Former New York Red Bulls striker Juan Agudelo wanted out of the organization since last year. On May 17, he got his wish when he was traded to Chivas USA for Heath Pearce, allocation money and future considerations.
Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe said about Agudelo
"Juan has asking for a move for quite a while," Backe said. "It makes no sense to keep an unhappy player. But it has been going on for a while." (via Big Apple Soccer)
Sporting director Erik Soler felt the move was the right one to make for Agudelo and the team. Agudelo will get playing time for Chivas USA and the Red Bulls will get a cut of the transfer fee should Agudelo move on to Europe in the future.
For new Red Bull defender Heath Pearce the move from Los Angeles to New York caught him offguard.
"If it was sudden from your perspective, it was more sudden from mine," Pearce told reporters after his first practice with New York. "I had no idea. It was kind of out of left field, but I am excited for the opportunity. To be traded to a team like New York Red Bulls that has so much tradition here and so much demand for results and pressure to get results - I like that environment. It's a big-market team that is doing well, and I am excited to be here." (via Soccer By Ives)
Pearce is in his fourth MLS season. He has appeared in 74 matches (71 starts) during his career and has 10 assists. Agudelo only played in 33 games (13 starts) since graduating from the Red Bulls Academy and turning pro in 2010. He scored six goals and had two assists in those matches.
For more on the Red Bulls 2012 season, stay tuned to our StoryStream. See SB Nation's Once A Metro for more discussion of the Red Bulls.