Trade: Herculez Gomez to Kansas City

The Colorado Rapids have traded forward Herculez Gomez to the Kansas City Wizards in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, as well as a first-round pick in the '09 Supplemental Draft and an undisclosed sum of allocation money.Gomez, 26, was once one of the brightest young stars in the league when he was with the Los Angeles Galaxy. In 2005, the Las Vegas native had a breakout year, scoring 11 goals and adding two assists in 22 appearances (16 starts) in helping the Galaxy capture both the U.S. Open and MLS Cups that season. Following the 2006 season, Gomez and defender Ugo Ihemelu were traded to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for Joe Cannon, a move of which many LA supporters were critical.

In almost two full seasons in Colorado, Gomez tallied six goals and three assists, including the first-ever goal at the new Dick's Sporting Goods Park. But his playing time has diminished significantly in 2008, with Gomez making only five starts (17 total appearances) for 644 minutes.

"Herculez Gomez is a talented, hardworking and passionate player who is capable of scoring quality goals," said KC Technical Director Peter Vermes. "He has the ability to play at forward or in midfield and help bolster our attack. Gomez is a young player who already has a lot of experience and will help us both this season and in the future."

Kansas City is hoping that Herculez can lift an offense that has scored just 23 times in 22 games, tied for second-lowest in MLS. Despite the additions of international forwards Ivan Trujillo and Claudio Lopez in the offseason, the Wizards' leading scorer in 2008 is centerback Jimmy Conrad, who has five goals.