San Jose Earthquakes trade Alan Gordon to LA Galaxy for allocation money

When the San Jose Earthquakes front office announced that changes would be made to the roster to promote a more attack-minded possession-style of soccer, the players that had the most to lose in the makeover were the "Bash Brothers" Steven Lenhart and Alan Gordon.

Lenhart, whose energy and endeavor as a target forward was earlier this season valued by the Quakes coaching staff, has been out due to injury. Gordon, whose role on the 2014 Quakes has been one of part-time substitute, has been traded away to the LA Galaxy. His last appearance for San Jose came against the New York Red Bulls on July 19.

"We would like to thank Alan for everything he has done for this club," said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle in a club statement. "Alan has produced many great moments during his years with the Earthquakes. We wish him well going forward."

In exchange for the 32-year old, who is slated to earn a reported $206,666.67 in guaranteed compensation this season, the Earthquakes received an undisclosed amount of allocation money from the Galaxy. The combination of that allocation money and the savings of having Gordon's seventh-highest on the team salary off the books could allow San Jose the flexibility to add to the roster before the MLS roster freeze deadline on September 15.

Gordon was a hero of the Earthquakes' 2012 Supporters' Shield winning season when he scored a career-high 13 goals and collected 7 assists. Together with Lenhart and Chris Wondolowski, the three Quakes forwards amassed 50 goals in 2012. However, in one season plus since then, Gordon has netted just 4 goals -- none this year. His lack of production, as well as the Earthquakes change in tactical approach expedited his trade away from San Jose.

Gordon spent the first seven years of his MLS career with the Galaxy. He was traded in 2010 to neighboring Chivas USA and began the 2011 season with Toronto FC. Gordon joined the Earthquakes on July 14, 2011 as part of a trade that sent Ryan Johnson to TFC. In 64 appearances for San Jose, Gordon totaled 18 goals, good enough for ninth best in club history, and 10 assists.

The Earthquakes will face the Galaxy one more time this season, September 14 at Buck Shaw Stadium, allowing for one more opportunity to see Gordon play in person in San Jose.

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) - San Jose Earthquakes acquire allocation money from LA Galaxy in exchange for forward Alan Gordon.