Galaxy midfielder Hector Jimenez, right, became the property of the Columbus Crew today (AP file photo).
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, still seeking a wide player capable of running at opposing back lines, has called time on Bell Gardens native Hector Jimenez turning into that player.
The 25-year-old midfielder, drafted by the Galaxy in 2011, was shipped to the Columbus Crew today in exchange for the 23rd overall pick in Thursday’s SuperDraft as well as allocation money.
Jimenez scored four goals in 43 Galaxy appearances including three goals in 14 starts last year. The lightweight, 140-pound Jimenez struggled to become the consistent attacking threat Arena was looking for — much like fellow winger Robbie Rogers, frankly — and apparently former Galaxy assistant coach Gregg Berhalter found Jimenez more convincing than Arena did now that he has returned to MLS with the Crew.
“Hector is an exciting young player and we are pleased to welcome him to our club,” Berhalter said in a statement. “He is a player that possesses several strong attacking attributes and will help our squad immediately.”
The trade means the Galaxy have no first round draft pick for the first time since 2007, an indication that Arena is not impressed with the quality of available players. The Galaxy also have a fourth round pick (72nd overall) acquired in a July 2012 trade with the New York Red Bulls.
