LA Galaxy sell Omar Gonzalez to Mexican side Pachuca

The LA Galaxy have sold Omar Gonzalez to Mexican outfit Pachuca, the club announced Tuesday.

Gonzalez, 27, swaps MLS for Liga MX after making 180 regular season appearances for the LA Galaxy since joining the team in 2009, drafted third overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft.

"We thank Omar for his contribution and dedication to this club throughout the past seven years," LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. "We wish Omar the best of luck with Pachuca."

Gonzalez's salary - $1,450,000 guaranteed in 2015 - made him an expensive contract for the LA Galaxy. He was given a Designated Player contract but had his salary bought down with Targeted Allocation Money in order for the LA Galaxy to be roster compliant.

MLS clubs have a limit of three Designated Players, and the LA Galaxy also boasts Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Giovani Dos Santos. Despite an injection of $600,000 per year over the next two seasons, it seems the Galaxy were unable to retain Gonzalez's services.

(Courtesy: LA Galaxy)

The MLS All-Star defender was named MLS Rookie of the Year in 2009 and Defender of the Year in 2011, and won MLS Cup titles in 2011, 2012, and 2014.

He is also a regular with the United States national team.