MLS officially shuts down Chivas USA
Friday's victory was the final chapter in the tale of Chivas USA after it was announced Monday the Major League Soccer team will cease operations, effective immediately.
MLS will announce a new club in Los Angeles with a new ownership group on Thursday, as part of the league's new strategy for the region.
The new club will begin play in 2017, meaning the league will have 20 teams during the 2015 campaign with the additions of New York City FC and Orlando City SC.
“As part of our new strategy for Southern California - a major hotbed of soccer participation and fan support - we believe that engaging with a new ownership group which has the resources and local community ties, and a plan for a dedicated soccer-specific stadium, provides us with the best chance for success,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said on the league's website.
Here's how next season's conferences will look when Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City move to the Western Conference:
| Eastern | Western |
|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | Colorado Rapids |
| Columbus Crew | FC Dallas |
| D.C. United | Houston Dynamo |
| Montreal Impact | Sporting Kansas City |
| New England Revolution | LA Galaxy |
| New York City FC | Portland Timbers |
| New York Red Bulls | Real Salt Lake |
| Orlando City SC | San Jose Earthquakes |
| Philadelphia Union | Seattle Sounders FC |
| Toronto FC | Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
Details regarding a dispersal draft will be released in the near future, as certain players from Chivas USA will be eligible to be selected by other MLS teams.
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