Chivas USA acquire Atlante’s Maldonado

Chivas USA have acquired the services of Atlante striker Giancarlo Maldonado.

The 28-year old Venezuelan has signed a loan deal with Chivas and will be eligible when the international transfer window opens on July 15.

Chivas head coach Martin Vasquez was delighted by the signing of the Venezuela international.

"Giancarlo is an experienced striker with international experience and the ability to score goals," said Vasquez. "He's going to make us a better team as we head into the second part of this season."

Maldonado added: “I'm very happy to start this new phase in my career, and I'm very grateful to the Chivas USA organization for their trust and for giving me the opportunity. I'm very excited to start playing."

Maldonado kicked off his career in the youth academy of Argentina’s River Plate before moving back to Venezuela to join Tachira before having spells with Guayana and Maracaibo and then onto Chile where he signed with O’Higgins in 2006.

It was the following year when he joined Mexican outfit Atlante and during his time there won the Apertura (national championship) whilst scoring 32 goals in 77 appearances. He also had a short loan spell with Spanish club Xerez.