The two-time MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy are not standing pat this offseason.
On Friday, the club announced it has traded veteran forward Edson Buddle to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for allocation money and the Rapids' first-round 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft pick. The move came less than an hour after LA selected midfielder Colin Clarke and goalkeeper Will Hesmer in the Re-Entry Draft.
Buddle had a quiet season for the Galaxy, making only 10 starts and scoring just three goals during a 2012 which saw him struggle with injury between a right adductor strain, plantar inflammation and meniscus surgery to his right knee.
Complete Edson Buddle player page
It was Buddle's first season back with LA after a brief spell in the German second division. Buddle, who turns 32 next May, re-joined LA on a free transfer back in February but could not reach the same goalscoring form that made him a league standout in 2008 (15 goals) and 2010 (17 goals).
The New York native joins a Rapids forward corps that currently consists of Andre Akpan, Omar Cummings, Kamani Hill and Atiba Harris. Buddle would seem to fill the role of the bigger, physical No. 9 striker formerly occupied by long-time Colorado forward Conor Casey, whose option was declined by the club during the offseason and is now properly of the Philadelphia Union.
The Rapids will be the fifth MLS club of Buddle's career. His pro career started in Columbus before spending brief spells in New York (2006) and Toronto (2007), followed by a longer, productive stay over five different MLS seasons with LA.
GOAL: Buddle slots it home
