Monday Kicks: Former Galaxy 'keeper Hartman lands in Dallas & More
Former Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman of Palos Verdes, held up as the poster boy for the shortcomings of the current MLS labor agreement, was dealt by Kansas City today to FC Dallas.
The Wizards got a second round 2012 draft pick for the rights to the former UCLA and Cal State Dominguez Hills product after failing to come to terms with the out of contract 'keeper. Why?
"I'm really glad to be the hell out of KC," Hartman said. "Cheap bastards."
"I'm excited to be in Dallas," Hartman said. "It's the place where I won the 2005 championship with the Galaxy and it's always held a place in my heart. I'm excited to be here to play in front of the Dallas fans and excited to start a new chapter in my soccer career."
"And I'm excited to have a job."
As the Dallas release pointed out, the 1999 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year won two MLS Cup titles, two U.S. Open Cup crowns and the CONCACAF Champions Cup with the Galaxy.
The four-time MLS All-Star is also the MLS leader in games in goal, saves and shutouts.
And deserves better from the league.
Also:
*Chivas USA faces the Houston Dynamo at 7 p.m. March 20 at Harder Stadium on the campus of UC Santa Barbara in their final preseason match before the March 26 home opener against the Colorado Rapids.
The game against the Dynamo is a benefit for nonprofit group Direct Relief International to help aid their efforts for the earthquake victims in Haiti and Chile. Tickets are on sale at local Santa Barbara stores priced at $15 general admission, $20 reserved, 10 for children under 12 and students with valid ID.
Chivas USA drew 0-0 with the Fresno Fuego over the weekend in Fresno.
*U.S. Women's National Team Coach Pia Sundhage today named Rolling Hills Estates defender Whitney Engen (Chicago Red Stars), Torrance defender Shannon Boxx (St. Louis Athletica), UCLA product Lauren Cheney (Boston Breakers) and USC's Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence) to the squad for the March 28 and March 31 games against Mexico in San Diego and Sandy, Utah. It's Engen's first call-up to the national team.
About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
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