SOCCER: SUAREZ IN CHIVAS USA CAMP.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Services

Terms aren't finalized and the contract hasn't been signed, but veteran Mexican defender Claudio Suarez, the most-capped player in men's soccer, has joined Chivas USA. ``El Emperador'' was among 42 players taking part in the club's first workout at Home Depot Center as Major League Soccer's preseason officially opened.

Suarez, 37, who has played 171 times and in three World Cips for Mexico's national team - he shares all-time ``caps,'' or appearances, record with Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Deayea - will be the third Mexican superstar on Chivas USA's roster, joining midfielder Ramon Ramirez and forward Francisco Palencia.

``I want to play with Chivas USA,'' Suarez said after Wednesday's practice. ``That is why I am here training with the team, with the intention of collaborating with the team and doing a good job. We understand that last season was not good, and we have a big commitment ahead of us.''

``I believe (in) Claudio's exceptional ability to organize a defense,'' coach Bob Bradley said. ``What he brings to a team in terms of mentality, team-building ... I just believe he's a tremendous asset.''

Suarez was among several new faces in camp. Bradley arrived during the offseason, and he's acquired veterans Ante Razov, Jesse Marsch and Brian Dunseth, nabbed highly considered Sacha Kjlestan in the MLS SuperDraft, and hired Preki and former Galaxy goalkeeper coach Zak Abdel as assistant coaches.

Also training was Colombian defender Carlos Llamosa, who played for D.C. United, Miami and New England in a seven-year MLS career that ended in 2003.

--Toluca, Tecos roll on: Apertura champion Toluca and UAG Tecos, Guadalajara's No. 3 team, remained perfect in the Mexican Primera Division's spring season.

Israel Lopez scored early in the first half and Carlos Esquivel early in the second half to lead Toluca (3-0-0) to a 2-1 victory over visiting Veracruz (0-3-0).

Daniel Luduena converted a penalty kick late in the first half and Eliomar Marcon scored in the 58th minute as Tecos (3-0-0) rallied to beat visiting Cruz Azul 2-1.

Atlas, Pumas UNAM and UANL Tigres also remained unbeaten in the Clausura. Atlas (2-0-1) toppled struggling Monterrey 1-0 on Daniel Osorno's 19th-minute goal, UNAM (1-0-2) settled for a scoreless draw with visiting Necaxa, and Tigres (1-0-2) toppled pointless Santos 1-0 on Sebastian Gonzalez's sixth-minute strike.

In Wednesday's other game, Jaguares and San Luis tied 1-1.

--Americans abroad: Cory Gibbs, released by Dutch powerhouse Feyenoord days after returning from a longstanding injury, joined ADO Den Haag, the Dutch club for which U.S. national team midfielder John O'Brien plays.

Michael Bradley, the 18-year-old son of the Chivas USA coach, signed with Dutch club Heerenveen. He played for his father with the MetroStars last season.