A versatile defender-midfielder, Ochoa returns to MLS after spending the 2004 Clausura and Apertura seasons in his native Mexico with Primera 'A' (second-tier) side Lagartos de Tabasco. From 2002-2003, Ochoa plied his trade for the Los Angeles Galaxy, playing 19 games and starting 11 in two seasons with the club.
Born in Villamar, Michoacán, Ochoa was raised in Riverside, California, where he began his soccer career, starring at Riverside Polytechnic High School and even training with Chivas Guadalajara in Mexico in 1999.
After returning to the U.S. in 1999 to finish his high school degree, Ochoa played one season at California Baptist University in Riverside before making his professional debut in 2002 with A-League (second-tier) club Portland Timbers.
The eldest son of Samuel and María Ochoa, Jesús resides in Riverside with his parents and four younger brothers - soccer players all - Samuel, Steve, Armando and Norberto.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Chivas USA: It's a big responsibility. We're representing not only Mexicans here in the U.S., but also Club Guadalajara. We are going to try to make things happen this year.
Film: 'The Matrix'.
Food: Chinese and Japanese. But I don't like raw fish.
Idol: None. I'm here to make a name for myself.
If I weren't a professional footballer... I would be a schoolteacher, since I would like to help young kids.
