CARSON, CA - The Los Angeles Galaxy have exercised the option on forward Alan Gordon's contract, the club announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not announced.
A Los Angeles selection in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, Gordon returned to the Galaxy on loan in September of 2004 after a stint with the Portland Timbers (A-League). The Galaxy had retained the rights to Gordon per MLS rules as a college-protected player. He appeared in three games down the stretch with the MLS club - two starts - and played a total 142 minutes. He did not appear in any of the Galaxy's three postseason matches.
"We are pleased to have Alan back in the fold for the 2005 season and beyond," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "His size and strength up front are some of the important elements we are looking for as we continue to build our roster for our tenth season."
With the Timbers, Gordon finished tied with Dante Washington for the goal-scoring title during the 2004 A-League regular season, earning first all-League honors and the League's Rookie of the Year award. The first-year sniper registered 17 goals in 27 games and led the Timbers to the best regular season record in the League and a berth in the Western Conference semifinals. He also earned A-League Player of the Week honors three times.
"We are glad that we have been able to secure Alan's services for the long term," said Galaxy Head Coach Steve Sampson. "We look forward to him making an impact as a goal scorer in MLS."</p>
The 6-3, 195-pound Gordon, a native of Long Beach, Calif., was originally selected by the Galaxy in the sixth round of the 2004 MLS SuperDraft out of Oregon State University (53rd overall). While with the Beavers, he earned first-team all Pacific-10 Conference honors in both 2002 and 2003, and scored 15 and 11 goals, respectively, in each of those seasons.
Gordon had previously attended Yavapai College (Arizona), where he scored 39 goals over two seasons. He was named an NSCAA Junior College All-American in 2001, the same year in which he scored 29 goals and piloted Yavapai to the national championship game.
Los Angeles Galaxy season tickets are already on sale for their tenth year celebration in 2005. For more information or to purchase tickets, which start as low as $300 for adults and $240 for children, call the Galaxy ticket office toll-free today at 1-877-3GALAXY.
