minutes in as well," Delgado stated.
"If they want to play me at right back, I’ll take it. If it’s on the wing, I’ll take it. Whatever it is, I’ll take it to get minutes. For my age it’s important to get minutes."
