Monday 27 October 2014 20:29, UK
Major League Soccer franchise Chivas USA has ceased operations with immediate effect and will be replaced by a new Los Angeles franchise later this week.
League commissioner Don Garber made the announcement on Monday, confirming a fresh strategy for the Southern California market with a new club that will begin play in 2017.
The decision on Chivas USA was made unanimously by the MLS Board of Governors after a comprehensive review of strategy for the area - as a result, the league will play with 20 clubs in the 2015 season.
“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,” Garber said.
Next year's league includes first-season franchises Orlando City SC and New York City FC - the latter's squad will include Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, currently on loan at NYCFC's parent club Manchester City.
There will also be two conference changes, to even up the numbers at 10, with Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City moving to the Western Conference.
The MLS will conduct a dispersal draft of the Chivas USA playing roster in the near future - among their squad are former Premier League players Carlos Bocanegra and Nigel Reo-Coker.
Chivas USA finished seventh in the nine-team Western Conference with a 9-19-6 record this season.
The team averaged less than 7,000 for home games at the StubHub Center in Carson, which it shared with the more successful Los Angeles Galaxy.
