Clint Mathis packed his bags Monday after being traded from the New York Red Bulls to the Los Angeles Galaxy. But the veteran midfielder shouldn't unpack just yet because in less than 24 hours he can find himself a bit further up the California coast.
Hours after trading away a third-round pick in the 2008 SuperDraft for the rights for the 31-year-old, the Galaxy left Mathis on the unprotected expansion draft list, which is set for Wednesday. That means that Mathis, who began his MLS career in Los Angeles nine years ago, could be part of the new San Jose Earthquakes.
Mathis enjoyed a resurgence in his second stint with New York, finishing third on the Red Bulls' scoring list for the season, and becoming the all-time leading scorer in club history in the process.
"It was a difficult decision to make," Red Bulls technical director Jeff Agoos said. "He's a quality player and a quality guy. I understand Clint's upside better than a lot of people because I played with him. That's what made it so difficult."
But with Mathis' contract up Dec. 31, Agoos jumped at the chance to get another pick in what he believes is a stacked draft. New York now has picks in all four rounds. The Galaxy chose not to comment on the acquisition of Mathis.
"We feel there is a good crop of talented college players in the draft," Agoos said. "To be able to move up and around helps us."
While Mathis is from Conyers, Ga., he was picked by the Galaxy in the 1998 MLS Draft and had five goals and 10 assists in 30 appearances, making 15 starts as a rookie. In 1999, he helped lead the Galaxy to the MLS Cup Final with seven goals and six assists. After scoring three goals in the first eight games of the 2000 season, Mathis was traded to the MetroStars and instantly became a fan favorite in the Meadowlands.
"We felt that Los Angeles had a decent offer and it was a good situation for Clint," Agoos said. "He started in Los Angeles and his wife is from Los Angeles. It was the right move for the Red Bulls and the Los Angeles Galaxy."
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
