Sounder takes step up in competition

Maykel Galindo remembers the sensation of playing soccer during his days growing up in Cuba's poverty. It was the feeling of grass on the bottom of his bare feet and between his toes when he was 8.

"I got my first boots after the first year I played," he said.

The 26-year-old forward hopes to soon discover a new level of affluence, once he proves himself in Major League Soccer. Galindo was transferred from his first pro soccer team, the Seattle Sounders, to Chivas USA.

"It has always been a dream to get to the highest level," said Galindo in an interview through his interpreter Alex Zahajko, with whom he lived in Bothell after defecting from Cuba in the summer of 2005.

Galindo, who left his native land while playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, joined the second-year MLS club in early February after two seasons in Seattle. He helped the Sounders to a United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division championship in 2005.

"To get to the championship with the Sounders in such a short time was great," Galindo said. "Economically, this move to MLS doesn't mean a great deal. But with a good season, I hope to open possibilities for the future."

Now, Galindo gets his shot at playing soccer at the highest level in his new land, the United States. He knows he couldn't have gotten there without the Sounders.

"I owe the Sounders a great deal," said Galindo, who officially signed a contract with Chivas USA on Monday. "I was able to feel like a champion. I met many great people through the Sounders and they welcomed me with open arms. And I would always love to come back to Seattle to play.

"It will be my city for life. I love it here and I'll be back."

For now, the Sounders get a friendly with Chivas USA in either 2007 or 2008 and an undisclosed amount of cash as compensation for the transfer of Galindo. Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer confirmed that it is one of the highest cash transfers in team history.

Galindo scored the tying goal when the Sounders downed the Montreal Impact 2-1 in a shootout for the 2005 title.

Galindo becomes the third Sounder to join Chivas USA. Goalkeeper Preston Burpo and forward Brent Whitfield are on the Chivas roster.

"He's got to perform," said Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer, who just made his job tougher by helping Galindo jump to MLS. "I think he can make it at that level. It continues to be a feel-good story for Maykel. It's the great American story."

Galindo is part of the 18-man roster for Chivas USA.

"We brought him in because we think he can bring something to our team," said Chivas USA coach Preki, who played indoor soccer for the Tacoma Stars from 1983 to 1985 as a teammate of Schmetzer. "It's going to be up to him. Playing time is up for grabs — that's the way I'm approaching it.

"We'd seen him play a couple times, plus I'd kept in touch with people in Seattle. I played with Brian and we have a relationship. Brian has been successful with the Sounders, so when he tells me something, I've got open ears."

Galindo opened up Seattle's offensive attack with the attention he commanded because of his speed and moves in the open field. He scored five goals and had four assists in his two seasons in Seattle.

"Maykel deserves this opportunity," Schmetzer said. "Chivas is a good fit. They have a ton of Spanish-speaking fans and that's his main language."

Galindo missed most of the 2006 season with the Sounders after Burpo's knee struck and broke Galindo's nose in a friendly that was Seattle's payment for Chivas signing Burpo in 2006.

The Sounders also likely will lose USL First Division rookie of the year Cam Weaver to a pro team in Norway, veteran Andrew Gregor to the Portland Timbers, and C.J. Klaas to retirement. Weaver led the league with 18 goals.

Galindo holds out hope of moving his family from Cuba, and landing in the MLS is a start toward that goal.

"I would love for my mother and grandmother to see me play," Galindo said.