Official release from Chivas USA
Chivas USA announced today the final addition to their technical staff as former six-year Major League Soccer veteran Paul Grafer joins the Red-and-White as goalkeeper coach.
The 39-year-old arrives to the Goats' staff after nearly five years in the same capacity with the U.S. U-17 Men's National Team and four years as a FIFA Instructor.
A College of William & Mary product, Grafer joined MLS in the League's inception in 1996 when he was drafted by the Colorado Rapids in the Second Round of the College Draft. He went on to play six seasons with the Rapids and the Metrostars.
Grafer also spent three seasons with the Long Island Rough Riders (1996, 2000 & 2005), where he ended his professional career. In 1996, he helped the Rough Riders reach the Semifinals of the USISL Select League while playing under current MLS Executive Alfonso Mondelo. In his last year with the Long Island side, Grafer connected with recently-named Chivas USA Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera, who he followed to the U-17 U.S. MNT. Moreover, the duo collaborated as active members of the MLS Disciplinary Committee.
While working with Cabrera and newly-appointed Red-and-White First Assistant Paul Caffrey, the trio led the young Stars-and-Stripes to successful qualifying campaigns and Round of 16 appearances at the 2009 and 2011 U-17 FIFA World Cup. In 2010, after earning his U.S. Soccer Federation "A" License, Grafer became a FIFA Instructor, helping design and implement the international FIFA Goalkeeping Program.
