San Antonio Scorpions Player Spotlight: Richard Menjivar

Richard Menjivar was one of the best players in the NASL last season, earning best XI honors for his performance with the Atlanta Silverbacks. The El Salvador international spent 2012 with Cal FC, a club previously coached by current Silverbacks' manager Eric Wynalda. He joined several of his former teammates in Atlanta for the 2013 season, where he scored a pair of goals in 21 appearances.

This winter, Menjivar spent some time working out with the Portland Timbers before the Scorpions offered him the sort of money he just wasn't going to get in Atlanta. He joined several other top quality players in a new-look Scorpions' midfield, and they've looked pretty good thus far in 2014.

The Scorpions opened their spring season with a loss against Minnesota United before defeating the Silverbacks last week. The midfield has impressed in both of those contests, generally controlling possession even when down a man. Menjivar is a big part of that.

What the Scorpions haven't been doing yet is creating a ton of chances. For all of the talent they've added to the squad, there still seems to be a lack of chemistry in San Antonio. I suppose that's to be expected, as they've only played a few friendlies and two regulars season games together thus far. The talent to be one of the league's best clubs is there, however, and Menjivar is a big part.

San Antonio will need Menjivar to start turning possession into chances this weekend if they hope to leave New York with a victory. As the link between the Scorpions' midfield and attack, he's going to have to find a way to get Eric Hassli the ball in dangerous places. Whether or not the Cosmos are able to frustrate Menjivar on Saturday will be critical if they want to remain atop the table.