Galaxy get Jaqua, trade Hartman
The Los Angeles Galaxy executed two trades Friday afternoon, acquiring forward Nate Jaqua from Toronto FC and sending goalkeeper Kevin Hartman to the Kansas City Wizards.
The Galaxy sent a portion of an allocation to Toronto and received two second round SuperDraft picks -- one in 2007 and one in 2008 -- from the Wizards.
By sending Hartman to the Wizards, the Galaxy clear up a dilemma created by the club's acquisition of two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Joe Cannon from the Colorado Rapids on Dec. 1.
"This trade reflects our respect for Kevin Hartman and for all that he has done for the Galaxy organization, on and off the field," said L.A. Galaxy president and general manager Alexi Lalas. "I want to personally thank him for his decade of service, and wish him well as he continues his career in Kansas City."
Hartman was a member of all five Galaxy clubs that have won championships, back-stopping the side to MLS Cup titles in 2002 and 2005, U.S. Open Cup titles in 2001 and 2005, and a CONCACAF Champions' Cup crown in 2000. He is the league's all-time leader in wins and shutouts with 116 and 62, respectively. He's also second all-time with a 1.18 goals against average.
Jaqua, a 25-year-old target man who stands 6-3, was out of contract and had been considering a move to Europe.
"I'm really excited to be going to Los Angeles. The Galaxy is a great organization and it's a little closer to home for me," Jaqua said. "I'm itching to get going and playing with the guys, and to be coached by Frank [Yallop]."
Jaqua spent the first four seasons of his MLS career with the Chicago Fire, tallying 21 goals and 11 assists in 92 games. He posted a career-high eight goals in 2006.
With a move to Europe seemingly imminent, Jaqua was made available to Toronto in November's MLS Expansion Draft. Toronto head coach Mo Johnston selected him with the hope that he'd reconsider and play for the Canadian club. Instead, the Galaxy came calling.
"We've snatched an incredible talent from the jaws of the wolf that is European soccer," said Lalas. "Nate expressed an interest in the Galaxy and we pounced on the opportunity to add a proven MLS star and instantly upgrade our attacking arsenal."
Jaqua has made one appearance for the U.S. national team as a late substitute in a 5-0 rout of Norway on Jan. 29, 2006. With Herculez Gomez having been shipped to Colorado in the Cannon trade, Jaqua is likely to compete with Alan Gordon as Landon Donovan's partner up front.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
