Former Seattle Sounder Maykel Galindo is in the process of taking Major League Soccer by storm in his first season at Chivas USA.

After eight matches, Galindo leads Chivas USA with five goals and two assists. In April, Galindo was named MLS Player of the Week, just three games into the season after scoring two goals (including one after 28 seconds) in a win over Real Salt Lake.

He is consistently mentioned as one of the most exciting new talents in the MLS.

With former-MVP Amado Guevara leaving Chivas USA to play in Honduras, even more of the team’s attack with be directed through Galindo. The young Cuban’s offensive creativity is bringing him the same success Seattle fans became accustomed to in 2005 and 2006.

Galindo came to the Sounders after defecting the Cuban national team while in Seattle for the Gold Cup. In his first year with the club he helped Seattle win the USL First Division championship. Galindo scored the Sounders only goal in the title game, a match Seattle went on to win in a penalty kick shootout.

Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer knew Galindo was a rare talent. Last year, Schmetzer told ESPN “we will not have Maykel for too long. Coaches in the MLS have already contacted me and the organization about Maykel. Judging from the talent I see in MLS, I feel very confident that he is able to play at that level.”

And so far Galindo has shown he isn’t just able to play at the next level, but thrive.

Don’t miss Galindo’s return to Seattle, when the Sounders host Chivas USA in an exhibition match, June 2, 7:00 p.m., at Qwest Field.