The MLS team formed in 2004 as the first Mexican-owned professional sports team in the United States was CD Chivas USA. The Los Angeles-based club was created through a partnership involving Mexican businessman Jorge Vergara, owner of the famous Guadalajara club Chivas de Guadalajara.
Major League Soccer announced the Los Angeles expansion franchise in August 2004. Chivas USA shared The Home Depot Center in Carson, California, with the Los Angeles Galaxy and adopted the colors, branding, and cultural identity of its Mexican parent club. The arrangement was designed to connect MLS with Mexican-American and broader Hispanic audiences.
Although founded in 2004, Chivas USA began competitive MLS play in 2005. Its first match came on April 2, 2005, against D.C. United. The team’s name reflected “Chivas,” the widely used nickname of Club Deportivo Guadalajara, whose tradition emphasised Mexican players.
Chivas USA operated for ten MLS seasons but struggled with ownership, performance, and attendance. MLS purchased the club in 2014, and the franchise ceased operations after the 2014 season. Los Angeles later returned to MLS with LAFC in 2018.