View from the Blues, Volume Five: Signings, Signings and More Signings

Over the past few weeks, Charlie Naimo's Los Angeles Blues have been busy racking up the signings of numerous players for the upcoming 2011 USL PRO campaign.

Peruvian brothers Gerard and Jhonatan Bravo have a bit of local blood in them, having gone through the ranks of the junior colleges en route to playing for the Blues.

Gerard Bravo played for the San Fernando Quakes (PDL) after completing his 2006 season at Los Angeles Mission College. He was named onto the Western State Conference First Team for 2006. Before coming to the United States, Gerard also played with one of the biggest teams in Peru, Alianza Lima, in the U-20 Division.

Another Alianza product, younger brother Jhonatan Bravo began his career with the national powerhouse side at the age of eight. After playing for Sporting Cristal at the age of 16, Jhonatan moved to the States, played for Los Angeles Mission College in 2005 and 2006 and was named Western State Conference Player of the Year.

Four seasons ago, Jhonatan signed a contract with Major League Soccer to play with the reserves of the Los Angeles Galaxy before ultimately landing on the San Fernando Quakes with his older brother.

Former Cal Poly Pomona defender Justin Valashinas will also be joining the Blues.

“I grew up playing almost every sport,” said the 5'10" athlete from Manhattan Beach, California. But it was the world game that was his first love.

Valashinas credits the player combine held earlier this year for giving him the opportunity to play again.

“I really didn’t believe it. I was amazed that I was given a shot. That’s all I could really ask for,” Valashinas said.

"We are pleased with signing Justin,” Naimo said of Valashinas. “He is a young local player that has already shown signs of being a great professional."

“Any great leader has to have the ability to adapt to the situation they are in,” Cal Poly Pomona head coach Lance Thompson said. “They have to have the ability to adapt. I really believe Justin has those leadership qualities. He adapted to the expectations and direction this program was going in.

“He was extremely committed to making this program successful.”

“You don’t get places in the long run by luck. Ultimately it’s your work ethic that is going to determine the kind of person you are on and off the field,” Valashinas said. “The work you put into it is ultimately what gets you far.

“I’ve had a great experience here. I met a bunch of great players here at Cal Poly. I feel very lucky that I was given a shot and now it’s up to me to make the most of it. I’m looking forward to what happens.”

Also joining the team is former Humboldt State defender Josh Suggs and former Los Angeles Galaxy forward/midfielder Israel Sesay.

"Adding these young and versatile players to our mix was a critical step in building our team,” said Naimo. “They each offer a different quality.

“Josh is a strong left-sided player and has the potential to do extremely well at the back. Also, Israel is a young and exciting player who we think can cause problems for our opponents.”

Perhaps the biggest coup d'etat so far for the Blues was the signing of Argentinean Walter Gaitan to a one-year deal. Gaitan scored 76 goals in 197 games for Tigres UANL and Necaxa since the 2002 season.

Gaitán began his career in Argentina with Rosario Central in 1997. He moved to Villarreal CF of the Spanish Liga in 1998 and after two years in Spain, he returned to Argentina in 2000, joining the prestigious Boca Juniors.

Gaitán moved to Mexico for the 2002 Apertura, signing with Tigres UANL. After scoring four goals in 15 games in his first season, he added eight in the 2003 Clausura. He was considered one of the top midfielders in the Mexican league for several years and was the top goal scorer of the 2005 Apertura. He was also named best player of the 2006 Clausura.

"We are extremely excited to add a world-class player like Walter,” said Naimo. “Breaking down defenses and scoring goals is not easy and throughout his career Walter has proven success doing it."

“I am very happy to be coming to the LA Blues.” Gaitán said. “I expect to be a big part of the team and I come ready to do big things in USL PRO. I want to be close to fans so I can interact and pose as an example for young players.

“I’m excited to be arriving soon and to be able to put my experience to work, and create a long-term relationship with the team and fans.”