San Jose Earthquakes strengthened their attack by acquiring forward Preston Judd from LA Galaxy in a strategic trade. The transaction, announced on Thursday, not only reshapes Earthquakes' offensive options but also highlights LA Galaxy's pursuit of reinforcements for the upcoming season.
The acquisition of Judd by San Jose Earthquakes involved the departure of $200,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to LA Galaxy, a strategy that could shape the future of both teams. The GAM, distributed evenly over the next two seasons, provides financial flexibility to LA Galaxy, while Earthquakes add depth to their attack, especially behind Jeremy Ebobisse, the primary option for the position.
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The move for 24-year-old Preston Judd comes after a season where he played a significant role due to injuries, accumulating 3 goals and 2 assists in 17 games, including six as a starter. Earthquakes' General Manager, Chris Leitch, praised Judd's physical and energetic abilities, highlighting him as a valuable asset for the frontline.
While San Jose reinforces its team for the second season under Luchi Gonzalez's leadership, LA Galaxy faces Judd's departure with plans to strengthen their frontline. The Los Angeles team, which did not qualify for the MLS playoffs in 2023 due to a season marked by injuries, plans to make several signings for the number 9 position during the current transfer window.
In a statement, LA Galaxy's General Manager, Will Kuntz, expressed gratitude to Preston Judd, highlighting his 33 goals in 75 games in all competitions with the club. As Judd prepares for the next chapter of his career, the trade between San Jose and LA Galaxy adds an intriguing layer to the MLS narrative, with both teams seeking a competitive edge for the upcoming season.