[MLS] Numerous outlets spinning off an ESPN Deportes story Monday morning have reported that former Galaxy defender Robin Fraser is heading back to Southern California as head coach of Chivas USA.

A call to his cell phone Monday night yielded a recorded greeting and no return call. Fraser, an assistant coach at Real Salt Lake for the past 3 1/2 years, apparently emerged from a pack of candidates that included former Fire head coach Denis Hamlett, U.S. national team assistant and former Chivas midfielder Jesse Marsch, ex-U.S. international Eric Wynalda, and former Galaxy and U.S. head coach Steve Sampson.

Ex-Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio was also on Chivas USA’s shortlist, but whether he interviewed for the post or was offered the job before announcing his decision to stay in Colombia with Once Caldas, his current employer, hasn’t been established.

As a player Fraser earned five Best XI mentions and twice was named Defender of the Year during a 10-year career with Los Angeles, Colorado and Columbus that concluded after the 2005 season. He also played 26 times for the USA in 1988-2001.

Fraser has been a candidate for several head coaching positions in MLS -- including a previous go-round with Chivas USA -- since joining the staff of RSL head coach Jason Kreis in 2007.

If hired, Fraser will join an organization from which president and CEO Shawn Hunter and vice president of soccer operations Stephen Hamilton have resigned in the past two months.

Chivas USA fired head coach Martin Vasquez in late October after Chivas USA finished last in the Western Conference at 8-18-4.