The LA Galaxy have addressed their goalkeeping needs with the acquisition of a former crosstown rival.
The team announced on Tuesday that it had completed a trade with FC Dallas for Dan Kennedy this week, swapping the veteran shotstopper for the Galaxy's natural second and third round selections in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
The deal brings the former Chivas USA star back to Southern California after one season in Texas and provides LA with a solid option at what became a problematic position when starter Jaime Penedo left the Galaxy suddenly in midseason, citing frustrations with his contract.
After Penedo's departure, LA acquired Donovan Ricketts from Orlando City SC, but the experienced Jamaican struggled down the stretch – much like the rest of the defending champions, whose title defense ended with a disappointing loss to Seattle in the Knockout Round of the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs. LA declined contract options on Ricketts and two of their other 'keepers last week.
A longtime standout for Chivas USA, LA's now-defunct rivals and StubHub Center co-inhabitants, Kennedy was one of the most prized pieces available in the Dispersal Draft held after the Goats ceased operations at the close of the 2014 MLS season. FCD selected him with the first overall pick and he started 16 games for the club in 2015, but lost his starting spot to Jesse Gonzalez in late summer as Dallas charged into first place in the Western Conference and narrowly missed out on the Supporters' Shield.
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Kennedy, 33, is a native of Fullerton, California with 481 saves and 239 goals against in 160 career regular-season MLS matches (14,204 minutes). An LA Times report on the trade suggested that his acquisition would be the first of many offseason moves for the Galaxy as they seek to regain their perch atop the league.
“If we have a healthy team, get them right, and have some additions in positions we need help, we could be a real good team next year,” said head coach Bruce Arena.
“There’ll be some other additions, players who can help our team. Whether you call them name people or not, that remains to be seen.”
