LA Galaxy seeking goalkeeper after Jaime Penedo leaves club

The LA Galaxy are without a starting goalkeeper after Panamanian shot-stopper Jaime Penedo asked to leave the club.

The two sides agreed Wednesday to terminate Penedo's contract, leaving the MLS champions with a hole to fill. Penedo, 33, said his decision was based on "principles," citing specifically a lack of job security due to his non-guaranteed contract.

Brian Rowe, once an MLS League Pool goalkeeper, will take his place.

"I am writing this to thank all the support the fans have given me, from Panama and also in Los Angeles, during my time with the Galaxy," Penedo wrote on his Instagram account. "Everything was very special, and I know that this decision has surprised many of you, it was difficult but it was the decision that I had to make because of principles."

Penedo joined the Galaxy in August 2013 and made 61 appearances for the club. He was with Panama during the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he earned a two-match suspension following the semifinal match against Mexico.

"Your job is reflected in your contract, and it was a thermometer that did not measure myself positively," Penedo continued. "Let's not talk about money, at the end your performance show that. What made me take this step is mainly that this contract does not guarantee and doesn't meet all the conditions that can give me stability, for my family and as a soccer player. The contract does not have a disposition for things to change, so it's better to leave now, with my head up."

The Galaxy are reportedly chasing down a trade target as soon as possible, with a former member of the team at the forefront. Orlando City goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts is reportedly on Bruce Arena's shortlist. Ricketts, 38, spent three years with Los Angeles from 2009-11.

Any trade would need to happen before the MLS summer window closes on Aug. 6.