Chivas USA continued its rebuilding efforts under new coach Robin Fraser, acquiring United States National Team defender Heath Pearce from FC Dallas in exchange for allocation money. Big D Soccer, SB Nation's FC Dallas blog, broke the news earlier on Tuesday, and Chivas USA has now confirmed the trade.
FC Dallas Trade Heath Pearce To Chivas USA For Allocation Money
Coming off their first playoff-less season in five years, Chivas could very well start the season with a completely new back four. Prior to acquiring Pearce, normally a fullback, Chivas picked center back Jimmy Conrad in the Re-Entry Draft, picked defender Zarek Valentin in the SuperDraft and signed defender Andrew Boyens. Pearce has played primarily at right back for FC Dallas, but has played left back for the USMNT.
Since coming to MLS after spending three seasons in Europe, Pearce has established himself as one of the best fullbacks in MLS, notching six assists last season. He has also made 32 appearances with the USMNT. But FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman reportedly was unhappy with Pearce’s unwillingness to play through injury in the MLS Cup championship game.
This continues an exodus of players that didn't quite mesh with Hyndman. Since leading the Toros to their first ever MLS Cup championship game in November, he has allowed contributors such as Jeff Cunningham, Atiba Harris and Dax McCarty to leave for virtually no compensation. In trading Pearce for allocation money, this appears to be a move made with the intention of bringing in a player from outside the league. Who that player is, obviously remains an open question.
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