*Playmaker Nick LaBrocca never looked like the dominant midfielder Chivas USA needed and with the club’s new found focus on its Mexican heritage he was finally swapped Tuesday in a much-discussed trade with the Colorado Rapids for UC Santa Barbara product Eric Avila.
The 25-year-old Avila has played for Dallas, Toronto and the Rapids since 2008, appearing in 96 regular season games and scoring five goals.
The out of contract LaBrocca, 28, returns to Colorado where he played 61 games for the Rapids between 2007 and 2009.
*Injured former Galaxy striker Edson Buddle (right knee) and San Jose midfielder Steven Beitashour (sports hernia) have left the U.S. National Team camp in Carson. No replacements will be called up ahead of the Jan. 29 friendly against Canada in Houston.
*Rolling Hills Estates’ Whitney Engen, who recently signed with Liverpool in England, and Palos Verdes Estates’ Christen Press, are among 29 players new U.S. Women’s National Team Coach Tom Sermanni named today to the first camp of the year. Full roster here.