Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
The “Bash Brothers” era in San Jose is over.
In a flash, the LA Galaxy completed a trade with the San Jose Earthquakes to bring Alan Gordon back to Southern California. In return, the Galaxy sent an undisclosed amount of allocation money to the Earthquakes. The trade ends Gordon’s three and a half year run with the Earthquakes, where he combined with forward Steven Lenhart to form one of the most “in your face” forward pairings in the league.
“Alan is a proven MLS player who adds another scoring threat to our roster going forward,” LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. “We are pleased to welcome him back as a member of the Galaxy.”
Gordon spent 2005-2010 with the Galaxy, scoring 16 goals and adding 12 assists in 80 appearances. Gordon was traded to the Earthquakes from Toronto FC during 2011 season and had a breakout year in 2012, scoring 13 goals, adding seven assists, and helping lead the Earthquakes to the MLS Supporters Shield.
Since then, the 32-year-old has found success on the field hard to come by. Last season he was in and out of the lineup all season due to injury and scored only four goals, and has yet to record a goal this season in 15 appearances, starting only six times.
Gordon scored one of his most memorable goals on June 29, 2013, in front of 50,000 fans at Stanford Stadium for a Cali Clasico match against the Galaxy. With the Earthquakes trailing, 2-1, in second half stoppage time, Shea Salinas slammed home a rebound and then two minutes later, Gordon headed home at the back post to give the the Earthquakes a stunning 3-2 victory over the Galaxy.
“We would like to thank Alan for everything he has done for this club,” Earthquakes general manager John Doyle said in a statement. “Alan has produced many great moments during his years with the Earthquakes. We wish him well going forward.”
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What do you think of this trade? Do you see Gordon as a key piece for this Galaxy team down the stretch? Think he can contribute more than Rob Friend?
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