SAN JOSE - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has acquired a fourth round selection in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft from the MetroStars in exchange for veteran defender Jeff Agoos.
Agoos, 36, has been with the Quakes since 2001 and helped the club to two MLS Cup Championships (2001 & 2003). Agoos has played a total of 219 regular games in nine MLS seasons with D.C. United and the Earthquakes.
"Jeff Agoos needs to only raise his hand with five MLS Cup rings to graphically illustrate his worth to this league," Earthquakes President & General Manager Alexi Lalas said. "He has given so much to the Earthquakes and to MLS for so many years, and this move was made with that in mind. Jeff Agoos has earned the right to finish his career in a place where he and his family are happy, and we wish him all the best."
The former United States National Team player had an immediate impact on the Quakes upon joining the team, as the club enjoyed a 50-35-29 record in his four years in San Jose. In his Quakes career, Agoos appeared in 84 games, scoring five goals and notching eight assists for 18 points, while serving as the team captain.
"Jeff has been a consummate team player and has meant a lot to this organization during the past four years," said Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear. "He was important part of the success here and we wish him well in the future."
"I'm very saddened to leave San Jose," Agoos said. "I am grateful to the fans in San Jose, and I know that I will miss this team and all of its supporters. I have enjoyed playing in San Jose and I will always have fond memories of winning championships here and playing with this team in front of these fans. However, as I near the end of my career, I need to think about what is best for my family, and this move to the MetroStars is an opportunity to do that. My family and my wife's family is all on the East Coast and I believe this move will be beneficial to my wife and children."
The Earthquakes now hold 10 selections in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft, including four third round picks.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) - Earthquakes acquire 2005 Fourth Round MLS SuperDraft selection from the MetroStars in exchange for D Jeff Agoos.
