SOCCER: O'BRIEN BELONGS TO CHIVAS.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Services

John O'Brien fumbled a bit with the Spanish, but as Chivas USA's newest player repeatedly referred to his notes so he could finish his opening statement during a news conference at Home Depot Center, his efforts were game, his desire to fit in sincere.

O'Brien, the immensely skillful midfielder who developed his game in Ajax Amsterdam's legendary youth system, officially joined the Major League Soccer club Tuesday, a crucial step in his aim to return to the U.S. starting lineup for the World Cup.

"There's no place I'd rather be in MLS," said O'Brien, 28, who grew up in Playa del Rey and attended Brentwood High before heading at 16 to Ajax. "This is a great opportunity to get back on the field and get to playing some games again."

Once a burgeoning star for Ajax's first team, O'Brien's career has been repeatedly derailed by hamstring and Achilles' tendon injuries, and he's played sparingly the past year because of a groin injury. He last month negotiated his release from Dutch club ADO Den Haag, began negotiations with MLS, and Chivas USA acquired him with an allocation, clearing roster and salary-cap space by waiving midfielder Jesus Ochoa.

"I know his goal, in addition to helping Chivas USA, is to be a part of our national team (at the World Cup) in Germany," Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley said. "It's a goal that fits well, because when you have players who are competing to be on the national team, who have that ability, I think it sets a good example for everyone else in our club. I think that's what all players aspire to do."

O'Brien, who started all five U.S. games at the 2002 World Cup, on Tuesday received his first call-up to the U.S. team since last summer. He's expected to see some time in Chivas USA's game Saturday at D.C. United he's healthy but not yet match-fit and in the U.S. game next Tuesday against Jamaica in Cary, N.C.

- Matt Zimmerman

--Meola's century: Tony Meola, the starting U.S. goalkeeper at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups and a backup in 2002, will make his 100th international appearance next week against Jamaica.

Meola, 37, not considered in the running for a World Cup roster berth, was included in the 18-player roster announced Tuesday by U.S. coach Bruce Arena, who was Meola's coach at the University of Virginia.

Defender Chris Albright, away from the national team since suffering a knee injury during the U.S. training camp at HDC in January, returns to the team.

Other "bubble" players returning from injury are New England midfielders Pat Noonan and Steve Ralston.

- Scott French

--First two to final four: Two late goals sent AC Milan to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, but crosstown rival Inter Milan couldn't survive a trip to Spain.

Filippo Inzaghi scored in the 88th minute and Andriy Shevchenko in stoppage time to deliver AC Milan a 3-1 triumph over French champion Lyon and a final-four meeting with Barcelona or Benfica, who finish their two-game, total-goals quarterfinal series today.

Inzaghi broke a 1-1 tie that would have sent Lyon to the semifinals on the away-goals rule. The teams drew 0-0 last week in France.

Shevchenko's goal was his record 52nd in European Cup play.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena's 58th-minute goal gave Villarreal a 1-0 victory over visiting Inter, tying the series 2-2 on aggregate. The Spaniards advanced to play Arsenal or Juventus because it scored in its away leg in Milan last week.