The Galaxy cut ties with their longest-tenured active player Friday when they dealt defender A.J. DeLaGarza to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for $175,000 in allocation money.
DeLaGarza, 29, made 204 regular-season appearances in eight seasons with the Galaxy, winning three MLS Cups. Only four players have appeared in more games with the team.
“This decision was extremely difficult to make,” Galaxy General Manager Peter Vagenas said in a statement. “A.J. is a champion and will always mean so much to this club, this city and our fans. We thank him for his many contributions to the Galaxy and know he will forever be a part of our family.