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The left-footed defensive midfielder is in camp. Unlike the other players trying to make the squad not yet under contract he is on the wrong side of 30. The former Mexico National Teamer (44 CAPs) has time with UNAM Pumas, Cruz Azul, San Luis, Puebla, Queretaro but is most well known for his time with Chivas de Guadalajara. Only Pumas and Chivas held his contract. He is now attempting to make the Seattle Sounders squad after about 7 months out of contract.
According to chats with Kevin McCauley (who you may now from wwwSBNation.com/Soccer or Cartilage Free Captain) Pineda's constant loans to other clubs were out of respect for what he showed with Chivas and El Tri. His skill set has faded for some time. Pineda is about a replacement level CDM in MLS.
But the numbers when he was a regular indicate that he played often over the last five full seasons.
| Season | Team | Comp |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012/2013 | Querétaro | LIM | 1986 | 27 | 24 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| 2011/2012 | Puebla | LIM | 2427 | 31 | 27 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010/2011 | Cruz Azul | LIM | 2083 | 35 | 32 | 3 | 29 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009/2010 | San Luis | LIM | 1039 | 14 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 2009/2010 | Guadalajara | LIM | 1322 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
Seattle needs the depth in the central midfield and they need something special according to Sigi Schmid. Pineda's best chances are to understand that Seattle's other options are at a low price point and untested in top leagues.