Jonny Walker should be back in action when the Chilean First Division kicks off its Torneo Apertura this weekend, but the American keeper will be playing for Colo Colo, archrival of Universidad Catolica, the Santiago club where he made a name for himself.
Walker left Universidad Catolica in December after UC decided to cut costs and go with less expensive players. Walker and his family returned to the United States, but a move to the San Jose Earthquakes fell through.
Colo Colo picked Walker up after it lost its top two goalies with injuries. Walker is expected to be in action this Sunday when Colo Colo opens at home against Concepcion.
Colo Colo was also trying to get a hardship waiver from CONMEBOL, the South American confederation, to allow Walker to play in the Libertadores Cup. Walker's arrival came after the roster deadline.
Victor Loyala was in goal Thursday night for Colo Colo in its 2-1 win over Independiente Medellin of Colombia, its first victory in three games.
Colo Colo is tied for second with Medellin and Barcelona of Ecuador with three points, six points behind Boca Juniors of Argentina, after three games. The top two teams advance to the second round.
Ironically, Walker's last appearance for Catolica was against Colo Colo, which won the Torneo Clausura final in December.